Across the state of Florida, millions of people use mass transit as their primary source of transportation. Dependability, affordability, and safety are just some of the many reasons people choose to use mass transit over owning and operating cars every day. People use buses and trains to get to and from locations in a timely manner. When we trust in the service of mass transit, we hope that they will take all precautions to secure our safety. This is often the case but traveling on buses and trains comes with risks. Buses share the road with other drivers and accidents happen regularly. Trains can injure passengers with sudden starts and stops, excess speed around curves, and even derailment. When these massive vehicles are operated recklessly, passengers are at risk of injury. If you have suffered injuries caused by a bus or train accident, contact an attorney immediately. As many of these accidents involve municipalities, you do not have a lot of time to file a lawsuit. If you need aggressive and effective representation, contact the mass transit accident attorneys here at Youngblood Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Types of Mass Transit Accidents
Bus Accidents
Bus accidents happen often in Florida. St. Petersburg is lucky enough to have multiple bus services, including LYNX Bus Service and LYMMO Downtown Circulator. Like any other motor vehicle on the road, buses are susceptible to accidents that put their passengers at risk. Passengers can be hurt quite easily in bus accidents. Many buses do not come with seatbelts and accidents can lead to terrible results. Even sudden stops and starts can lead to injured passengers. Sometimes, injuries can be caused by a bus that drops passengers off on dangerous parts of the road. This can lead to slip and falls, pedestrian accidents, and more.
Train Accidents
St. Petersburg and the Central Florida area are home to multiple train options, including SunRail, Amtrak, and Brightline. Many people rely on these options to get safely from place to place. While train accidents are less frequent than bus accidents, they do happen every so often. Trains are often safer because they are not subject to the variables that buses face on the roadways of St. Petersburg. Most train passengers are not protected by seatbelts or constraints. When a train operator speeds around turns or starts and stops irresponsibly, a passenger can get hurt. Train derailment, though rare, can cause catastrophic results, including deaths.
Municipalities May be to Blame
If you are injured on a bus or train, you may have to bring a lawsuit to a municipality. Suing a municipality for a personal injury claim is very different than suing a private or commercial property owner. To file a lawsuit with a municipality, you may need to file a Notice of Claim. The municipality will request a hearing to assess the validity of the claim. It is important to be aware that a Notice of Claim is often a much shorter deadline than the statute of limitations in Florida. It is best to speak with an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney who can determine the various deadlines you may need to meet when filing a claim.
Contact Our Mass Transit Accident Attorneys Today
If you have been injured on a bus or train in the St. Petersburg area, you should explore your legal options with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our firm has successfully represented the interests of clients through a variety of personal injury matters and has recovered millions in damages for them. Bus and train accidents can be serious situations. If you need our legal services, contact Youngblood Law Firm today.
