Lakeland Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are an essential part of life in Lakeland and throughout Polk County. From school buses and city transit to charter and long-distance travel, thousands of people rely on buses every day to get where they need to go.

Unfortunately, when a bus accident happens, the results can be devastating. Victims may suffer serious injuries, lost wages, and lifelong medical challenges, all because of someone else’s negligence.

At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., our Lakeland bus accident lawyers have decades of experience helping injured victims throughout Florida recover the compensation they deserve. We’ve built a reputation for taking on challenging cases, standing up to insurance companies, and pursuing justice all the way to trial when necessary. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

Call us today at (863) 355-4204 for a free consultation. We’re passionate about helping our neighbors in Polk County rebuild after serious injuries, and we’re in it for the long haul.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Lakeland

Bus accidents can happen in an instant, but they often stem from preventable errors or careless conduct. Whether the accident involves a city bus, a school bus, or a private transportation company, identifying the cause is crucial to determining who is legally responsible.

Some of the most common causes of bus accidents include:

Driver Error

Bus drivers are required to follow strict safety standards, but human error still plays a role in many crashes. Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or failure to follow traffic signals can all lead to collisions.

Inadequate Maintenance

Buses require routine maintenance to ensure safe operation. If a company or school district fails to inspect brakes, tires, or steering systems, a mechanical failure can cause a catastrophic accident.

Poor Weather or Road Conditions

Lakeland’s heavy rain and frequent construction zones can make roads hazardous. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or take precautions in these conditions put passengers and other motorists at risk.

Negligent Hiring or Training

Transportation companies have a duty to hire qualified, well-trained drivers. When they overlook background checks or fail to provide proper safety instruction, they may be held liable for resulting accidents.

Third-Party Negligence

Sometimes, the fault lies with another driver who collides with a bus, or with the manufacturer of a defective vehicle component. Each case must be carefully investigated to identify all potentially responsible parties.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Bus Accident?

Bus accidents often involve multiple parties, making them more complex than typical car crashes. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on one or more of the following:

• The bus driver, if reckless or distracted driving caused the collision;
• The bus company or transit agency, if poor maintenance, negligent hiring, or unsafe policies contributed.
• A school district, if a school bus driver acted carelessly or a maintenance issue was ignored;
• A third-party driver, if their negligence caused the bus to crash; or
• A bus or parts manufacturer, if a mechanical defect caused or worsened the accident.

At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we conduct thorough investigations to uncover every possible source of liability. By reviewing accident reports, maintenance records, surveillance footage, and driver logs, we build strong cases that help our clients recover the full amount they’re owed.

Bus Accidents Involving Children and School Transportation

Lakeland is home to thousands of students who ride school buses every day. While school bus transportation is generally safe, accidents still occur due to negligent drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, or unsafe pick-up and drop-off zones.

If your child was injured in a school bus accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the school district, bus company, or other responsible parties. These cases require careful attention because claims involving government entities, such as public school systems, have specific filing deadlines and notice requirements.

Our team at Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., is well-versed in the rules governing school bus accidents and can ensure that your family’s rights are fully protected.

Recoverable Compensation After a Bus Accident

Injured victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including:

• Medical expenses: hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation;
• Lost income: wages lost while recovering and future loss of earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering: compensation for physical pain and emotional distress;
• Property damage: repair or replacement of damaged personal items or vehicles; and
• Wrongful death damages: funeral costs and loss of financial or emotional support for families who’ve lost loved ones.

Our attorneys work with medical experts, financial specialists, and investigators to calculate the full impact of your losses and pursue all available avenues for recovery.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims

One of the most critical aspects of your case is the statute of limitations, or the deadline for filing your personal injury lawsuit.

In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including bus accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim within that period, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

However, if the claim involves a government agency, such as a county school district or municipal bus service, additional requirements apply. You must typically notify the appropriate agency in writing within a specific period, often within months of the accident, before filing a lawsuit.

Because these deadlines vary depending on the defendant, it’s critical to consult an experienced Lakeland bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we make sure all legal filings and notices are handled promptly to preserve your claim.

Why Choose Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A.?

When your health and financial security are on the line, you need a law firm that’s committed to standing by your side. Here’s why so many Floridians trust our team:

• Decades of proven experience representing accident victims throughout Florida;
• Respected by peers and opponents for our thorough preparation and willingness to go to trial;
• Personalized attention and regular communication from start to finish;
• No fees unless we win, you pay nothing upfront; and
• A legacy of results for injured workers and accident victims across Polk County.

We’re not quick flippers or settlement mills; we take pride in building strong, lasting relationships with our clients and fighting for their rights until justice is achieved.

Protecting Your Future After a Bus Accident

Bus accidents can leave victims facing months or years of recovery. You may be unable to work, burdened by medical bills, or struggling with the emotional toll of what you’ve endured. You deserve time to heal without worrying about financial ruin or legal deadlines.

At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., our Lakeland bus accident attorneys will fight for every dollar you’re entitled to and make sure your voice is heard. We know how to take on powerful bus companies, insurance providers, and government agencies to hold them accountable for the injuries you’ve suffered.

Don’t wait to get help. Evidence can disappear quickly, and legal time limits are strict. Call (863) 355-4204 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we’re passionate about helping people, not corporations, and we’ll stand by you every step of the way.

Visit Our Lakeland Personal Injury Law Office

Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. – Lakeland Office
832 Florida Avenue South
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 355-5648

Map & Directions

Office Location

Lakeland

832 Florida Avenue South
Lakeland, FL 33801

(863) 688-7766

Brandon

202 E Brandon Blvd. Suite 107
Brandon, FL 33511

(863) 688-7766

Kissimmee

1101 Miranda Lane
Ste1331, Kissimmee, FL 34741

(863) 688-7766

Tampa

100 S Ashley Drive
Suite 600, Tampa, FL 33602

(863) 688-7766

Orlando

4700 Millenia Blvd
Orlando,FL 32839

(863) 688-7766

Clearwater

13575 58th St North #200
Clearwater, FL 33760

(863) 688-7766

$1,200,000.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked as a tree guy and a giant limb fell on him. Claimant developed CRPS and ended up wheelchair bound. Our firm was successful in obtaining many benefits to the Claimant prior to settlement, including multiple home modifications, wheelchair ramps, authorization of medical specialist, and implantation of a spinal cord stimulator.

$350,000.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked as a bus driving and during an evacuation she jumped off the bus causing her to fall resulting in a serious back injury.

$269,671.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked performing clerical type job in an office. She was asked to carry a box down stairs when she slipped and fell down the flight of stairs injuring her head, neck and lefts arm / wrist / hand.

$220,100.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked for a temp service. He was helping to unload a trailer when his foot went through a board on the floor of the trailer causing his to fall, shattering his pelvis, and causing serious injury to his back, hip and head.

$1,223,423.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked as a selector / forklift driver. This case involved a specific injury to her right leg / knee. She continued to work which resulted in repetitive and cumulative trauma to the right knee and CRPS.

$630,000.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked for a transport company. One day he was forced to get under a trailer and while he was lifting and twisting, the Claimant injured his back and knee, which was left untreated until he retained representation and filed Petitions for Benefits. Unfortunately, the severity or the injury coupled with the delay in treatment caused the Claimant to developed CRPS.