Miami’s robust public transit system provides an extensive fleet of buses that serves the city and surrounding areas, with connections throughout local neighborhoods, business districts, and major landmarks.
Additionally, private and tour buses are common due to Miami’s popularity as a tourist destination. This makes buses a vital mode of transportation for residents and visitors. It also means bus accidents can and do happen throughout the region.
Unfortunately, bus transportation can be dangerous for passengers, especially if the bus does not have seat belts. Serious injuries can occur, from severe whiplash to fractures, concussions, and more, depending on the circumstances.
At Raposo & Lukacs, our team puts decades of combined experience into pursuing maximum compensation for individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of others. If you need legal help in the aftermath of a Miami bus accident, we can provide the guidance and support you need.
Schedule a free initial consultation with a Miami bus accident attorney at Raposo & Lukacs. Call (305) 575-2177 or submit our online contact form. Hablamos español.
Why Bus Accident Claims Require Experienced Legal Representation
Bus accident cases are rarely simple, single-defendant claims. They often involve layered insurance policies, government sovereign immunity protections, federal safety regulations, and multiple potentially liable parties — sometimes all in the same case. Raposo & Lukacs brings a distinct advantage to these claims:
Insight from the other side.Attorney John Lukacs previously worked as an insurance defense lawyer, giving him direct knowledge of how bus company insurers evaluate claims and seek to minimize them.
A trial-ready approach from day one. Bus companies and government entities often bank on claimants giving up or settling low rather than facing litigation. Our firm prepares every court case, which changes the leverage in negotiations.
A proven record with catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims. Our results include a $40 million wrongful death jury verdict and more than $10 million in bus accident settlements and verdicts, along with memberships in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Focused caseloads. We limit the number of cases we take so each client receives dedicated attention, not a rotating cast of case managers.
No fees unless we win. Bus accident claims are handled on a contingency basis, so pursuing justice costs you nothing upfront.
Types of Bus Accidents We Handle in Miami
Miami's bus landscape is more varied than most cities', which means bus accident claims can look very different depending on the type of vehicle involved. Our firm represents victims injured in:
Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) city buses, involving claims against a government entity with unique procedural requirements
School bus accidents, involving children as passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles
Charter and tour buses, common in Miami's tourism industry and often involving out-of-state or interstate carriers, are subject to federal regulation
Shuttle buses, including hotel, airport, and cruise line shuttles
Private and commercial buses, such as those operated by employers or event organizers
Each category comes with its own liability rules, insurance structure, and evidence-gathering challenges — which is why identifying the correct type of bus and operator early in a claim matters.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents happen for a variety of preventable reasons. Some of the most common include:
Driver Negligence
• Distracted driving • Speeding or aggressive driving • Fatigued driving • Failure to check blind spots • Impaired driving
Poor Bus Maintenance
Buses require frequent inspections and repairs. Accidents may occur due to: • Brake failure • Worn tires • Steering system issues • Malfunctioning doors or lighting
Unsafe Road Conditions
• Potholes • Construction zones • Lack of proper signage
Negligent Hiring or Training
Bus companies must properly vet and train drivers. A poorly trained or inexperienced driver can make unsafe decisions on the road.
Other Motorists
Sometimes a bus accident is caused by another vehicle cutting off a bus, failing to yield, or making a sudden stop.
When negligence plays a role, victims have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Bus Crash Injuries
Because buses lack the safety features found in smaller vehicles (like airbags and seatbelts), passengers face a higher risk of serious injury. Common bus accident injuries include:
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) • Spinal cord injuries • Broken bones • Internal bleeding • Lacerations and contusions • Neck and back injuries • Burns (in rare cases of fire-related crashes) • Wrongful death
Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen over time, making it important to seek medical attention quickly and contact a bus accident attorney as soon as possible.
Florida Bus Driving Laws
Bus drivers and bus companies in Florida must comply with strict state and federal regulations. Some important rules include:
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements
Bus drivers must hold a valid CDL and passenger endorsement. They must also pass background checks and medical exams.
Duty of Care
Because buses are considered “common carriers,” drivers owe passengers a heightened duty of care.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Standards
Tour, charter, and interstate buses must follow federal laws regulating: • Hours-of-service limits • Maintenance and inspection • Drug and alcohol testing
Florida Statutes on School Buses
School bus drivers must abide by specific safety requirements, including proper loading and unloading procedures.
