Injured in an Accident with SEPTA?

In Philadelphia, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers individuals many transit services, including the Regional Rail, trackless trolleys, subways, and buses. This public transit service is a great way for people to get around the region and see some of Philadelphia’s world-class attractions. What happens, though, when someone is involved in a collision with one of SEPTA’s public transit vehicles? Individuals injured in a crash with SEPTA have various legal options of which they must be aware.

Who Is Liable?

When one of these SEPTA crashes occur, determining liability can be difficult. Generally, the authority itself would be the most likely liable party, however, there may be times when other parties may be considered to be responsible for the crash – for instance, when a driver is negligent in the operation of their vehicle such as driving while intoxicated.

There are multiple parties who may be held accountable for an accident involving the Transportation Authority. These include not only the driver and authority, but also potentially the manufacturer of a vehicle part or an employee responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Immediately Following a Crash

After a crash involving SEPTA, the injured parties should take the steps necessary to get medical treatment and help build their potential case. This means gathering the information of the driver, the form of transit, the information regarding the vehicle, and contact information for SEPTA. The victim should also seek medical attention to treat any injuries he or she may have sustained. Not only does this protect the victim’s health, but it can also provide a medical record that the victim can use to help build a personal injury case.

Once the victim has gone through the necessary steps regarding medical treatment, they should reach out to a lawyer to discuss their rights. An attorney can help the victim determine what legal options are available, work to prove negligence and liability, and put together a case strategy designed to help the victim secure compensation to cover expenses associated with the collision. Having a lawyer means the injured party can protect their rights and navigate the negotiations or trial with confidence knowing that they have a strong advocate on their side.

At The Beasley Firm, our Philadelphia public transportation accident attorneys understand these types of cases can be complex. They involve thorough investigation to determine who is liable and who should be responsible for paying damages to the injured party. Our experience and knowledge allows us to represent our clients with their best interests in mind, always working to secure the outcome they need and deserve during this trying time.

It is important to act quickly. Under Pennsylvania law, notice must be provided to the Transportation Authority within 6 months of the accident or the claim may be waived and the injured party may not be able to file a lawsuit.

Call us today if you or someone you love has been injured in an accident with SEPTA.