Person Airlifted After Brightline Train Slams Into Car in North Miami Beach

Emergency crews responded Wednesday afternoon after a Brightline train collided with a car in North Miami Beach, leaving at least one person seriously injured.

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the crash occurred on the train tracks in the 14100 block of Biscayne Boulevard, a busy corridor surrounded by residential neighborhoods, businesses, and high-volume traffic.

Authorities said the impact was severe enough that the injured person had to be airlifted to a nearby trauma center. Aerial footage from the scene showed a heavily damaged vehicle resting beside the tracks as investigators worked to document evidence and clear the area.

• One patient was airlifted by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
• Brightline service in the area was temporarily affected
• The cause of the collision has not yet been released
• No identities or further medical updates have been provided

This crash adds to a growing list of train-versus-vehicle incidents across South Florida, where Brightline operates the fastest passenger rail line in the country.

Brightline has been involved in hundreds of collisions since beginning operations. While many are attributed to driver error, others involve:

• Inadequate or malfunctioning crossing signals
• Limited visibility at intersections
• Insufficient roadway signage
• High-speed train routes through densely populated areas
• Pedestrians or drivers confused by multiple parallel tracks

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), local law enforcement agencies, and the company’s own crash reconstruction teams typically work together to determine fault.

Who May Be Liable in a Brightline Train Crash?

Liability in train collision cases is often complex and can involve multiple parties depending on what caused the crash.

Potentially Liable Parties Include:

1. The Vehicle Driver

If a driver went around crossing arms, ignored signals, or stopped on the tracks, they may be partially or fully responsible.

2. Brightline / Florida East Coast Railway

The rail operator may be liable if:

• Crossing arms or lights malfunctioned
• Warning systems failed
• Trains were traveling at unsafe speeds
• The crossing design is known to be dangerous
• Safety upgrades were delayed or ignored

3. Government Agencies

Local or state authorities responsible for road design and traffic engineering may share liability if inadequate signage, poor roadway layout, or lack of barriers contributed.

4. Third-Party Contractors

Companies responsible for track maintenance, signal installation, or roadwork near the tracks can be liable if negligence played a role.

Legal Options for the Injured Person

If the injured party or their family chooses to pursue a claim, potential compensation may include:

• Medical bills and trauma center costs
• Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Vehicle damage
• In the event of fatality, wrongful death damages under Florida Statutes §768.16–§768.26

Even if fault appears unclear, early legal action is essential. Train collisions involve critical time-sensitive evidence, including:

• Train event data recorder (“black box”) information
• Traffic control signal logs
• Surveillance footage
• Witness interviews
• Brightline dispatch records
• Crash reconstruction reports

Our firm immediately sends preservation letters to prevent evidence from being destroyed, overwritten, or lost.

What Victims Should Do After a Train Accident

Victims or families should take the following steps as soon as possible:

• Request the crash report from local law enforcement or FHP
• Photograph vehicles, injuries, and the scene if possible
• Obtain names of witnesses
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting counsel
• Seek immediate medical care even if injuries seem minor
• Contact an experienced Florida train accident attorney

Train crashes often result in serious, life-altering injuries — and victims deserve full protection under the law.

Compassionate Support From Our Florida Train Accident Lawyers

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we represent victims injured in Brightline, Tri-Rail, and freight train collisions across South Florida. Our firm handles complex transportation cases involving multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and high-stakes investigations.

We offer:

• Free case evaluations
• No fees unless we win
• Direct access to a trial attorney
• Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
• Compassionate guidance for families facing trauma and uncertainty

If you or a loved one was injured in the North Miami Beach Brightline crash, or any train-related incident in Florida, we are here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

Contact us today for a free consultation.