Public Transportation Accident Lawyers in South Florida
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Many South Florida residents, as well as tourists, rely on public transportation for their daily commutes and to get around the area. As more and more individuals ride public transit, the potential for accidents also increases.
Public transit is owned and operated by common carriers, which may be private or public entities. All common carriers, however, are regulated by the state. Public transportation can include a variety of types of vehicles, with city buses and trains being among the most common.
Public Transportation Accident Titles
Intersection Accidents
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation in a warm climate like South Florida, where they can be utilized year round. Motorcycle riders love the sense of freedom they get from riding. However, motorcycles pose their own dangers too, especially when navigating through intersections with other vehicles whose drivers aren’t
Left Turn Collisions
Drivers may not take proper care when operating their vehicles, such as when they are rushing to make a left turn. Often, these negligent maneuvers pose risks to others on the road, including motorcyclists, and serious harm can result. If you’ve been injured in a left turn collision near Miami,
Broadside Collisions
Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of riding without being caged in, able to enjoy the open roads and beautiful weather in Florida. However, such freedom can come with a price if a motorcycle is broadsided by another vehicle. The impact of these types of collisions can be severe and sometimes fatal. Motorcycle
Why Hire The Law Offices of Robert Dixon in FL
- Decades of Experience: Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling Florida personal injury cases.
- Client-Focused Advocacy: We are dedicated to protecting accident victims and their families at every step.
- No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
- Proven Results: We have a strong track record of successful settlements and verdicts.
Fast Legal Answers for Public Transportation Accidents in Florida
What is the duty of care for public transit / common carriers in Florida?
Public transit operators (common carriers) owe passengers a higher standard of care than ordinary drivers. They must exercise the “highest degree of care” consistent with safely transporting passengers.
Can I sue a governmental entity (e.g. a city or county transit agency) if I’m injured on public transit?
Yes, but there are special rules. Under the Florida Tort Claims Act (Fla. Stat. § 768.28), victims of accidents involving government-run transit must follow specific procedural requirements, including giving notice and filing within certain time limits. Damage caps also apply.
What are the time limits for filing a claim involving public transportation accidents?
Typically, you have 4 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If you are suing a government entity, you often must first file a notice of claim within a shorter period (often 3 years) before suing.
What compensation caps apply when suing government transit entities?
Under Florida law, the Florida Tort Claims Act caps damages in claims against government entities: $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident.
What causes can lead to liability in a public transit accident?
Common causes include:
Faulty or poorly maintained equipment (e.g. brakes, rails)
Inadequate training or fatigue of drivers/operators
Defective signals or safety systems
Unsafe or missing signage in boarding or exit zones
Negligent behavior by other motorists or third parties affecting the transit vehicle
Who can be held liable for a Florida taxi accident?
Liability may rest with the taxi driver, the taxi company, another motorist, or a combination of these parties depending on who was negligent.
What insurance coverage applies to taxi accidents in Florida?
Florida requires taxi companies to carry at least $125,000 bodily injury coverage per person and $250,000 per accident, along with property damage coverage. These policies may pay for your medical bills and other losses.
Can I sue the taxi company even if the driver was at fault?
Call 911 and request medical help if needed.
Collect driver and company information, witness contacts, and take photos.
Seek medical care, even for minor symptoms.
Notify your insurance company but avoid detailed statements until speaking with an attorney.
What should I do immediately after a taxi accident?
Often yes. Under vicarious liability, the taxi company may be responsible if the driver was working within the scope of employment.
Who can be held liable after a train accident in Florida?
Liability may rest with the railroad company, the train operator/conductor, equipment manufacturers, maintenance contractors, or even a government agency responsible for track upkeep, depending on the cause.
What are common causes of train accidents?
Faulty or missing crossing signals or gates
Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
Conductor fatigue, distraction, or intoxication
Excessive speed or operator error
Defective tracks or switches
Can I sue the railroad company if a crossing lacked lights or gates?
Yes. If the railroad failed to install or maintain proper warning devices or neglected track safety, you can file a negligence claim for injuries or wrongful death.
How do Florida’s statutes of limitation apply to train accidents?
Personal injury: generally 4 years from the accident date.
Wrongful death: generally 2 years.
Claims against government entities (such as a municipal rail system) require notice under the Florida Tort Claims Act before filing.
What should I do immediately after a train accident?
Call 911 and obtain medical attention.
Gather witness information and take photos if safe.
Preserve all medical records and expenses.
Contact an experienced train accident attorney before speaking with insurance or railroad representatives.
Who can be held liable after an airplane accident in Florida?
Possible defendants include the pilot, the airline or charter company, aircraft or parts manufacturers, maintenance contractors, or even air traffic controllers, depending on the cause.
What are the most common causes of aviation accidents?
Pilot error or inexperience
Mechanical or design defects
Poor maintenance or inspection practices
FAA regulation violations
Air traffic control mistakes
Severe weather conditions
How is an airplane accident investigation conducted?
Investigations typically involve the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and aviation experts who analyze flight data, maintenance records, and pilot actions to determine fault.
What damages can victims or families recover?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. In fatal crashes, families may seek wrongful death damages such as funeral costs and loss of companionship.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Florida?
Personal injury: within 4 years of the crash.
Wrongful death: within 2 years of the victim’s death.
Claims involving government-operated aircraft may require additional notice under the Florida Tort Claims Act.
What should I do immediately after an aviation accident?
Seek medical attention first.
Preserve evidence such as flight details, tickets, or communications.
Avoid speaking with insurers or airline representatives without legal counsel.
Contact an experienced aviation accident attorney promptly.
Are there federal laws that apply to aviation accidents?
Yes. FAA regulations and federal aviation safety standards govern maintenance, operation, and pilot conduct. Violations of these can support a negligence claim.
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