Following a three-vehicle accident involving a beach trolley in Fort Lauderdale, five people were injured. According to the Sun Sentinel, the accident happened just before 7:00 p.m. on Seabreeze Boulevard. Those injured were transported to Broward Health Medical Center were all passengers on the trolley. One was a trauma alert, he said.
When the accident happened, the trolley ran up over a curb and slammed into a residential building. Luckily, no one in or around the building was injured. The accident is still being investigated.
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers understand that the trolley provides us with a cheap (and sometimes even free) way to get around. Many of the routes will cost you nothing, or $.50 at most. Unfortunately, it comes with some serious risks too, if operators are not careful. These trollies are run by the city and provide routes to some of the areas hottest locations, including the most popular from Las Olas Blvd to the beach and back.
While these modes of transportation are usually safe, there is always that instance when disaster can strike. In these cases, you want to be sure that you’re ready and prepared.
Consider reading and following these safety tips to help ensure a safe ride:
-Never eat or drink inside a trolley. Not only is it not allowed, but it can cause you to lose attention to your surroundings and could possible cause an accident.
-Avoid using earphones. Not only do you want to avoid bothering your trolley neighbor with your blaring music, but you also want to be able to hear what’s going on around you.
-If you spot any suspicious activities, make sure you report them to the conductor or to authorities.
-Be sure to grab your seat as soon as you jump on board, once you’ve paid your fare. If there are no seats available, hold the handrails provided for your safety.
-Take your time and be cautious when getting on and off the trolley.
-Watch your step closely and make sure you have a firm footing when getting on or off.
-Always hold onto your children’s hands when waiting for a trolley.
-Don’t stand near or distract your operator while the vehicle is moving.
-Do not run for buses, trains, trolleys or attempt to board a moving vehicle. Passengers could be seriously injured or even killed if they fall into or under a vehicle.
-In the event of an emergency, remain calm and don’t panic. Follow the instructions of the operator or rescue personnel.
Remember that trolley crashes can cause life-threatening injuries and serious trauma that can include financial damage to victims of negligent drivers. Those who have been injured in these kinds of accident must deal with large and unforeseeable medical expenses, loss of wages, pain, suffering and loss of quality of life.
If you or a family member has been injured, call Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez— 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
South Florida at High Risk of Child Heat Stroke Deaths, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, July 21, 2013
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Could Increase Risk of Strokes, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, July 14, 2013