The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is a public transportation entity that operates a variety of vehicles, including buses, light rail, commuter rail, trolley buses, and rapid transit services. SEPTA is available to millions of people in five counties surrounding Philadelphia. However, who is liable for injuries that occur as a result of the negligence of a SEPTA incident? Here, we want to discuss important factors that you need to know about claims made against SEPTA.
SEPTA Injuries and Claims
SEPTA injuries can occur in a wide variety of ways. This includes vehicle accidents that can affect passengers as well as those inside other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. Additionally, injuries can also occur as a result of poor maintenance inside passenger transportation vehicles. This can include broken railings, spills on the floor, broken seats, etc.
When a person sustains an injury as a result of the negligent actions of a SEPTA operator or the agency itself, the individual should be able to file a claim to recover compensation. However, SEPTA is a government entity, which makes it more challenging to recover compensation. Yes, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has made an exception and allowed themselves to be sued if a person sustains an injury due to the negligence of a government entity or its employees, including SEPTA operators.
However, there are also procedural loops that individuals have to jump through to recover compensation after a SEPTA accident. These pre-lawsuit loops can make it challenging for individuals representing themselves to obtain the compensation they need.
Notice of Intent
The law in Pennsylvania requires that injury victims file a notice with the government entity responsible for their injury. This notice is to let them know that you intend to file a lawsuit before you actually file it. Failing to give this notice to SEPTA’s accident claims department could result in the case being dismissed. This notice gives the government entity the opportunity to investigate the incident and perhaps even offer a settlement, though this is rare.
Time Limits
Typically, personal injury victims have two years from the date an injury occurs to file their lawsuit in civil court. However, filing a claim against the government requires much shorter deadlines. Typically, individuals will only have six months to file a claim against the government entity, and this clock starts ticking from the day the accident occurs. Failing to file the claim within this six-month time frame will likely result in the individual becoming unable to recover compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
There may be a wide variety of types of compensation available to those who sustain injuries as a result of a SEPTA accident. This includes both economic and non-economic losses, such as:
- Compensation for any medical bills associated with the incident
- Lost income if a victim cannot work
- Out-of-pocket expenses the victim may incur due to the incident
- Property damage expenses
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering damages
- Loss of quality of life damages
Any person who sustains an injury in a SEPTA accident needs to reach out to a skilled Philadelphia personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can examine the facts of the case and handle all negotiations with other parties on behalf of their client.