TOPS bus struck Smith’s scooter while turning from Northwest Fourth Street
November 06, 2025 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
A man riding a scooter died days after a Broward County Transit bus hit him while turning at a busy Fort Lauderdale intersection.
The crash happened earlier this month and authorities continue to examine the circumstances.
William Smith, 45, of Fort Lauderdale, was fatally struck by a TOPS bus while riding a scooter at Northwest Fourth Street and Northwest Eighth Avenue.
What Happened in the Fort Lauderdale Bus Crash?
- Victim: William Smith
- Date of incident: November 3, 2025
- Time: About 11:20 a.m.
- Location: Northwest Fourth Street and Northwest Eighth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Vehicle involved: Broward County Transit, TOPS bus
- Outcome: Smith taken to Broward Health Medical Center and died three days later on November 6, 2025
The Broward Sheriff’s Office said the bus driver turned left from Northwest Fourth Street onto Northwest Eighth Avenue when the vehicle struck Smith on his scooter.
Why Do Bus-Pedestrian Crashes Occur?
Buses present unique dangers to smaller road users because of their large size and driver blind spots. Common causes include:
- Distracted or tired driving
- Mechanical failures
- Driver mistakes
- Lack of training for operating heavy vehicles
Bus Crash Statistics (U.S. Annual) |
Source |
|---|
Approximately 60,000 crashes |
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration |
Hundreds of fatalities |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Legal Insights
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a bus crash case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Bus crashes are often complex, and companies often utilize large law firms to defend a negligent driver.”
Key takeaways from analysts:
- Independent investigations preserve evidence for families
- Expert witnesses and driver background reviews strengthen cases
- Attorneys guide victims through complex legal steps
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Families may pursue compensation for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress after fatal accidents.
Investigation Ongoing
The Broward Sheriff’s Office continues its review of the collision. No charges have been announced.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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