The devastating migrant worker bus crash in Florida has focused attention on the rights of foreign nationals who become accident victims in our state. Operating on the margins of society, the plight of migrant workers in such tragic circumstances is often overlooked. The migrant worker bus crash not only highlights the dangers inherent in the transportation of migrant laborers but also underlines the essential role of legal assistance from skilled professionals, such as an Orlando personal injury attorney.
There are several aspects to consider in pursuing personal injury claims for migrant workers affected by such an accident. These include the types of claims that might be pursued, the critical steps to take immediately following a traffic accident involving seasonal workers, and the legal considerations and challenges immigrants face when seeking justice and compensation.
Working with an experienced and aggressive Orlando transportation accident attorney can give victims like those of the migrant worker bus crash the best chance of recovering their losses and obtaining the compensation they deserve by informing them of their rights and the potential legal avenues available.
Overview of the Florida Migrant Worker Bus Crash
The migrant worker bus crash happened on State Road 40 in Central Florida. A retired school bus, carrying 53 migrant farmworkers, was sideswiped by a Ford pickup truck that veered into its lane. The collision caused the bus to crash through a fence, strike a tree, and overturn, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuries to dozens more.
The driver of the pickup, found to be under the influence of marijuana oil and prescription drugs, has been implicated in this devastating accident. The surviving migrant workers and their families face significant emotional and financial turmoil in the aftermath of the crash.
Foreign nationals like those in the migrant worker bus crash face several specific challenges when trying to file personal injury claims in Florida. In addition to the legal issues, financial, cultural, and logistical issues come into play.
Seasonal workers injured in a car or bus crash may find it challenging to prove certain types of damages, such as lost wages or future earnings, especially if they do not have a documented work history in the U.S. or if their home country’s economic conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. Many are not likely to have health insurance, leading to significant out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment.
Migrant workers may not be able to afford travel and lodging if they have to return to Florida for legal proceedings in a personal injury lawsuit. Many foreign nationals may not be fluent in English, making it difficult to communicate with legal professionals, understand legal documents, and navigate the court system. The transient nature of the work may make it difficult to stay in one place long enough to see a legal case through to completion.
Immigration Status Concerns
Undocumented immigrants may fear that filing a personal injury claim could expose them to immigration authorities and lead to deportation, which can deter them from seeking to recover their losses and expenses, even if they have a valid claim. Some foreign nationals, such as those in the migrant worker bus crash, may worry that pursuing a legal claim could negatively impact their immigration status or future visa applications. Consulting with an attorney who understands both personal injury and immigration law is crucial to navigating these concerns.
If you are a foreign national injured in a Florida car accident, call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, and Haines City.
