Do I Have to File a Lawsuit to Be Compensated for Injuries From a Bus Crash?

 Posted on March 23, 2026 in Vehicle Accidents

If you’re in an accident on a bus, you might think that the only way you’ll get compensation is through long hours in a courtroom. In reality, many bus accident injury claims are resolved through insurance settlements, no lawsuit required. But the path to fair compensation isn’t always simple, and knowing how the process works puts you in a much better position as you decide what to do next.

If you were hurt in a bus crash in 2026, one of our Winter Garden personal injury lawyers can help you understand exactly what your next steps should be.

Do Buses Have Their Own Insurance in Florida?

Buses are insured like other vehicles, and in Florida, they are required to carry significantly more coverage than a regular driver. There is typically a policy or fund – sometimes a very large one –  that can pay out claims to people injured on or by that bus without them needing to sue.

Private buses

Under Florida Statutes § 627.742 and 627.7415, private passenger carriers must carry liability insurance well above what a standard personal vehicle requires. For large commercial buses, liability coverage starts at $50,000 and increases depending on things like the severity of the accident and the vehicle's weight. In practice, many private bus companies carry policies well beyond those minimums. The federal regulations that govern some buses can reach into millions of dollars.

Public buses

If the bus was operated by the government, such as a city transit authority, different rules apply. Government-operated buses are typically self-insured or covered through a public risk fund rather than a traditional commercial insurance policy. Claims against government entities in Florida are also subject to "sovereign immunity rules." 

These cap damages (usually between $200,000 and $300,000) require you to follow specific notice procedures before filing a lawsuit. These caps can significantly limit your recovery compared to what you might receive in a claim against a private carrier.

It’s important to know which type of entity operated the bus and act quickly. Government claims, in particular, have shorter deadlines than standard injury claims.

How Does the Insurance Claim Process Work for a Bus Accident?

Florida is a no-fault insurance state. After any vehicle accident, injured people first turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses (less for injuries that aren’t a medical emergency) and lost wages. This happens regardless of who caused the crash. For serious bus accident injuries, $10,000 may not cover your losses. When that happens, you can file a claim directly against the bus company's liability insurance. The process generally goes like this:

• You or your attorney notifies the bus company and their insurer of your injury claim.

• The insurance company assigns an adjuster to investigate.

• You submit documentation of your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other damages.

• The insurer makes a settlement offer, which your attorney can negotiate.

If the insurer offers a fair amount that covers your losses, you can settle without ever filing a lawsuit. Many bus accident claims are resolved this way.

There are situations where filing a lawsuit becomes the right move. If the insurance company denies your claim, for example, or the settlement offer is far too low to cover your actual damages. There may also be disputes about who was at fault.

If the bus is publicly operated, you are dealing with a government agency, and special rules apply. Under Florida law, claims against government entities have strict notice requirements and damage caps. You typically must file a written notice of your intent to sue within a set timeframe and then allow for investigation before you can actually file a lawsuit.

What Kinds of Compensation Can You Recover from a Bus Accident?

Whether through a settlement or a lawsuit, injured bus passengers in Florida may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses, both current and future

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Costs of ongoing care or rehabilitation

The severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, and the size of the insurance policy all affect how much compensation may be available.

Call an Orlando, FL Bus Accident Lawyer Today

At The Doan Law Firm, our Winter Garden personal injury attorneys handle serious, high-stakes cases and have recovered billions of dollars for injured clients across Florida. We are available to take your call 24/7/365, we offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call The Doan Law Firm at 407-289-0000 today. 

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