Failure to follow any of these laws may be evidence of negligence in a bus accident claim.
Liability for a Bus Accident
Determining who is at fault in a bus crash can be complex. Liability may fall on:
Bus Drivers: If the driver acted negligently—speeding, texting, or violating safety rules—they can be held liable.
Bus Companies: Companies may be responsible for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train employees, or failing to maintain their buses.
Government Entities: If a Miami-Dade Transit bus is involved, claims must follow specific procedures and shorter deadlines due to sovereign immunity laws.
Maintenance Contractors: If a third-party company failed to properly inspect or repair the bus, they may share liability.
Other Drivers: Another motorist’s careless actions may have caused or contributed to the collision.
Bus Accident Claim FAQs
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Florida?
For most personal injury cases, Florida’s statute of limitations is two years. Claims involving government entities may have shorter deadlines.
Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident claim?
Yes. Bus claims are complex, often involving multiple defendants, insurance companies, and legal rules. A lawyer protects your rights and helps maximize compensation.
What damages can I recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for: • Medical expenses • Future medical care • Lost income • Reduced earning capacity • Pain and suffering • Property damage • Wrongful death damages (for surviving families)
What if I was a pedestrian or another driver involved in the crash?
You still have the right to pursue compensation if the bus driver or bus company was negligent.
What does it cost to hire your firm?
Raposo & Lukacs handles bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Speak With a Miami Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident in Miami, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Raposo & Lukacs is ready to investigate, gather evidence, negotiate aggressively, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
“A seamless, caring, and professional experience from start to finish. Grateful for their dedication and support throughout the process.”
J.C.
“Dedicated, Professional, and Compassionate”
“Grateful for the hard work, professionalism, and kindness this firm showed throughout my case. Their dedication made all the difference.”
Phyllis P.
“Dedicated, Thoughtful, and Fierce Advocates”
“Raposo & Lukacs fought for our family and won. Thoughtful, thorough, and professional—John, Jose, and Cassandra truly go above and beyond!”
John P.
“A True Fighter for His Clients”
“John goes the extra mile to fight for what you deserve, keeping you informed every step of the way. Highly recommended!”
Octavio C.
“Compassionate Support, Outstanding Results”
“Professional, caring, and always responsive—this team secured a great settlement during a difficult time. Grateful for their support!”
D. Conra
“Professionalism with a Personal Touch”
“José and Cassandra provided exceptional support, creating a family-like environment. Grateful for Dr. B’s help in restoring my back after the accident!”
Ricardo R.
“Highly Recommended for Trusted Legal Services”
“Very satisfied with the service and would highly recommend this firm to family or friends for their professionalism and dedication.”
Diana F.
“Dedicated Advocacy for the Best Results”
“Raposa & Lukacs work tirelessly to secure the best outcome for their clients. Highly recommended for anyone in need of legal services!”
The steps you take immediately following a bus crash can significantly affect the strength of your claim:
Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor — some symptoms, like those from whiplash or a concussion, take time to appear.
Report the accident to the bus driver, transit authority, or bus company so an official record is created.
Document the scene with photos of the bus, road conditions, your injuries, and any visible hazards.
Get contact information for witnesses, other passengers, and the driver.
Avoid giving recorded statements to a bus company's insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Contact a bus accident lawyer promptly — claims against government entities like Miami-Dade Transit involve notice deadlines that are far shorter than Florida's standard two-year statute of limitations.
When the stakes are high, you need a legal team that won’t flinch. We are aggressive, strategic, and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Our track record speaks for itself—when we take on a case, we fight to win.
When Everything Is on the Line, We Deliver.
High-value cases demand precision, experience, and fearless representation. We take on the toughest legal battles, standing firm against powerful opponents to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Powerful Representation
We don’t handle minor claims—we focus on complex, high-stakes cases where the results matter most. Our firm is built on the principles of aggressive litigation, tactical strategy, and an unwavering commitment to winning.
Your Case. Your Future. Our Mission.
Your legal battle isn’t just another case to us—it’s your future, your financial security, and your peace of mind. We take a personal stake in every case we handle, fighting with determination to deliver the justice and compensation you deserve.
