Brightline, Florida’s high-speed passenger rail service, promises a speedy and convenient journey for passengers traveling between Miami and West Palm Beach. But what happens when that journey is derailed by an unexpected accident? If you or a loved one has been injured in a Brightline accident, you may be left wondering what steps you can take to recover from your injuries and secure the compensation you deserve.
In this blog, we’ll explore the legal landscape of the brightline accident, from determining negligence to filing a lawsuit. So buckle up as we journey to help you understand your options for seeking justice.
Types of Brightline Accidents
Brightline trains, like any mode of transportation, can be involved in accidents. It’s essential to understand the various forms of train crashes that may occur, so you can be prepared and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Here are some of the most common types of Brightline train accidents that could result in personal injury claims:
- Derailment
- Subway collision
- Accident with an oncoming train
- Railroad track collision with debris
- Railroad overcrossing
Causes of Railroad Accidents
Human Error
One of the leading causes of train accidents is human error. This includes distracted or fatigued conductors, inexperienced or negligent train crews, and inadequate communication between train employees.
Defective Equipment
Another common cause of train accidents is defective equipment, such as malfunctioning crossing gates, broken rails, or equipment failure. These problems can be caused by inadequate track maintenance or defective train parts manufactured by train companies.
Environmental Factors
Nature can also play a role in train accidents, such as severe weather conditions or track obstructions. In these cases, it’s essential to determine whether the train company took adequate precautions to protect passengers and prevent accidents.
Intoxication
Drunk driving can lead to train accidents, whether by train crews or others. This highlights the importance of stringent regulations and monitoring systems to prevent such incidents.
Vehicle or Pedestrian Interference
Finally, collisions with vehicles or pedestrians on the tracks can also lead to train accidents. In these cases, it’s crucial to determine whether adequate warning devices were in place and whether the train crew took appropriate measures to prevent the accident.
What’s Being Done to Prevent Accidents?
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties are among the country’s top ten counties with the highest railway crossing casualties. With such an increased incidence of rail accidents, the FRA has taken significant steps to address this issue and improve rail safety in South Florida.
Increased Inspections and Safety Grants
Since 2020, the FRA has taken the initiative to hire a specialized inspector specifically for South Florida in an effort to keep a closer eye on the rail system and prevent accidents. Additionally, the FRA has provided $192,000 in safety grants to further improve infrastructure and increase safety in communities along the rail lines.
Community Outreach and Awareness
The FRA has also taken an active role in raising awareness about the importance of rail safety by organizing town halls and other public events. These events provide a platform for the FRA to engage with the local community, educate them on the risks associated with railway crossings, and work together to find solutions to the issue.
Commitment to Improving Rail Safety
The FRA’s commitment to improving rail safety is evident in their continued efforts to prevent grade crossing collisions and incidents involving pedestrians along the railway rights-of-way. In a statement to NBC 6, an FRA spokesperson stated, “We will continue to support efforts to improve infrastructure and adopt engineering solutions that increase safety in communities along rail lines.”
What to Do After a Brightline Accident Resulting in Injuries
In the aftermath of a brightline accident, it’s essential to take the right steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damage. Making a personal injury claim can be complex, especially if the accident is significant and forensic specialists are needed to reconstruct it. In addition, the involvement of federal agencies and local authorities adds to the complexity of the process.
Here are the steps you should take if you suffer injuries in a Brightline train accident:
Take Photos
Document the wreckage and your injuries with photos. This will help your personal injury attorney accurately depict what happened in court.
Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The medical record will help your attorney recover money spent on medical bills.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance provider of your injuries and property damage as soon as possible after the accident. Some insurance companies have deadlines for reporting accidents, so check your policy to ensure you get all important deadlines.
Save Receipts and Document Accident-Related Information
Keeping a journal with details of the accident, such as who was responsible, what happened, and any expenses you incurred, can be helpful in your personal injury claim. Update the journal regularly as you recover from your injuries.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Get the justice you deserve after a brightline accident injury. Call the Law Offices of Pacin Levine, P.A. at 1-800-24-7-CRASH (2727) for a free consultation. Our specialized personal injury attorneys will fight to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation possible. Don’t handle the complex legal process alone — let us handle the investigation, negotiations, and court representation. Trust our experienced legal team to handle all aspects of your claim in Florida. Contact us today!
