Mass transit accidents can be devastating. If you were injured in one, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Continue reading and give one of our skilled St. Petersburg mass transit accident attorneys a call today. Our legal team is on your side no matter what you are facing. Here are some questions you may have:
What are the common causes of train accidents in Florida?
There are a number of different train options available in St. Petersburg and Central Florida, including SunRail, Amtrak, and Brightline. Many people rely on these methods of transportation to get safely from place to place. While train accidents are less regular than bus accidents, they do happen from time to time. Trains are usually safer because they are not subject to the variables that buses face on the streets 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 injured. Train derailment, even though it is rare, can result in serious injuries and even fatalities.
How do bus accidents occur?
Bus accidents occur frequently in Florida. St. Petersburg is fortunate enough to have multiple bus services, including LYNX Bus Service and LYMMO Downtown Circulator. Just 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 horrible consequences. Even sudden stops and starts can result in injured passengers. Occasionally, injuries can be caused by a bus that drops passengers off on dangerous parts of the road. This can cause slip and falls, pedestrian accidents, and more.
Can municipalities be held responsible for mass transit accidents?
In the event that you are hurt on a bus or train, you may have to file a lawsuit against a municipality. Filing legal action against 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 order a hearing to assess the facts of the claim. It is essential to be mindful that a Notice of Claim is often a much briefer deadline than the Statute of Limitations in Florida. You will want to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney who can help you meet your claim’s various deadlines.