Philadelphia Public Transportation Accident Attorney

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is our regional public transportation authority. SEPTA operates buses, rapid transit, light rail, computer rail, and trolleybuses for around four million people in five counties around Philadelphia. This incredible infrastructure ensures that our residents and visitors can get from place to place. Unfortunately, there are times when accidents occur involving SEPTA vehicles. When this happens, victims need to know what they can do moving forward to secure the compensation they are entitled to.

Filing an Injury Claim Against SEPTA in Pennsylvania

In the event you are involved in a public transportation accident in our area, it is not uncommon for the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to try and offer injury victims a quick settlement to cover their initial medical costs. The reality is that early settlement offers may seem enticing, particularly when you are facing outstanding medical bills or lost income due to the accident. However, it is crucial that you work with a skilled Philadelphia public transportation accident attorney before you speak to insurance carriers or accept any settlements.

Early settlements made by at-fault parties are likely to be far below what you should actually be receiving in compensation for your injuries and other losses. Your insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit (if one is necessary) are likely to yield far more compensation when a skilled attorney is by your side throughout this process.

SEPTA Accident Passenger Injuries

Injuries caused by a crash involving a SEPTA vehicle can vary widely, and they can occur in a variety of ways. For example, a public transportation accident could cause injuries to:

• SEPTA passengers
• Drivers and passengers in other vehicles
• Pedestrians
• Bicyclists

It is not uncommon for victims of SEPTA crashes to sustain a wide range of injuries. This can include:

• Broken and dislocated bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Open head wounds
• Spinal cord trauma with paralysis
• Other severe back or neck injury
• Lacerations or puncture wounds
• Crush injuries or amputations
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding

In many cases, particularly when a public transportation vehicle strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist, it is not uncommon for the victim to lose their life due to the injuries they sustained.

What to do Following a SEPTA Accident in Philadelphia

There are various steps that SEPTA crash victims can take to help ensure that they support their injury claim:

1. Seek immediate medical care to properly assess the extent of their injuries. Even if injuries seem minor or if there is no pain at all, it is crucial that a doctor conducts an evaluation.
2. Make sure the police come to the scene. Law enforcement should come to the scene of any SEPTA crash to ensure that they conduct an investigation and fill out an accident report.
3. Document as much as possible and gather evidence. If it is safe to do so at the scene of a crash, those involved should use their phones or another device to take photos of everything. This includes damages to vehicles, injuries, debris, causes of the crash, etc. Additionally, the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses should be gathered.
4. Continue all medical care until a doctor says maximum medical improvement has been obtained. It will be impossible to adequately settle a SEPTA injury case before victims have finished medical treatment associated with their injuries.
5. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Claims against SEPTA can be complicated and involve additional rules and regulations. An attorney will be able to use their resources and legal expertise to help get through this process.