Philadelphia SEPTA Accident Attorney

Every day, thousands of people rely on The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) for transportation. However, accidents involving SEPTA vehicles can and do happen. These incidents can lead to serious injuries for passengers, pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists. If you suffered injuries in a SEPTA accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation.

Types of SEPTA Accidents

SEPTA operates several types of vehicles, and accidents can occur in various ways. The most common include:

• Bus Accidents: Buses may collide with cars, pedestrians, or fixed objects. Passengers may suffer injuries from sudden stops or falls inside the vehicle.
• Trolley and Subway Accidents: Riders can be injured by sudden movements, derailments, or collisions with other trains or objects on the tracks.
• Train Platform Accidents: Slips, trips, and falls can happen on poorly maintained platforms, steps, or walkways.
• Pedestrian Accidents: SEPTA vehicles may strike pedestrians while turning, backing up, or pulling into stops.
• Vehicle Collisions with SEPTA: Drivers of passenger vehicles can be seriously injured when struck by a bus or train.

Common Causes of SEPTA Accidents

Many SEPTA accidents result from negligence. Some common causes include:

• Operator Error: Distracted, fatigued, or improperly trained drivers or operators can cause collisions.
• Mechanical Failures: Poor vehicle maintenance can result in brake failures, steering issues, or engine malfunctions.
• Hazardous Conditions: Wet floors, poor lighting, or broken steps can create fall hazards for passengers.
• Poor Communication: Miscommunication between operators or dispatchers can lead to dangerous coordination errors.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Operators may take sharp turns too quickly, brake too hard, or violate traffic signals.

SEPTA-related incidents often result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of transit vehicles. Common injuries include head and brain injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, fractures and dislocations, internal bleeding, and fatalities in severe cases.

Filing a Claim Against SEPTA

Filing an injury claim against SEPTA differs from filing a claim against a private individual or business. As a government agency, SEPTA is protected under the Pennsylvania Sovereign Immunity Act, which limits the circumstances under which you can sue and caps the total damages that can be recovered. To file a claim, you must:

• Submit a formal written notice of intent to sue within six months of the accident
• Prove that the accident falls within an exception to sovereign immunity (such as vehicle operation or dangerous property conditions)
• Provide documentation of injuries, medical treatment, and damages

Failing to meet these requirements can result in a denied claim, regardless of injury severity.

How a Philadelphia SEPTA Accident Lawyer Can Help

A SEPTA accident claim requires specific knowledge of state laws, legal deadlines, and procedural rules. A Philadelphia Public Transportation Accident Attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights. Your Philadelphia SEPTA accident attorney will:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly and preserve key evidence
• Obtain incident reports, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts
• Identify the correct legal grounds for your claim under the Sovereign Immunity Act
• Ensure all notices and filings are completed within legal time limits
• Work with medical experts to document your injuries and future care needs
• Negotiate for a fair settlement or represent you in court if needed

With legal support, you can pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care. Call (215) 569-0200 to speak with an attorney from Rosenbaum & Associates today.