Is a City Bus Driver Liable for a Rollover Crash?
Yes, a city bus or shuttle driver can be held liable for causing a rollover crash if their negligent actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, or unsafe lane changes, led to a loss of control. A driver may also be held responsible if they fail to adjust speed and maintain control under traffic, weather, or roadway conditions.
With millions recovered for injured clients and their families, our bus accident attorneys at Todd Miner Law handle rollover claims from initial investigation to final insurance resolution. We review maintenance and safety records, gather evidence, and handle all insurance negotiations on your behalf. Call 407-894-1480 for immediate legal assistance throughout Orlando and Winter Park.
When Can a Bus or Shuttle Driver Be Held Liable for a Rollover Crash?
You can hold a bus driver personally liable for a rollover crash when the driver’s negligent actions, such as speeding, unsafe turns, lane drifting, or distracted driving, cause the vehicle to lose stability. A driver may also be held liable when they fail to follow required safety rules or make decisions, such as sudden or improper maneuvers, that increase the risk of rollovers.
To establish a driver’s liability in a rollover crash, investigators review the following evidence:
- Police reports, witness statements, and physical details from the accident scene
- Maintenance records showing poor maintenance, faulty brakes, or tire blowouts
- Failures by the bus company, public entities, or government entities to follow state regulations
Can Multiple Parties Share Liability in a City Bus Or Shuttle Rollover Crash?
Yes, multiple parties may share liability in a city bus or shuttle rollover. Under Florida Statute § 768.28, you may hold a transit agency partially responsible if negligent hiring or inadequate driver training violates required safety duties. You can also pursue a claim against a maintenance crew if faulty brakes or worn tires lead to mechanical failures.
Moreover, liability may extend to roadway designers or public agencies if dangerous curves or poor road maintenance create conditions that lead to rollover crashes. A bus manufacturer or other vehicle manufacturers may also share responsibility if design defects or stability problems contribute to the crash.
In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in its review of the 2015 Seattle “Ride the Ducks” crash, found that the rollover resulted from:
- Improper manufacturing of the front axle housing by the vehicle manufacturer
- Inadequate maintenance of the defective axle by the operating company
- Structural incompatibility between the two vehicles increased the severity of passenger injuries
Which Injuries Are Common In Bus And Shuttle Rollover Crashes?
You may suffer serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, or internal organ trauma in a bus or shuttle rollover. You may also develop long-lasting psychological conditions such as PTSD and anxiety because of the violent forces involved in these crashes.
In addition to catastrophic and psychological trauma, bus and shuttle rollover crashes also result in the following physical injuries:
- Fractures involving the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis
- Deep cuts and puncture wounds from shattered glass or metal
- Joint dislocations caused by abrupt twisting forces
- Chest or abdominal injuries from collapsing cabin areas
- Facial trauma from loose interior objects or broken windows
What Type of Insurance Coverage Applies in a Shuttle Rollover?
In a shuttle rollover, the primary source of coverage is the shuttle company’s commercial auto liability policy, which provides compensation for passenger injuries under Florida Statute § 324.021. However, if a public transit agency operates the shuttle, coverage is provided through a self-insurance program authorized by Florida Statute § 768.28.
When the available coverage under these primary policies is insufficient to cover the full extent of your losses, additional insurance coverage may apply. For example, an umbrella policy can provide compensation in cases involving severe injuries. Private shuttle operators may also carry supplemental insurance that covers medical bills, lost wages, and property damage caused by driver negligence.
Are There Coverage Limits for Public Transit Bus Accidents?
Yes, coverage limits can apply in a public transit bus accident, especially if your claim involves government agencies. Under Florida Statute § 768.28, public transit agencies are protected by damage caps that reduce compensation in Florida bus accident claims. Sovereign immunity laws can also restrict recovery for certain damages, including pain and suffering and punitive damages.
Certain jurisdictions also impose additional coverage caps that reduce the funds available for medical expenses, lost income, and other documented losses. Moreover, some transit agencies rely on self-insurance programs or restricted liability policies, which may further reduce the compensation you can recover.
What Safety Regulations Apply to City Buses and Shuttle Vehicles?
City buses and shuttles must comply with hours-of-service limits that reduce the risk of driver fatigue. They are also required to undergo regular inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure each vehicle meets applicable safety standards before returning to service.
Beyond that, city school buses and shuttles must comply with the following safety requirements:
- Driver training and safety-compliance programs
- State-required inspection and repair schedules
- Brake system and tire safety standards
- Emergency exit and onboard safety equipment requirements
- Driver background screening and licensing standards
- Steering, suspension, and overall roadworthiness checks
Do Government-Owned Buses Have Special Claim Rules or Deadlines?
