Mass Transit Accidents
Everyday Floridians depend on mass transit, or public transportation systems, to take them to and from work, home and school. In Miami alone, approximately, 336, 067 passengers use mass transit. Unfortunately, some passengers will become injured in an accident as they travel.
Mass Transit Systems have a Higher Duty of Care
Miami’s public transit system operates a wide variety of vehicles. We are most familiar with buses and trains; however, public transit agencies also operate school buses, shuttle buses, vans and ordinary cars.
Under Florida’s bus seat belt safety law, school buses are required to have safety belts. This ensures that students are safe while traveling. Other forms of mass transit do not have safety belts. Still, we generally feel safe using mass transit and expect to arrive at our destinations. It should be no surprise that mass transit systems have a higher duty of care, which include:
- Making exits and entryways safe;
- Ensuring the health and safety of passengers by providing security;
- Hiring qualified personnel to operate the vehicles;
- Maintaining the vehicle’s engine, motor, and machinery; and
- Monitoring and correcting vehicle design flaws.
Accidents Still Occur on Mass Transit
Even though mass transit systems have a higher duty of care, accidents still occur. The most common types of public transportation accidents include collision with other vehicles and other objects. Because there are not many safety devices, passengers collide and bump into each other, resulting in injuries. The most common injuries include:
- Whiplash;
- Sprained and torn ligaments;
- Back injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Cuts, bruises, and scrapes;
- Broken bones;
- Severed limbs;
- Scarring;
- Brain injury;
- Internal injuries;
- Scalp injuries;
- Brain concussions;
- Carbon monoxide poisoning; and
- Death.
Victims of an accident while on mass transit may also require psychological services and rehabilitation (e.g. physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy). Insurance may not provide the coverage needed to fully recover from an accident. Additionally, insurance will not reimburse victims for wages lost while recovering.
Mass Transit Litigation is Complex
Mass transit injury cases are complex. The cause of an injury sustained while traveling on mass transit could be due to driver error, distracted driving, driver fatigue, aggressive driving, speeding, unruly passengers, faulty equipment or failure to maintain equipment. Navigating a personal injury claim involving mass transit requires the skill of a mass accident attorney.
Victims of Mass Transit Accidents Deserve Compensation
If you are a passenger and injured in a public transportation accident, you have the right to compensation for your losses. Alan Goldfarb, P.A. has extensive and successful experience in personal injury law. The Miami mass transit attorneys at our office can provide you and your loved ones with advice and counsel on your legal options after a bus, train or mass transit accident. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our office by calling (305)-371-3111.
