Taking a public bus around Hollywood should be a safe, reliable way to navigate Broward County. Whether you are commuting along Hollywood Boulevard, heading to the Broadwalk via A1A, or transferring from a Broward County Transit route, you expect a secure ride. Unfortunately, bus accidents do happen, and when they do, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. At Altman Law Firm, led by attorney Jeffrey S. Altman, we represent victims of public bus accidents in Hollywood and throughout South Florida. We understand how deeply a sudden injury can disrupt your life, and we are here to help you navigate the complex claims process against government entities and large insurance companies.
Collisions involving public transit vehicles are significantly more complicated than standard car crashes. In Florida, public buses are often operated by government entities like Broward County Transit. Pursuing a claim against a government agency involves strict procedural rules and unique legal hurdles, including sovereign immunity limitations which cap the amount of damages you can recover. Additionally, there are much shorter notice requirements when taking action against a municipality or county. Having legal representation familiar with these specific statutory requirements is vital to protecting your right to seek compensation.
Hollywood is a bustling city with a mix of local commuters, tourists, and seasonal residents. Heavy traffic on major arteries like US-1, Sheridan Street, and Pines Boulevard creates an environment where accidents can easily occur. Bus crashes can stem from distracted driving, driver fatigue, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or the negligence of other motorists sharing the road. Passengers can also suffer severe injuries from sudden stops, doors closing prematurely, or slip and fall incidents while boarding or exiting. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements to build a strong foundation for your claim.
If you were involved in a collision with a bus while driving your own vehicle, or if you were a pedestrian near a bus stop, you might wonder how fault is determined. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that even if you are found partially responsible for the accident, you may still be eligible to recover damages, provided your share of the blame does not exceed fifty percent. Your total recovery would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. Negotiating fault with municipal insurance adjusters can be daunting, which is why our firm steps in to advocate for a fair assessment of liability.
Your health and safety should always be your first priority. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor, as adrenaline can mask the symptoms of serious trauma. If you are able, document the scene by taking photos, noting the bus route number, and collecting contact information from other passengers and witnesses. Report the incident to the police and the bus operator, but avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before consulting with a lawyer. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida restricts the time you have to file a lawsuit, and cases involving government entities have even stricter pre-suit notice deadlines.
In Florida, the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. However, because public buses are usually operated by government agencies, you must also provide a formal written notice of your claim to the specific agency within a shorter timeframe, often three years, before a lawsuit can be filed. Missing these deadlines can bar you from seeking compensation.
Yes, passengers injured on a public bus have the right to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because buses typically lack seatbelts and passengers may be standing, injuries can be severe even in minor collisions. We can help you identify all liable parties, which may include the bus driver, the transit authority, or another negligent motorist.
If another motorist's negligence caused the bus to crash or make a sudden stop that resulted in your injury, you can pursue a claim against that driver's insurance policy. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. We investigate the crash from every angle to determine exactly whose negligence contributed to your injuries.
Yes, under Florida's sovereign immunity laws, there are statutory caps on the amount of damages a person can recover directly from a government entity. Currently, this cap is generally set at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. While these limits exist, there are sometimes other avenues for recovery or legislative claims bills for catastrophic injuries, which we can explore during your consultation.
Not necessarily. Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiated settlements before a trial becomes necessary. However, if the transit authority or insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial in Broward County to advocate for your rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a public bus accident in Hollywood, contact Altman Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the path forward. Call (305) 373-3730.