Being hit by a public transportation vehicle while walking can lead to severe injuries and even death. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents involving buses, trolleys, trains, and other public transit are not uncommon in Florida. Understanding the risks, relevant laws, and what to do if you’re injured can help protect pedestrians.
Scope of the Problem in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), there were over 10,000 crashes involving pedestrians in 2022. These resulted in hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths. Some of the key factors contributing to pedestrian collisions with public transit include:
- High volume of riders and pedestrians in urban areas
- Narrow sidewalks and crosswalks near bus stops and train platforms
- Limited visibility for bus drivers around their large vehicles
- Pedestrians jaywalking or disregarding signals/signs
- Driver distraction or intoxication
Large cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa see the highest rates of crashes. But no part of the state is immune. Even vigilance by pedestrians is sometimes not enough to prevent an accident when drivers are negligent.
Common Injuries from Public Transit Collisions
When a multi-ton vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results are almost always traumatic. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones – Legs, arms, hips, and ribs are all vulnerable to fractures or compound breaks when hit. These often require surgery and can leave permanent damage.
- Head and brain injuries – The sudden impact and fall to the pavement can cause traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, concussions, and internal bleeding. These frequently have lasting effects.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the vertebrae or spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis. This life-altering injury requires extensive medical care.
- Internal organ damage – Being crushed between a bus and the ground can rupture or crush lungs, kidneys, the abdomen, and other organs. This causes severe internal bleeding.
- Death – When pedestrians are dragged under or struck directly by a public transit vehicle at full speed, the outcome is too often deadly. Survivors may be left with severe disabilities.
Liability Following Accidents
Florida is a no-fault insurance state for motor vehicle collisions. Drivers are covered by their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policies for medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limit, regardless of fault. For severe injuries or fatalities, victims can pursue legal action against any negligent parties beyond the PIP policy benefits.
In pedestrian accidents involving public transportation like city buses or county transit trains, the government entity usually enjoys broad immunity under Florida law. However, they may share liability when gross negligence by the driver or dangerous conditions contributed to the crash. Victims should consult a personal injury attorney to determine their legal options.
If the transit vehicle which struck the pedestrian was privately operated, such as an intercity bus, tour bus, or shuttle, the company may bear responsibility for driver negligence or inadequate safety policies. Drivers may also face criminal charges for violations like DUI or reckless driving if their behavior was extremely negligent.
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
While responsibility ultimately falls on public transit drivers to watch for pedestrians, all foot traffic should take precautions for their own safety. Recommended tips include:
- Cross at designated crosswalks and obey walk/don’t walk signs at intersections. Avoid jaywalking.
- Look both ways before crossing bus lanes, roads, or train tracks. Don’t assume drivers see you.
- Avoid distractions like cell phones when walking near roadways or transit stops.
- Be vigilant around stopped buses or trains, as they may begin moving suddenly.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- At night, use crosswalks and wear light colors or reflective materials to be visible.
- Watch your proximity to platforms or tracks when trains are passing through stations.
- Report any dangerous conditions at bus stops or train platforms to the transportation authorities.
By exercising caution and following local pedestrian laws, you can reduce the chances of being struck by a transit vehicle in Florida. However, accidents can still happen even when all due care is taken.
Get Legal Help from Experienced Attorneys
Pedestrian injuries often lead to massive medical bills, lost income, and other expenses that can devastate families. Florida law allows injury victims to recover compensation for these damages when another party is at fault. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help injured pedestrians pursue a claim following a transit accident.
Monge & Associates is a leading personal injury law firm serving clients across 19 states and 32 locations, including Florida, Mississippi, and Iowa. If you or a loved one have been injured in a trolley, bus, or train accident, contact us today at (888) 477-0597 for a free consultation. Our lawyers will review your case details to determine your best legal options and fight to get you the maximum compensation allowed. We are committed to holding public transit companies and negligent drivers accountable when pedestrians are harmed. You can trust Monge & Associates to handle your injury claim from start to finish while you focus on healing and recovery.