In July of 2017, the Brightline fast travel rail service began conducting test runs in Florida. These high-speed trains travel between Miami and West Palm Beach, reaching speeds of up to 79 mph. Since the Brightline service began, twelve people have died in accidents involving the fast travel rail service. Florida accident attorneys at Ged Lawyers, LLP aggressively fight on behalf of those involved in train accidents and their families, holding the responsible parties accountable and recovering just compensation for their clients.
Fast travel rail service operates at twice the speed
Brightline fast travel rail service operates through several Florida cities. Brightline trains stop in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. On this route through the Florida East Coast Railroad corridor, the trains pass through multiple busy intersections. In South Florida, Brightline fast travel trains operate at speeds of up to 79 miles per hour. For decades, these tracks were used by freight trains which travel at approximately half the speed of Brightline trains.
Misjudging train speed led to some accidents
According to the police, in two of the accidents that involved Brightline trains, the victims apparently misjudged the Brightline’s speed. In one train accident, the victim went under the rail gate in an effort to beat the train. In another train accident, the victim rode his bicycle through the closed gate and was struck by the train.
Negligence is basis for personal injury claims
When an individual has been injured in an accident that was caused by negligence on the part of another person or entity, personal injury law provides protection. In the case of a train accident, for example, if the warning light system or gate crossing mechanism was inadequate or faulty, that constitutes negligence.
Accident claims must be filed within four years
Every state has legal time limits for filing a lawsuit in the civil court system. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the time the accident occurred. Claims must be filed within this timeframe otherwise the court can refuse to hear your case and you will have lost your opportunity to recover any compensation for the injuries you sustained in the train accident.
Get the compensation you deserve for your injuries
When you or a loved one has been involved in a train accident, the aftermath can be traumatic and overwhelming. We understand. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, our accident attorneys are compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to protecting the rights of those who have been involved in accidents. We hold the responsible parties accountable, and successfully recover just compensation for the injuries you sustained. To discuss your accident with a member of our team, schedule a free case review by contacting our office at 844-443-3529 or online. We are available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
