Philadelphia SEPTA Accidents Lawyer
Public transportation is a fast, convenient, and affordable way to get around Pennsylvania, whether you take the bus or train every day or once in a while. Even if you do not ride as a passenger, you will still encounter these vehicles regularly when driving your own car, biking, or walking. For these reasons, it is reassuring to know that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is dedicated to system safety. Officials emphasize that they implement the latest, most advanced engineering methods, technology, and industry best practices to protect the public.
However, SEPTA accidents are still a common threat. You could suffer serious injuries and associated losses, so it is important to take legal action to enforce your rights as a victim. The Quinn Injury Lawyers has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the laws covering public transportation claims. We are committed to advising you on remedies and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve by law. Please contact us to schedule a free case review with a Philadelphia SEPTA accident lawyer, and read on for an overview of your options.
Common Types of SEPTA Accidents
The public transportation system incorporates trains, buses, and trolleys, so there are many ways someone could be hurt in an accident. Some examples include:
- A bus passenger could be tossed, fall, or be knocked down because of carelessness by the operator. Speeding, not obeying traffic lights, or failing to yield lead to traffic crashes.
- SEPTA trains can collide, derail, or slip off the tracks, often due to mistakes with switching, lighting, and gates.
- Trolleys glide along rails in the city, so they are subject to the risks of both trains and buses. They can be hit by negligent drivers who fail to allow right of way, and they can also be involved in derailments.
- When buses, trains, and trolleys come to a sudden, abrupt stop, passengers may experience “jerk and jolt” injuries.
Plus, keep in mind that you could be involved in a SEPTA accident as the occupant of another car, a pedestrian, a bicycle rider, or other road users.
Steps in the Legal Process
Pursuing a claim against SEPTA is unique because it is a public entity that has governmental immunity, and a different set of laws applies. The most important factor to note is that the statute of limitations is just 6 months instead of 2 years, the deadline for other traffic collisions. Therefore, time is of the essence to move through the key steps in the legal process:
- You first file a Notice of Intent, which alerts the government that you intend to sue because of your injuries in a SEPTA accident.
- Government officials will take time to investigate the details of the accident.
- You can engage in settlement discussions to try and reach an agreement for compensation with SEPTA officials.
- If the government will not agree to a fair amount of monetary damages, you file a lawsuit in court.
Compensation for Victims of SEPTA Accidents
Monetary damages are available for medical costs, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses to treat your injuries. Plus, you can seek amounts for noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and losses that affect your quality of life. However, there are limitations on SEPTA accidents because of the governmental immunity restrictions. You cannot recover more than $250,000 in compensation, and there is a limit of $1 million for any one incident regardless of the number of victims.
What to do if You Were Hurt
The chaos of an accident can be overwhelming, but some tips will help you cope with the experience. You also support your Philadelphia SEPTA accidents lawyer at the Quinn Injury Lawyers if you can manage a few tasks, depending on the severity of your injuries:
- Get medical treatment right away, at a hospital ER, urgent care center, or your physician.
- Make sure to obtain a SEPTA incident card, fill it out, and give a copy to the operator. Keep the duplicate.
- Write down details about how the accident happened for your own records.
- Take pictures and video at the scene.
- Request contact information from any witnesses.
Set Up a Consultation with a Philadelphia SEPTA Accidents Attorney Today
It is helpful to review some tips on what to do after being injured in a public transportation incident, but you can rely on the Quinn Injury Lawyers to manage legal tasks. To learn more about how we support the legal needs of victims, please call (215) 709-8923 or go online to schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia SEPTA accident lawyer.
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