Transportation Accidents

Public transportation is becoming more and more commonly used throughout Florida. As the number of public vehicles rise, so does the number of accidents involving those vehicles. As a driver of a passenger car, you normally assume that the drivers and operators of buses, taxi cabs, trains and other vehicles have received the proper training in how to safely and professionally drive or operate their particular means of public transportation. When a driver of a public transportation vehicle is unsafe, reckless or negligent in their vehicle operation, it is a recipe for disaster.

Public transportation such as buses and taxis offer little safety to their passengers. While a passenger in an automobile has a seatbelt and airbag for protection, passengers of these public transit vehicles do not. When a bus driver slams on the brakes, passengers can be thrown out of their seats causing severe injury. Even if the driver avoided the collision, severe injuries or death may occur.

Accidents are generally devastating or fatal when they involve a bus, truck or train colliding with a smaller vehicle at any rate of speed. If you or a loved one has been severely injured in an accident with a public transportation vehicle, you should speak with a Florida public transportation accident lawyer immediately. Contact a law firm immediately so an attorney can meet with you and go over the specifics of your accident and see if there is a possible claim. A lawyer can then maximize your chances of recovering all of the damages resultant from your accident.

You may receive compensation for some or all of the following:

• Loss of wages
• Future loss of wages
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering

After an accident with a bus or any other public transportation vehicle, a lawyer will investigate the possible causes of the accident. They will determine the liable party and what cause contributed to the accident:

• Negligent drivers – Was the driver licensed and properly trained to operate the vehicle? Was the driver speeding or recklessly driving?
• Negligent companies – Was the vehicle properly maintained? Were there any past or unresolved mechanical issues?
• Dangerous road conditions – Did dangerous road conditions contribute to or cause the accident?

They then can take legal action and seek compensation on behalf of the injured party or parties.

While truck or other Public Transportation accidents share many similarities with automobile accidents, there are also major differences. Public Transportation vehicles are often in operation as part of a commercial venture. Insurance issues arise that may be more complicated. These vehicles that collide with cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians typically cause serious injury or death because of their their immense size.

There are many rules and regulations that pertain to these vehicles. Examples of this are:

•  Maximum pay load allowed
•  How often the vehicles must be inspected
•  How many hours the drivers are allowed to drive each day
•  Training and licensing of the drivers
•  Log books, manifests, and travel records
•  Drug and alcohol testing

Operators of commercial vehicles must make sure their vehicles adhere to both state and federal regulations including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety regulations.

In choosing the right law firm to represent you in a Public Transportation Accidents case, it is crucial that you look for a firm that possesses the skill, experience, knowledge, and the ability to most effectively present your case. With offices in Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the firm serves clientele throughout South Florida, as well as the entire state. At Forman Law Offices, the philosophy is simple: Seeking justice.

The hiring of a Transportation Accidents lawyer in Florida is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our malpractice firm’s qualifications and experience.