Tampa Bus Accident Attorney

Legal Help After A Serious Bus Crash

Collisions involving city buses, school buses, airport shuttles, and tour coaches can leave passengers and other drivers with life-changing injuries and many questions. You may be unsure who is responsible, how medical bills will be paid, or what steps to take next. You do not have to sort that out alone.

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers has represented injured people in the Tampa Bay area since 1955. Our firm focuses on personal injury and wrongful death, and our attorneys handle serious bus accident cases with careful preparation and a willingness to go to court if fair outcomes are not offered. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay attorney fees unless we secure a recovery for you.

If you were hurt in a bus crash in or around Tampa, you can speak with our team directly about your options. We offer free consultations, and we work to keep clients informed so they understand what is happening with their claim at every stage.

Contact us today at (727) 591-3354 to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Buses in Tampa

Tampa’s growing population and tourism industry rely heavily on different types of buses for transportation. Each type presents unique risks and legal considerations.

• Public transit buses: Operated by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART), these buses carry thousands of passengers daily across the Tampa area.
• School buses: Used by Hillsborough County Public Schools and private institutions, school buses transport children and are subject to strict safety regulations.
• Charter and tour buses: Often used by tourists, sports teams, and large groups, these vehicles travel both locally and long-distance.
• Airport and hotel shuttles: Tampa International Airport and local hotels rely on shuttle services to move passengers between destinations.
• Private employer shuttles: Businesses and corporate campuses may operate buses to transport employees.

Accidents involving any of these vehicles can cause significant injuries and may involve complex liability issues.

Common Causes of Bus Collisions

Bus crashes can occur for many reasons, and identifying the cause is critical to building a successful legal claim. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue from long hours behind the wheel
• Distracted driving, including cellphone use
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Poor bus maintenance or mechanical failure
• Inadequate driver training
• Hazardous road conditions
• Negligence by other drivers on the road

Because buses are large and heavy, even a minor mistake can result in a serious collision. A Tampa bus accident lawyer can investigate the incident, review records, and determine who may be responsible.

Common Bus Crash Injuries

Due to their size and the number of passengers they carry, bus accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries. Victims may include passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of other vehicles.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Burns and lacerations
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

In serious cases, bus crashes may lead to permanent disability or wrongful death. Legal representation can help victims and families pursue financial recovery for medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Florida Bus Driving Laws

Florida has strict regulations governing bus drivers and transportation companies to promote passenger safety. These laws address areas such as:

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements
• Driver training and certification
• Hours-of-service rules to prevent fatigue
• Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance
• Safety equipment and operational standards

Public buses operated by government entities may also be subject to additional oversight and procedural requirements. When a driver or company violates these regulations, they may be held liable for resulting accidents and injuries.

Liability for a Bus Accident?

Determining liability after a bus accident can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:

• The bus driver
• A private bus company or transportation provider
• A government agency operating public transit
• Maintenance contractors
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers
• Other negligent drivers

Claims involving government entities in Tampa often require following specific procedures and deadlines, including notice requirements. Working with an experienced Tampa bus accident lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Compensation After a Bus Accident

Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

The value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries, long-term impact, and liability factors.

Bus Accident Claim FAQs

What should I do after a bus accident in Tampa?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident, and document as much information as possible. Avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting an attorney.

Can I sue if I was a passenger on the bus?

Yes. Passengers injured due to negligence may pursue claims against the bus company, driver, or other responsible parties.

Are bus accident cases different from car accident cases?

Bus accident claims are often more complex due to multiple parties, commercial insurance policies, and potential government involvement.

How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?

Florida law generally imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, but cases involving government entities may have shorter deadlines and additional requirements.

What if a loved one died in a bus crash?

Surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Why Injured Bus Riders Choose Us

After a bus accident, you may see many firms advertising, yet few have a history in this region like Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers. We have served Tampa Bay families since 1955 and were the first firm in Pinellas County to limit our practice exclusively to personal injury. That long-standing focus helps us approach bus cases with a deep understanding of injury law and the local courts that hear these claims.

Our attorneys manage cases directly instead of pushing clients into a large system where communication runs mostly through staff. When you hire our firm, you can expect direct access to your lawyer, consistent updates, and prompt outreach when something changes. Clients often tell us they feel informed and respected throughout their case, which is the experience we work to provide.

Bus accidents can involve serious injuries, multiple victims, and complex insurance questions. Our firm has recovered more than $675 million for clients and has handled high-stakes matters, including catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases. Several of our attorneys are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction held by fewer than 2 percent of Florida lawyers, and we prepare every claim as if it may go to court. That level of preparation helps us negotiate from a position of strength when transit companies, insurers, or public agencies are involved.

We also recognize that many bus passengers and drivers cannot easily travel after a crash. Our team offers home, hospital, and workplace visits when needed, and we coordinate closely with our support staff so that calls are returned and required steps are handled quickly. From the first meeting through the resolution of the case, our goal is to bring structure and calm to an otherwise overwhelming process.

To talk with a bus accident lawyer that Tampa residents can turn to after a serious crash, call (727) 591-3354.