Bus and Public Transportation Accidents in Jacksonville
If you or a family member are injured in an auto accident or car crash involving a bus or other form of public transportation, Jacksonville attorney Brett Hastings can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Under United States and Florida law, buses and other forms of public transportation are known as “common carriers” which are more highly regulated and are held to a higher standard than average automobile drivers because they deal more openly with the public. These regulations and higher standard can provide a clearer basis for liability in an action against a bus driver or other form of public transportation.
Further, a case involving a bus or other form of transportation may allow for suit against both the owner of the vehicle and its operator (e.g. the bus driver and the bus company).
Jacksonville Florida attorney Brett Hastings and his team have the experience and skill to handle your bus or public transportation accident injury and help you pursue the compensation to make you whole again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Florida?
For most injury claims, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file suit, a deadline shortened from four years in 2023. If a government entity like the Jacksonville Transportation Authority is involved, a separate written notice of claim is required first, and the timeline is much tighter. Because deadlines vary by defendant, it is wise to speak with a lawyer quickly so no rights are lost.
Is a claim against JTA different from one against a private bus company?
Yes. Suing a government entity such as JTA involves sovereign immunity rules and a mandatory pre-suit notice of claim under Florida law, with strict procedural steps and statutory limits on recoverable damages. A private charter or tour bus company does not carry those same caps. Identifying the correct defendant early shapes the entire case, which is one reason these claims benefit from experienced legal review.
Are bus companies held to a higher standard of care?
Often, yes. Buses are generally treated as common carriers, which under Florida law owe passengers a heightened duty to operate safely and protect them from foreseeable harm. That higher duty can apply to driver conduct, maintenance, and safety practices. Whether a particular operator qualifies depends on the facts, and proving a breach still requires evidence, so outcomes always depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Florida follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. Insurers often try to shift blame to reduce what they pay, so how fault is assessed matters a great deal. An attorney can help gather evidence and push back against an unfair allocation of responsibility.
Who can I recover compensation from after a bus crash?
Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include the bus operator, the company or government agency that owns the bus, a negligent third-party driver, or a maintenance contractor. More than one party may share fault. Sorting out coverage, government caps, and the serious-injury threshold that applies to auto claims takes investigation. A lawyer can identify every potential source of recovery for your situation.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?
Hastings Injury Law Firm handles bus and public transportation cases on a contingency fee, which means there is no fee unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is free and confidential, so you can understand your options at no cost and no obligation. This lets injured people pursue a claim without paying upfront, regardless of their financial situation. Results depend on the facts of each case.