Taking a public bus in Pompano Beach is usually a safe and convenient way to get around Broward County. Whether you are riding a Broward County Transit (BCT) bus down Atlantic Boulevard or catching a shuttle near the Tri-Rail station, you expect to reach your destination safely. 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 individuals who have been injured in public bus accidents. We understand how difficult it is to navigate the aftermath of a collision, and we are here to help you understand your legal options.
Claims involving public transportation are distinctly different from standard car accident cases. Because public buses are typically operated by government entities, such as Broward County, these claims are subject to Florida sovereign immunity laws. This means there are strict procedural rules and significantly shorter deadlines for filing a notice of claim. Missing these statutory deadlines can bar you from seeking compensation altogether. Our team is well-versed in the specific requirements of taking action against municipal and county transit authorities, ensuring that necessary evidence is preserved and procedural steps are properly followed.
Pompano Beach sees heavy traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons and daily commutes along major arteries like Dixie Highway, Federal Highway, and Copans Road. Bus accidents in these busy corridors can occur for a variety of reasons. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, inadequate maintenance of the bus fleet, and improper training are frequent contributing factors. Additionally, the sheer size and weight of a commercial bus mean that even low-speed impacts can cause severe injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. We meticulously investigate the circumstances of the crash, reviewing maintenance logs, driver records, and traffic camera footage to identify all liable parties.
If you are injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that even if you are found partially at fault for the incident, you may still be able to recover damages, though your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault. It is also crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations, which dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit. Because public entities are involved, the timeline is often much tighter than in a typical personal injury case. Consulting with legal counsel promptly helps protect your rights.
First, prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine, as some injuries take time to manifest. Report the accident to law enforcement so an official police report is generated. If you are able, document the scene by taking photos, noting the bus number, and collecting contact information from witnesses and the bus driver.
Claims against government entities, such as those operating public buses in Broward County, are subject to strict notice requirements under Florida law. You typically must provide formal written notice to the specific government agency well before filing a lawsuit, often within a specific timeframe that is shorter than standard injury claims. It is vital to act quickly to avoid missing these critical deadlines.
Yes, passengers injured on a public bus have the right to pursue compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, liability may fall on the bus driver, the transit authority, the manufacturer of a defective bus part, or the driver of another vehicle that caused the collision.
Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiated settlements with insurance companies or transit authorities before a trial becomes necessary. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, Altman Law Firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial to advocate for your interests in the courtroom.
Yes. Tragically, some bus accidents result in fatal injuries. In these devastating situations, the Florida wrongful death statute allows eligible surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss. We handle these sensitive cases with the utmost compassion and dedication.
Contact Altman Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you after a public bus accident in Pompano Beach. Call (305) 373-3730.