Yes, government-owned buses follow special claim rules and shorter deadlines that directly affect your ability to seek fair compensation. Florida’s sovereign immunity law requires injured parties to submit a formal notice of claim to the appropriate agency and allow a mandatory review period before filing a lawsuit. These requirements apply even when the rollover was clearly caused by the bus driver’s negligence.
Government claims also involve shorter filing periods and limits on recoverable damages, which can restrict compensation for non-economic losses. These rules may limit your ability to pursue a lawsuit unless your case qualifies for an exception under state law. Because of these restrictions, you must follow every deadline to preserve your claim after a government-operated bus rollover.
What If the Shuttle Service Was Operating Without Proper Insurance?
If the shuttle service was operating without proper insurance, you may file a direct claim against the business owner for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost income. However, when the operator has no valid coverage, you can rely on your own policy to recover compensation. If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) protection, you can file a UM claim to recover your losses. This coverage applies even when the shuttle company violated state insurance requirements.
How Long Does a Bus Rollover Injury Claim Take to Resolve?
A bus rollover injury claim typically takes 12 to 18 months to resolve, but the timeline can extend if your injuries are severe or the investigation involves multiple parties. These delays occur because the insurance company can not assess long-term losses until your medical condition stabilizes and all records are available. Additionally, claims involving government-owned buses may require more time due to notice requirements and the statutory review period under sovereign immunity rules.
Call Todd Miner Law to File a Rollover Accident Claim Against a Bus or Shuttle Driver!
After a bus or shuttle rollover, you may face serious injuries, rising medical costs, and uncertainty about the cause of the crash. This uncertainty can slow your claim and increase stress, especially when key records or video footage become difficult to access. Insurers may also dispute fault or challenge your injuries, which can delay compensation and extend your recovery.
Recognized by Super Lawyers, our attorneys at Todd Miner Law handle every aspect of rollover accident claims, from obtaining critical safety records and securing video footage to identifying all liable parties. We also address insurer challenges, organize required evidence, and ensure all deadlines are met. Call 407-894-1480 or visit us at 915 Outer Rd, Orlando, FL 32814, United States for a free consultation.
FAQs
Can Speeding or Taking a Turn Too Fast Cause a Rollover?
Yes, speeding or turning too fast can cause a rollover because the vehicle becomes unstable when its weight shifts suddenly. This loss of stability increases the chance of tipping during sharp or unexpected movements and can harm nearby road users. When a rollover accident occurs under these conditions, investigators review driver actions and roadway conditions to assess responsibility.
What Happens if a City Bus Hits Your Car?
If a city bus hits your car, you may experience significant vehicle damage and injuries. In such a situation, you should report the crash, document the accident scene, and get medical care for any injuries sustained. Since public buses are operated by government agencies, your legal claim may require special notice procedures and a detailed investigation to identify all liable parties.
Is the Bus Company Liable for the Injuries of the Passengers?
Yes, a bus company may be liable for passenger injuries if negligent parties violate required safety duties. Under product liability laws and employer liability rules, the company can be held accountable for unsafe operations or driver error. Liability may also apply when the company fails to fix mechanical problems that increase the chance of injuries during a rollover.
Are Rollover Crashes Common in City Buses?
No, rollover crashes are not common in city buses, and they represent only a small percentage of public bus accidents. However, when a rollover does occur, the bus’s height and passenger load can cause severe injuries in a single event. These crashes are rare, but the impact on passengers can be significant.
How Long Do Transit Agencies Keep Bus Camera Footage?
Most transit agencies retain bus camera footage for a short period, typically 7 to 30 days. Because each agency sets its own policy, the footage may be deleted sooner if storage limits are reached. Therefore, you must act quickly to request this footage. Losing this evidence can create legal challenges if other drivers dispute fault or liable parties deny responsibility.
Should You File a Police Report After a Bus Rollover?
Yes, you should file a police report after a bus rollover because it creates an official record of the crash. The report documents injuries, vehicle damage, and statements from people at the scene. It also helps prove what happened and gives your attorney clear, verified details that help you pursue a fair settlement.
Can You File a Claim if You Were a Passenger in the Rollover?
Yes, you can file a claim as a passenger because you had no control over the rollover. In such bus accident cases, you may seek compensation for your injuries and losses, even when several parties are involved. An attorney can support you throughout this legal process by determining liability and helping you hold negligent parties accountable.
