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Injured on a St. Lucie ART Bus? Here’s How to File a Claim Against a Public Entity

Dec 17, 2025 | Accident Law

If you were injured in a collision involving an ART (Area Regional Transit) bus in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or elsewhere on Florida’s Treasure Coast, you may be wondering how to protect your rights and seek compensation.

Unlike crashes involving private vehicles, accidents with public transit buses — like ART buses operated by local government agencies — have special legal rules because you’re dealing with a government entity rather than a private at‑fault party.

This article explains what to do after an ART bus crash, how to file a claim against a public entity in Florida, and why consulting an experienced attorney matters.

What Makes ART Bus Accidents Different?

Area Regional Transit (ART) buses are owned and operated by local government or regional transportation authorities. Because of that:

  • The operator is a government employee

  • The bus is a public vehicle

  • The responsible party is a public entity (city, county, or regional authority)

That matters because claims against government entities are governed by Florida’s sovereign immunity laws — meaning you cannot simply file a standard insurance claim or lawsuit the same way you would against a private driver.

Step 1: Get Medical Treatment Right Away

Your health is the first priority.

Even if your injuries seem minor at first:

  • Visit a doctor or emergency room

  • Document all injuries and treatment plans

  • Keep copies of medical reports, bills, and diagnostics

  • Follow medical advice completely

Medical records are critical evidence in any claim — especially when dealing with a transit authority and its insurers.

Step 2: Report the Accident to Authorities

Make sure the crash is properly documented:

  • Contact local police (Port St. Lucie PD, St. Lucie County Sheriff, or Martin County Sheriff, depending on where the crash occurred)

  • Make a formal accident report

  • Get a copy of the police report if possible

This report helps establish what happened and is often needed when filing a claim against a public entity.

Step 3: Preserve Evidence

If possible:

  • Take photos/videos of the scene, vehicle positions, traffic signals, road conditions

  • Photograph your injuries

  • Gather witness contact information

  • Save any video you took or was shared with you (including surveillance footage)

Public transit vehicles frequently have onboard cameras — a preservation letter may be necessary to ensure the footage isn’t destroyed.

Step 4: Understand Your Deadlines – Notice of Claim

Claims against public entities in Florida have strict rules and deadlines.
You must file a Notice of Claim — usually within 3 to 4 months of the accident — or you lose the right to compensation.

Key Points:

  • Notice of Claim must be sent to the government agency, not an insurance company

  • It must include:

    • Your name and contact info

    • Date/time/location of the accident

    • A description of what happened

    • A general description of the injuries

  • It must be filed before you sue (if a lawsuit becomes necessary)

Because timing is so strict, don’t delay — even if you’re still seeking treatment.

Step 5: What Types of Compensation Are Available?

If your claim is valid, you may be entitled to:

Economic Damages

  • Medical bills (past and future)

  • Lost wages

  • Lost earning capacity

  • Rehabilitation or therapy costs

Non‑Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Physical limitations and lifestyle changes

The value of your claim depends on the severity of injuries, medical prognosis, age, lost wages, and long‑term needs.

Step 6: What If the Government Says “No”?

Unlike private insurance claims, public entities often deny claims initially or offer low settlements. If that happens:

  1. You typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (Florida Statute § 95.11)

  2. Filing a lawsuit must follow a properly filed Notice of Claim

  3. There are additional procedural rules and service requirements

Missing deadlines or paperwork can permanently bar your case — another reason to have experienced legal guidance.

Common Challenges in ART Bus Claims

Sovereign Immunity

Florida’s government entities have legal protections that limit liability — but these limits can be overcome with proper legal strategy.

Multiple Parties

An ART bus crash may involve:

  • The transit authority

  • A private driver

  • A municipal contractor

  • A bus manufacturer or maintenance provider

Identifying all responsible parties early can increase compensation.

Recorded Evidence

Transit agencies have:

  • Onboard video

  • GPS records

  • Maintenance and driver logs

Preserving and obtaining these records often requires legal pressure through preservation letters or litigation.

Why You Should Consult an Attorney

Filing and pursuing a claim against a public entity — especially in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, and across the Treasure Coast — is not like a typical auto accident claim.

An experienced attorney can:

  • Prepare and file the Notice of Claim correctly

  • Ensure deadlines are met

  • Collect and preserve critical evidence

  • Review medical records

  • Negotiate with government adjusters

  • Litigate in court if necessary

Having legal representation doesn’t cost you up front — most personal injury attorneys work on contingency (you pay only if you recover).

Local Tips for Treasure Coast Residents

If your accident happened near:

  • Port St. Lucie Boulevard

  • US‑1 in Fort Pierce

  • Seaway Drive in Stuart

  • I‑95 exits along the Treasure Coast

…local courts and claims offices are familiar with ART bus cases — but they still require strict adherence to Florida claim procedures.

Local legal counsel who knows the area — and the specific transit authority — has a real advantage in maximizing your recovery.

Final Thoughts

Being injured in an ART bus accident can be confusing and overwhelming. When the at‑fault party is a government entity, you face special rules, strict deadlines, and unique legal hurdles.

But you still have rights — and you don’t lose them just because the other party is a public agency.

If you’ve been hurt in an ART bus crash on the Treasure Coast, act promptly.
Consult an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who understands government claims and can help protect your future.

Justice is more just with a lawyer you can trust.