If you are someone who uses the LYNX Bus Service, LYMMO Downtown Circulator, or SunRail, Amtrak, or Brightline train services, chances are you never think about the possibility of a crash. These are dependable, even mundane modes of transportation for the most part, and we very rarely hear of anything going wrong. However, accidents may happen more than you think–something you are now acutely aware of if you have been involved in a mass transit accident. These accidents, though comparatively uncommon, are usually far more severe when they happen. If you have been involved in a mass transit accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some of the main causes of bus accidents in Florida?
Thankfully, Florida bus drivers rarely have to deal with the hazard of snow or ice. However, there are plenty of other hazardous conditions that bus drivers face on a daily basis. Additionally, bus drivers or other motorists may behave negligently, even without any intent in doing so. Here are some of the primary causes of Florida bus accidents:
- Bus fires
- Lack of seatbelts
- Lack of fire extinguishers
- Defective escape doors and hatches
- Large blind spots
- Negligent road design
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Eating while driving
- Texting while driving
- Sudden stops and starts
- Discharging of passengers on unsafe or poorly maintained roadways
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
What are the most common causes of train accidents?
While train accidents are less common than bus accidents, they are often even more deadly. Train accidents are generally either caused by driver negligence or negligent maintenance. Here are some of the leading causes of train accidents:
- Train operators failing to comply with orders
- Railroad employees falling asleep
- Operators failing to secure or release hand brakes
- Improper alignment of railroad switches
- Railroad employees operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Excessively speeding
- Worn down rails
- Rusted tracks
- Broken or dysfunctional switches
What is a Notice of Claim?
If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, there is no reason you should have to suffer due to lost wages, medical bills, and more. However, you should note that in Florida, suing a municipality for your injury is different from suing a private party. If you wish to file a lawsuit with a municipality, you will most likely have to file a Notice of Claim. A Notice of Claim is usually a much shorter deadline than the Statute of Limitations is in Florida. This is why you cannot wait to take action–contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today.
Contact our Florida firm
If you or someone you know was injured in a personal injury accident and wishes to speak with an attorney, contact Florida Personal Injury Law Team today.
