Bus Accidents

December 30, 2021

Your Child Was Injured on a School Field Trip in Miami: What Now?

Field trips were a highlight of the school year when you were a kid, and many parents will remember their experiences fondly as they prepare to send their own children out on a learning-based excursion. The Florida Department of Education posted a publication on fun field trips, describing the high points at Zoo Miami, the Miami Children’s Museum, Amelia Earhart Pak, and many other South Florida attractions. However, there are certain risk factors involved with school field trips. A large group of children in a non-classroom setting, reliance on volunteers, and inherent dangers with certain outings increase the potential for accidents.

Learning that your child was hurt is overwhelming for a parent, leaving you bewildered about your rights and what to do next. Your first move should be contacting a Miami child injuries lawyer for legal help, but there are few tips that will help you get through the aftermath of a school field trip accident.

Seek Medical Care

February 19, 2021

Potential Parties in a Miami Bus Accident

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Many people rely on the Miami-Dade Metrobus for getting around South Florida, while others ride on buses occasionally for events, long-range transit, school, or other purposes. While you know that taking the bus is affordable and convenient, you might be surprised to find that this form of transportation is not necessarily safer than others. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), almost 3,500 people are killed or injured in accidents involving buses, motor coaches, passenger vans, and related vehicles each year.

For victims and their families, the losses stemming from a bus collision can be devastating. Your medical bills may be mounting, though funds to pay them may run dry if you are also out of work. Plus, you may endure considerable pain, suffering, and emotional implications. It may come as some comfort to know that you have legal options as a victim, and a Miami bus accident attorney will pursue those responsible for causing the incident. However, you should be aware of which individuals and entities may be potential parties to a bus crash claim.

Liability for Florida Bus Collisions

December 30, 2020

Will a New Florida Law Decrease the Potential for School Bus Accidents?

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Floridians always ring in a new year with a wealth of new laws to go into effect on January 1, and 2021 is no different. One piece of legislation should be of particular interest to parents who trust their school bus system to transport children to and from classes. According to ABC affiliate WTXL News Channel 27, officials are cracking down on motorists who choose to illegally pass a school bus that is stopped. The School Bus Safety Act increases the penalties for these offenders with a goal to discourage the types of misconduct that put children at risk of serious bus accidents. The fines double to $200 for drivers who pass a bus with red flashing lights and stop-arm extended; subsequent offenses within five years could lead to a driver’s license suspension.

Proponents of the law are hopeful that it will reduce Miami school bus accidents and keep children safe, but there are concerns that it does not go far enough. Plus, these incidents can be caused by many other careless acts. As a parent, the following information should be helpful.

Risks When Motorists Illegally Pass School Buses

October 22, 2018

Miami-Dade Transit Metrobus Crashes into Building in Little Haiti, Injuring 10

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

In mid-September, a Miami-Dade Transit Metrobus was involved in a collision with a pickup truck at Northwest 54^th Street and Second Avenue. The bus was headed north on Second around 9 a.m. when it collided with a Ford Ranger. The crash led to the bus diverting off the road and running into a clothing store, Omega Fashions.The incident led to a significant amount of property damage and injuries. The bus crushed two support columns for the 1926 building. This caused there to be significant delays in removing the bus from the Little Haiti building. The two individuals in the pickup truck were taken to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The driver of the bus and seven passengers were also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police are investigating the crash. Initial witness reports state the pickup truck was speeding and the bus did not have time to avoid a crash. If you were involved in a crash while riding a public transit bus, contact our experienced Miami bus accident lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. We will carefully review your situation and advise you on the best next steps. When someone else was at fault for the accident and your injuries, we can help you pursue compensation. Call us at (877) 475-2905 to schedule a free consultation.

Pursuing Compensation After a Crash

If you or a relative were harmed in a bus crash, you should speak with an experienced injury lawyer as soon as possible. You may face a complicated insurance process, dealing with complex legal issues, and will benefit from having a lawyer communicate with the insurer’s representative while fighting for your rights and to seek the maximum amount of compensation that the law permits for you.

August 13, 2018

School Bus Crashes in Broward County, Injuring 18

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

On Friday, August 3, a “World of Kids Transport” bus crashed on Interstate 595, in Davie, FL. The bus was transporting members of the West Pines Community Church group, who were heading to visit foster children and put on a free car wash. It was to be a day for the teenagers to volunteer in the community. The accident occurred in the eastbound lane, west of University Drive. A bus passenger, Nicole Salomon, said she saw two cars try to cut in front of the bus. Two cars skidded, turning all the way around before colliding with the bus. Ultimately, the crash involved the bus and three other cars. Four adults and 14 minors were transported to Plantation General Hospital and Broward Health medical Center due to minor injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, including speaking with witnesses and gathering surveillance footage from nearby businesses. If your child was injured in a bus accident in Broward or Miami-Dade County, do not hesitate to speak with an attorney about your options. Our car-bus collision lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. are here to review your situation and advise you on your right to pursue compensation. Contact us at (877) 475-2905.

Bus Crash Statistics

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) gathers statistics on bus accidents along with large truck accidents. Based on the most recent 2016 data, 4,440 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes. The number of buses, specifically, involved in fatal crashes was 227 in 2016, a decrease of 14 percent from 2015. Between 2002 and 2016, on average, inter-city buses accounted for 13 percent of fatal accidents. School buses accounted for 40 percent, and transit buses made up 34 percent of fatal crashes. Thankfully, not all bus accidents are fatal. In 2016, there were an estimated 15,000 injury-causing crashes involving business. These accidents led to approximately 35,000 people suffering injuries.