Public transportation is something that many underestimate the value of. Not only is this a great way to save money as you don’t need to pay for gas or insurance, but it helps reduce the number of cars on the road, improving traffic conditions. However, as a passenger of public transit, the last thing you may expect is to be involved in an accident. Unfortunately, these accidents do happen, but many victims are unaware of their legal options. As such, if this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what you should do if you’ve been injured and why connecting with a Broward County auto accident lawyer is in your best interest.
How Do Public Transit Accident Happen?
In many instances, you’ll find that accidents on public transit are often preventable. Common causes of accidents involving buses and rails in Miami and the surrounding counties include:
- Driver error
- Weather
- Other drivers
- Improperly maintained rail tracks
- Failure to maintain vehicles
- Wear and tear on equipment
Determining liability for these accidents can be challenging, as many factors may involved. For example, if the bus suffers a tire blowout due to improper maintenance and the driver is negligent, such as driving under the influence or speeding, both the entity responsible for maintaining the vehicle and the driver can face liability for accidents sustained.
However, if another driver is at fault, they would face liability. For example, if they run a red light and collide with the bus you are on, the bus driver would not face liability, but the other driver would be responsible.
What Should I Do if I’m a Passenger and I Sustain Injuries?
If you sustain an injury while riding on public transit understanding how to proceed is critical. Generally, one of the most important things you can do is immediately seek medical treatment, even if you feel okay. It’s in the best interest of your health to establish care as soon as possible.
When the driver reports the accident to their employer, a representative will likely arrive on the scene to help inform passengers of the next steps. They may also provide a claim form. You should not submit this form until you have consulted an experienced personal injury attorney.
If the bus or rail system is operated by the state, it’s important to understand the statute of limitations for these matters if the driver is at fault. When filing a lawsuit against the government, you must file a “Notice of Claim” informing the entity of your intent to bring about a claim. In Florida, you will have three years to submit this claim but it’s in your best interest to do so sooner rather than later.
As you can see, holding a public transit company responsible for the injuries they’ve caused can be an incredibly complex matter. That’s why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances. At the Finizio Law Group, we understand the complexity of these matters. Reach out to our team today to learn more.
