Bus Accidents in Lakeland: A Growing Concern
With a population of over 120,000 and growing, Lakeland’s transportation network is always busy. Public buses, school buses, and private charters all share the roads with cars,
delivery trucks, and bicycles. On busy thoroughfares like Memorial Boulevard, Bartow Road (SR 35), and Florida Avenue (US-98), accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
Bus accidents in Lakeland can involve:
- Public transportation vehicles like Citrus Connection buses
- School buses carrying children across the city
- Tour buses and intercity travel vehicles
- Shuttle buses used by hotels or event venues
- Private charter buses or church buses
These accidents may occur at intersections like Kathleen Road and Griffin Road or in high-traffic areas near the Lakeland Square Mall or the RP Funding Center.
What Causes Bus Accidents in Lakeland?
Lakeland bus accidents are caused by a variety of factors. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (
FLHSMV), there were over 7,000 injuries in Florida bus accidents in 2023. Some are due to driver negligence, while others stem from poor maintenance or mechanical failure. In our experience representing clients throughout Lakeland and Polk County, some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Speeding or reckless driving in congested areas
- Failure to yield or improper lane changes
- Driving under the influence
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Brake failure or tire blowouts
- Improper loading of passengers or cargo
- Poor road conditions, especially during Florida’s rainy season
Bus drivers must adhere to strict regulations, and when those standards are ignored, innocent people suffer. At Kemp Injury Law, we thoroughly investigate the details of every Lakeland bus accident case to determine the true cause and hold the right parties accountable.
Common Injuries After a Bus Accident in Lakeland
Buses are large, heavy vehicles with significant blind spots. When a bus crashes, the force of impact can be severe. Passengers,
pedestrians, and other drivers often sustain life-altering injuries. In Lakeland, we’ve represented clients suffering from:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Head injuries and traumatic brain damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Cuts, lacerations, and bruising
- Internal injuries
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
Whether the crash occurred on a Lakeland city street or a rural Polk County road, injuries from a bus accident can take months or even years to recover from.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Lakeland Bus Accident?
Bus accident cases are unique because there are often multiple potentially liable parties. Depending on the situation, you may be able to pursue compensation from:
- The bus driver
- The company or public agency operating the bus
- A school district or private school
- A charter company or bus owner
- Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance contractors
- Another negligent driver
For example, if a Citrus Connection bus driver was texting and caused a collision near downtown Lakeland, both the driver and the transit authority could be held responsible. If a school bus was improperly maintained, the school district may share liability. These cases often involve government entities and strict filing deadlines, so acting quickly is essential.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your Lakeland Bus Accident
Bus accidents are complicated. They often involve multiple parties, state and federal regulations, and government agencies. At Kemp Injury Law, we take the legal pressure off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.
When you hire our Lakeland bus accident attorneys, we:
- Investigate the cause of the crash and gather critical evidence
- Interview witnesses and consult accident reconstruction experts
- Review driver logs, maintenance records, and video footage
- File all legal paperwork within required deadlines
- Handle communication with insurance companies and other lawyers
- Fight for full compensation for your injuries, losses, and emotional suffering
We know how to handle bus accidents that happen on Florida Avenue near Lake Morton, near school zones along Edgewood Drive, or on stretches of I-4 just outside Lakeland. Our local experience and commitment to client service set us apart.
Compensation Available in Lakeland Bus Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Lakeland, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: ER bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and future care
- Lost income: Time missed from work and lost earning capacity
- Property damage: Damage to your vehicle or other personal belongings
- Pain and suffering: For both physical injuries and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages: Funeral expenses and loss of companionship for families who lost a loved one
At Kemp Injury Law, we carefully assess every aspect of your case to determine the full value of your claim. We understand how a single bus accident in Lakeland can change your life and we’re here to help make things right.
Locations and Roadways in Lakeland Where Bus Accidents Commonly Occur
Bus accidents in Lakeland can happen almost anywhere, but some areas are more prone to collisions due to heavy traffic, school zones, or poor road design. These include:
- Memorial Boulevard (US-92): A major east-west corridor with multiple intersections
- Florida Avenue (US-98): One of Lakeland’s busiest north-south routes
- Bartow Road (SR 35): Heavy with school and commuter traffic
- George Jenkins Boulevard: Near bus depots and commercial areas
- Downtown Lakeland: Dense with pedestrian activity and bus stops
- Kathleen Road and Griffin Road intersection: A high-risk zone for all types of vehicles
By understanding the local geography and traffic patterns, our firm is uniquely positioned to handle your bus accident case with insight and efficiency.
Other Practice Areas
Bus accidents in Lakeland often intersect with other types of personal injury claims. For more information about the services we provide, explore these practice areas:
These resources provide additional insight into your legal options and how our firm can assist with all types of injury claims.
Contact Kemp Injury Law Today to Speak With a Lakeland Bus Accident Attorney
A bus accident in Lakeland can leave you facing serious injuries, financial hardship, and emotional distress. You don’t have to face it alone. Whether your crash happened on Memorial Boulevard, Florida Avenue, or near your child’s school, Kemp Injury Law is ready to stand by your side.
We’ll investigate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. With our experience, local knowledge, and dedication to results, you can trust us to handle your claim with care.
