If you or a loved one has been injured in a public bus accident in Kendall, you are likely dealing with mounting medical bills, physical pain, and significant uncertainty about the future. Navigating the aftermath of a collision involving a Miami-Dade Transit vehicle is often much more complicated than a standard car crash due to the unique laws protecting government entities. At Altman Law Firm, led by attorney Jeffrey S. Altman, we understand the heavy toll these accidents take on families in Miami-Dade County. We are dedicated to helping you understand your legal options and guiding you through the intricate process of pursuing the compensation you need to recover.
Filing a claim against a government entity, such as Miami-Dade County for a Metrobus accident, involves a legal concept known as sovereign immunity. In Florida, this means there are strict statutory caps on how much compensation can be recovered directly from the government, as well as rigid pre-suit notice requirements. Before a lawsuit can even be filed, you must provide formal written notice to the specific government agencies within a set timeframe. Failing to meet these strict deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely. Our team is highly familiar with these procedural hurdles and works diligently to ensure all statutory requirements are met.
Kendall is home to busy thoroughfares like Kendall Drive, US-1, and the Don Shula Expressway, where heavy traffic and large public transit vehicles frequently interact. Accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including bus driver fatigue, distracted driving, improper vehicle maintenance, or the negligence of other motorists sharing the road. Sometimes, passengers are severely injured not by a collision with another vehicle, but by a bus driver making a sudden, aggressive stop or taking a sharp turn. Identifying the exact cause of the incident is a critical first step in building a strong claim for damages.
If you were driving a passenger vehicle that collided with a public bus, the transit authority's insurance adjusters may try to argue that you were partially at fault for the crash. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your financial recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Furthermore, if you are found to be more than fifty percent responsible, you may be barred from recovering any damages at all. We thoroughly investigate the crash site, gather evidence, and work to protect you from unfair allegations of fault.
Public buses are typically equipped with internal and external surveillance cameras, and transit authorities maintain detailed driver logs and vehicle maintenance records. However, this crucial evidence is not kept forever and can be overwritten or destroyed if not quickly preserved. By acting promptly, Altman Law Firm can send preservation letters to the transit authority to secure this vital data. From analyzing traffic camera footage near Dadeland Mall to reviewing the bus driver's employment history, a comprehensive investigation is essential for negotiating with insurance adjusters or presenting a compelling case in court.
Liability can fall on several different parties depending on the circumstances of the crash. This might include the bus driver, the transit authority such as Miami-Dade County, third-party maintenance contractors who failed to repair the vehicle properly, or other negligent drivers on the road who caused the bus to crash.
Claims against government entities in Florida are subject to a specific statute of limitations and strict pre-suit notice requirements that differ from standard personal injury claims. Because these deadlines are rigid and prompt action is required to preserve evidence, it is highly advisable to consult with legal counsel as soon as possible after an accident.
Passengers injured due to a sudden stop, a collision, or unsafe conditions on board a public bus have the right to seek compensation just like pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles. You do not need to have been driving another car to have a valid personal injury claim.
Yes. Jeffrey S. Altman and our legal team handle all communications and negotiations with the transit authority, their risk management departments, and their insurance representatives. We focus on dealing with the legal complexities so that you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.
Contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your Kendall public bus accident and learn more about your legal rights. Call (305) 373-3730.