The Perazzo Law Firm has learned, according to ABC News, that a school bus crash in Winter Haven on Monday, October 5, 2026, claimed the lives of two people. In Florida, injured students’ claims and a family’s wrongful death claim follow different rules, and a Florida school car accident lawyer handling school bus accidents, can explain both. Families with questions can call 888-PERAZZO. This is general information about Florida law, not a claim that anyone is at fault.
What has been reported so far
According to ABC News, the bus carried 39 people, including 37 high school students and the driver. ABC News reports that the two people killed were a tenth-grade girl on the bus and the Jeep driver, that three students were airlifted, and that one person was in critical condition.
The crash happened around 6:15 a.m. on Lucerne Park Road, per ClickOrlando, which also reports that the National Transportation Safety Board is opening a safety investigation.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, according to ABC News, that a preliminary video review shows the bus was in its lane when a Chevy Malibu traveling the opposite direction drifted over the center line “for unknown reasons.” He said all information is preliminary. No court has made any finding about fault.
Injured students: claims and court approval
A minor cannot ordinarily settle an injury claim alone. Under Fla. Stat. 744.387, a child’s natural guardians may settle a claim of $15,000 or less without bond. Once a lawsuit has been filed, a settlement is not effective unless the court approves it.
Under Fla. Stat. 744.3025, the court must appoint a guardian ad litem before approving a minor’s settlement when the gross settlement is $50,000 or more. The court may appoint one when the settlement exceeds $15,000 if it finds one necessary to protect the child.
How insurance may fit in
Responsibility is for investigators and, if a case is filed, a court to decide. Uninsured motorist coverage under Fla. Stat. 627.727 protects insured persons who are legally entitled to recover from an uninsured owner or operator, including for death. Whether it applies depends on the policy and who is insured under it. An attorney can review every policy involved.
Families of the two people who died
Under Fla. Stat. 768.19, a person liable in damages had the victim lived remains liable after the death. Families can learn more about Florida wrongful death claims.
Frequently asked questions
Who files a wrongful death claim?
The decedent’s personal representative, under Fla. Stat. 768.20.
Is there a deadline?
The general filing period is two years under Fla. Stat. 95.11(5)(e). Other claims can differ, so ask a lawyer early.
Talk to us about your family’s situation
If your family was affected by this crash, call 888-PERAZZO or request a free case review. No attorney’s fee unless we recover for you.
Miami Car Accident Attorney Advertising. The Perazzo Law Firm maintains bona fide offices in North Miami Beach, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. Jonathan Perazzo, Esq., is the attorney responsible for this content. This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.