Miami-Dade County Bus Accident Results in $4.3 Million Settlement for Pedestrian Who Lost His Leg
The Haggard Law Firm’s Douglas McCarron secured a $4.3 Million settlement on a catastrophic injury case involving a pedestrian struck by a county bus. Because the litigation was against a government entity, a claims bill was filed and passed by the Florida Legislature and was recently approved by the Governor.
This case highlights the importance of holding government agencies accountable when preventable negligence causes devastating injuries.
Pedestrian Struck by Miami-Dade Transit Bus While Crossing in Crosswalk
The collision occurred at the intersection of LeJeune Road and Bird Road in Miami-Dade County.
According to the evidence, a Miami-Dade County bus driver made a left-hand turn onto Bird Road after running a red light. As the driver turned, she failed to observe Mr. Correa, who was lawfully crossing the roadway within the designated crosswalk.
Following its investigation, Miami-Dade Transit admitted that Mr. Correa had the right-of-way.
The County also determined that:
- The crash was preventable
- The bus driver violated Miami-Dade County policies and procedures
- The driver failed to safely operate the transit vehicle while making the turn
- These findings became significant evidence in establishing liability.
A Dangerous Traffic Signal That Failed Pedestrians
Evidence showed the pedestrian signals at the intersection of LeJeune Road and Bird Road remained perpetually red, regardless of whether pedestrians pushed the crosswalk button.
Mr. Correa lived only a few hundred feet from the intersection and understood the pedestrian signals routinely failed to change.
Because Miami-Dade County owned, operated, and maintained the traffic control devices at the intersection, the County could not reasonably argue that Mr. Correa should have relied on a pedestrian button that served no functional purpose.
More importantly, even if the pedestrian signals had been operating properly, the evidence demonstrated that the bus driver still should have seen Mr. Correa before impact.
The driver failed to maintain a proper lookout while making the left turn and failed to exercise reasonable care to avoid striking a pedestrian who was already in the crosswalk.
Catastrophic Injuries Led to a Below-the-Knee Amputation
The impact caused devastating injuries. Mr. Correa was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where physicians diagnosed him with:
- A severe left leg degloving injury
- Open fractures of the left femur
- Open fractures of the left tibia
Over the next four months, he endured approximately 20 surgical procedures, including:
- Multiple emergency surgeries
- Extensive wound debridement
- Skin graft procedures
- Ongoing reconstructive treatment
Despite extraordinary medical efforts to save his leg, the injuries proved too severe. On March 22, 2022, surgeons performed a below-the-knee amputation. The amputation permanently altered every aspect of Mr. Correa’s life, affecting his mobility, independence, employment, and future medical needs.
Government Liability and Florida’s Sovereign Immunity Laws
Claims against government agencies differ significantly from lawsuits against private individuals or businesses.
In Florida, counties, municipalities, and state agencies are protected by sovereign immunity, which limits the amount that can be recovered in many personal injury cases.
When a negotiated settlement exceeds those statutory limits, additional legislative approval is required.
In this case, because the settlement was reached with Miami-Dade County, payment above the sovereign immunity cap requires passage of a Florida Claims Bill by the Florida Legislature.
The Claims Bill process allows lawmakers to authorize payment of settlements or judgments that exceed the statutory limits when justice warrants additional compensation.
What Is a Florida Claims Bill?
A Claims Bill is special legislation introduced in the Florida Legislature to authorize payment of a settlement or judgment against a governmental entity that exceeds Florida’s sovereign immunity caps.
The process generally involves:
- Filing the Claims Bill before the legislative session
- Committee hearings
- Legislative review
- Approval by both chambers
- Signature by the Governor
Holding Government Agencies Accountable
Government agencies have the same responsibility as private parties to operate vehicles safely and protect members of the public.
Transit bus operators receive specialized training because buses travel through busy intersections where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists rely on professional drivers to obey traffic laws and remain alert.
When preventable negligence causes catastrophic injury, injured victims deserve accountability.
Experienced Representation in Government Liability Cases
Cases involving government entities are among the most legally complex personal injury claims.
They often require knowledge of:
- Florida sovereign immunity laws
- Claims Bill procedures
- Government notice requirements
- Transit authority policies
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical damages
- Catastrophic injury litigation
The Haggard Law Firm has extensive experience representing victims in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases involving governmental negligence,
Contact The Haggard Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a government vehicle, public transit bus, or other negligent driver, The Haggard Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights.
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling catastrophic injury, pedestrian accident, and government liability cases, fighting to obtain justice for victims and their families.
Contact The Haggard Law Firm today for a confidential case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you sue Miami-Dade County after a bus accident?
Yes. Individuals injured by Miami-Dade County Transit buses may pursue claims against the County. However, lawsuits against government entities are subject to Florida’s sovereign immunity laws and unique legal procedures.
- What is a Claims Bill in Florida?
A Florida Claims Bill is legislation that authorizes payment of settlements or judgments against a governmental entity that exceed Florida’s statutory sovereign immunity limits.
- What should I do after a pedestrian accident involving a bus?
Seek immediate medical attention, document the accident, if possible, preserve evidence, obtain witness information, and consult an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with government liability cases.
