Sumter County, Fla.  — School Bus Accident in Sumter County Injures Two

Sumter County, Fla. (September 6, 2024) –  Two people suffered injuries in a school bus accident that occurred at around 8:35 a.m. Friday morning in Sumter County. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of County Road 222 and County Road 223, involved a school bus that was carrying 14 students and a smaller passenger vehicle.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to obey traffic signals and signs. It also underscores the importance of remaining vigilant while driving, especially in areas where school buses operate. 

If your child was injured in a bus accident, call Magazine & Light Law Group at 727-499-9900. We offer free consultations.

Details About the Sumter County School Bus Accident 

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident was caused when a 68-year-old woman from Bushnell allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign while traveling eastbound on CR 222. Her Ford Escort Wagon entered the path of the school bus, which was traveling southbound on CR 223, resulting in a collision.

The driver of the Ford Escort Wagon suffered serious injuries and was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment. The 50-year-old school bus driver from Wildwood reportedly sustained minor injuries in the crash.

Fortunately, none of the 14 middle and high school students who were on the bus suffered injuries. However, the emotional impact of such an event on young passengers should not be underestimated.

ABC Action News states that this is the second Florida school bus crash reported in two days. A Manatee County school bus that was transporting students struck a 59-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the street, on Thursday. The victim in this accident was hospitalized.

Legal Implications of the Sumter County School Bus Accident

From a legal perspective, this case raises several important points:

1. Who Is Liable for Injuries in the School Bus Accident? Liability for the bus accident will depend on the outcome of the crash investigation. The 68-year-old driver who ran the stop sign may be held liable for the injuries and damages resulting from the accident. 
2. What Is Comparative Negligence? Florida follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that in the event of a lawsuit, each party’s degree of fault would be considered when determining compensation.
3. Is There Potential for Multiple Claims? Given the number of individuals involved, including the students on the bus, there could be multiple personal injury claims arising from this single school bus accident.
4. What Is the Importance of a Proper Bus Accident Investigation? A thorough investigation is crucial to determine all factors that may have contributed to the accident. This helps bus accident lawyers provide guidance on whom to file a claim against.
5. What Are Insurance Considerations in the Bus Accident Case? The insurance policies of the involved drivers, and the school district’s policy, may come into play in covering damages and medical expenses.

As experienced Florida personal injury attorneys, we cannot stress enough the importance of safe driving practices, especially around school buses, school bus stops, and schools. A moment’s distraction or oversight like this could lead to serious consequences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a school bus accident in Florida, seek legal advice as soon as your condition is stable. An experienced bus accident lawyer at our law firm can help you navigate the complicated legal landscape, ensure your rights are protected, and work towards securing fair compensation for any injuries or damages you sustained.

At Magazine & Light Law Group in Clearwater, our accident attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience representing injured Floridians. We offer FREE, no-obligation consultations, and we won’t charge you any attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.  

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association