Florida School Bus Accidents: What Parents and Drivers Need to Know
By: Robert Johnson, Partner
As kids across Florida head back to school, thousands of school buses return to the road. While buses are statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, serious injuries can still occur, especially during loading and unloading.
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we’ve witnessed firsthand how devastating these incidents can be. In one of the largest verdicts in Palm Beach County history, our firm secured an $80 million jury award on behalf of the parents of a 14-year-old Lake Worth girl who was tragically killed while walking to her school bus stop.
School bus injuries often involve the dangers surrounding loading and unloading zones, where children can be struck when walking in front of or behind a bus—especially if the driver fails to see them. Driver negligence such as speeding, distraction, or poor training also increases the risk of injury. Additionally, maintenance failures like worn brakes, broken mirrors, or poor visibility can lead to preventable accidents.
In many districts, private companies operate school buses, which can make liability more complex when something goes wrong. So, who is liable? That depends on the circumstances. Responsibility may fall on any of the following parties:
- A school district (if the driver is a public employee);
- A private bus company (if contracted); and
- The vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider.
Florida’s no-fault insurance system covers initial expenses, but severe injury cases may allow for further legal action, especially if negligence is involved.
Parents play a crucial role in school bus safety. Teach your children to never cross behind the bus and to always wait for the driver’s signal before crossing in front. Encourage them to walk at least 10 feet away from the sides of the bus to stay out of blind spots. It’s also important to be extra cautious during the first few weeks of school, when traffic patterns and routines are still adjusting.
School bus safety is a shared responsibility, but when something goes wrong, swift action matters. Preserving evidence like surveillance footage, driver logs, and witness statements can be critical in uncovering the cause and holding the right parties accountable. If your child has been injured in a school bus-related incident, the attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP are here to help you explore your legal options and fight for the compensation your family deserves. With offices in West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Miami, we represent school bus accident victims across South Florida, including in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Okeechobee, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Tequesta, and Stuart.
