Miami’s public transportation system is a lifeline for millions. From the Metrobus to the Metrorail and Brightline trains, residents and tourists rely on these services daily. However, accidents involving buses, trains, or trolleys are not uncommon. In 2016, Miami-Dade County reported 64,070 total crashes, with 446 bus passengers injured—a stark reminder of the risks riders face. A public transport accident can involve any incident on buses, trains, or trolleys, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or, in the most tragic cases, wrongful death.
If you’ve been injured in a Miami public transport accident, securing fair compensation requires navigating complex legal processes. This guide explains your rights under Florida law, how to build a strong claim, and why partnering with Miami car accident attorneys at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP is critical to maximizing your recovery.
Common Causes of Public Transport Accidents in Miami
Understanding what triggers these accidents is essential for establishing liability and securing proper compensation for public transport accidents. Here are the primary causes we encounter in Miami:
- Driver Negligence
- Distracted Driving: Bus or train operators using phones, GPS devices, or eating while driving.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Ignoring traffic signals or failing to adjust for Miami’s heavy rainstorms.
- Fatigue: Long shifts for drivers, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- DUI: Rare but catastrophic if a driver operates a vehicle under the influence.
- Vehicle Defects
- Poor maintenance (e.g., faulty brakes, worn tires) by government or private operators.
- Defective equipment, such as malfunctioning doors or broken handrails.
- Road and Infrastructure Hazards
- Poorly designed intersections (e.g., Downtown Miami’s congested roads).
- Debris, potholes, or inadequate signage on routes.
- Passenger Negligence
- Slip-and-falls due to wet floors at Metrorail stations or overcrowded buses.
- Poorly secured luggage falling and injuring riders.
These factors underscore the importance of thorough evidence collection in public transport accident claims.
Who Is Liable in a Public Transport Accident?
When pursuing a public transport accident claim, identifying the responsible party is crucial. Several entities may bear liability:
- Government Entities (Miami-Dade Transit)
- Public buses and trains are often operated by government agencies. Under the Florida Tort Claims Act, victims can sue municipalities, but compensation is capped at $200,000 per person unless the legislature approves a higher amount.
- Private Transport Companies
- Private operators (e.g., Brightline, Greyhound, charter buses) are not subject to government damage caps. Victims can pursue full compensation for losses.
- Third Parties
- Other Drivers: A negligent car driver who collides with a bus.
- Manufacturers: Companies liable for defective vehicle parts (e.g., faulty brakes).
- Maintenance Contractors: Poorly repaired roads or ignored safety protocols.
- Shared Fault in Florida
- Florida follows comparative negligence rules. If you’re partially at fault (e.g., standing in a moving bus), your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
A skilled car accident lawyer will investigate all parties to ensure maximum accountability.
Steps to File a Public Transport Accident Claim
Taking the right actions after an accident can significantly impact your ability to receive fair compensation:
- Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, vehicle damage, and hazardous conditions (e.g., broken stairs at a bus stop).
- Collect contact information from witnesses and request surveillance footage (e.g., from bus cameras or nearby businesses).
- Seek Immediate Medical Care
- Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a doctor. Delayed treatment can undermine your claim.
- Keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and rehabilitation plans.
- Report the Accident
- File a police report and notify the transit operator (e.g., Miami-Dade Transit). For government claims, submit a formal notice within 3 years under Florida’s statute of limitations.
- Consult a Public Transport Accident Solicitor
- Government claims require strict deadlines and procedural rules. For example, you must provide written notice to the responsible agency within 3 years.
- Car accident lawyers gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and counter lowball settlement offers.
- Negotiate or Litigate
- Most cases settle out of court, but a trial may be necessary if the insurer refuses a fair offer.
Compensation Available for Victims of Public Transport Accidents
Victims of public transport accidents may be eligible for several types of compensation:
- Economic Damages
- Medical Bills: Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of personal items (e.g., phones, laptops).
- Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional trauma from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in hobbies or family activities.
- Punitive Damages
- In rare cases involving gross negligence, such as accidents caused by intoxicated drivers, punitive damages may be available. These damages serve to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Why Hire a Miami Public Transport Accident Solicitor?
Government and private insurers often undervalue or deny claims to protect profits. A car accident attorney ensures your rights are prioritized:
- Complex Legal Hurdles: Government claims under the Florida Tort Claims Act require strict deadlines and damage caps ($200,000 per person). Auto accident lawyers file notices correctly and negotiate around limits.
- Evidence Preservation: Critical proof—like bus camera footage, driver logs, or maintenance records—disappears quickly. Attorneys act fast to secure it.
- Local Insight: Miami’s unique risks (tourist traffic, summer storms) demand attorneys familiar with local transit operations and jury dynamics.
- Maximized Compensation: Auto accident attorneys calculate future medical costs, lost wages, and pain & suffering—insurers won’t.
- No Upfront Costs: Lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
Public transport accidents in Miami demand swift action to secure evidence, meet deadlines, and counter insurers’ tactics. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Miami-based team combines decades of local experience with a relentless focus on client recovery. From negotiating with Miami-Dade Transit to litigating against private insurers, we fight to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve.
Don’t let a public transport accident derail your life. Contact car accident attorneys today at 305-371-2692 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Serving Miami-Dade, South Beach, and all of Florida.