Public Transportation Accidents

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. Injuries that result from collisions involving a public transit vehicle, like a bus or train, can be more significant than those in ordinary car accidents, since these vehicles are bigger and also involve more people being shifted upon impact. The Miami public transportation accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist victims who have been injured in public transportation accidents in pursuing proper legal action against those responsible for their harm.

Lawsuits involving governmental entities, which own and operate public transit systems, are subject to specific rules and regulations, making these claims more complex than other personal injury cases. The team have experience handling public transportation accident claims, working tirelessly to ensure that victims receive the compensation to which they are entitled in order to cope with their injuries. Our firm represents clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in South Florida.

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. However, some cities and counties can also incorporate school buses, shuttles, and vans or regular-sized cars. South Florida is the site of sprawling public transportation systems. For example, Miami-Dade Transit is the largest transit system in the state and one of the largest in the country as well. A public transportation accident attorney in Miami can help a victim bring a claim arising from any of a variety of negligent actions, including:

• Faulty equipment, due to lack of maintenance or a defect
• Drivers who are intoxicated or overly fatigued
• Improperly designed railway signals
• Lack of proper signs at embarking or departure areas

Legal action arising from accidents involving public transportation is subject to specialized rules. For instance, common carriers owe passengers a higher duty of care than that imposed for other motorists and persons on the roadways, due to the fact that their vehicles are responsible for transporting more people at the same time. In fact, under Florida law, common carriers may be found guilty of a misdemeanor offense for negligent management.

Because of their higher duty of care, civil claims against a common carrier arising out of a train or bus accident may proceed differently from those against ordinary drivers. In order to file a claim against a government entity, like a municipality in charge of operating public transit, there must be permission given by statute. The Florida Tort Claims Act allows victims of public transportation accidents to file suit against the government agency responsible as a common carrier. This statute also sets out the specific steps that plaintiffs and their Miami public transportation accident attorneys must follow in order for a claim to be valid, such as filing the lawsuit with the correct department. These claims must be initiated within four years of a victim's injury.

The Florida Tort Claims Act also institutes a maximum cap on compensation for victims, amounting to $200,000 per person and $300,000 per claim, as of 2011. Public transportation accident claims involve nuanced procedural elements as well as an intensive investigation into the cause of a collision, so having an experienced injury attorney on your side is important to ensure that your rights are preserved and properly asserted throughout the process.

Public transportation accidents can lead to significant injuries for many of the victims involved. These injuries are often accompanied by costs of medical treatment, time needed away from work to recover, and other expenses related to healing. Serving people throughout the Miami area, the public transportation accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are committed to making sure that victims, as well as families of loved ones, receive compensation from the entities responsible for their harm. If you have questions regarding your legal options in the aftermath of a public transportation accident in Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or the surrounding areas, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation regarding your potential claim.