Types of SEPTA Accidents & Personal Injury Claims

There are many different types of accidents and injuries that the Southern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) can be responsible for. SEPTA is a state agency and therefore follows strict rules regarding lawsuits and claims. Only an experienced personal injury lawyer can hold SEPTA accountable for bus, train and subway-related claims.

Beyond Collisions: Diverse Types of SEPTA Accident Injuries

Claims against SEPTA are not limited to just bus crash injuries. Here are some unfortunate types of claims that an experienced personal injury attorney can help with:

• Subway or Septa train accidents caused by a car leaving the track
• Bus accident injuries to a rider
• Bus crash injuries to a pedestrian
• Injuries caused by abrupt turns or stops
• SEPTA riders who are victims of physical or sexual assault

SEPTA Bus Accident with Pedestrians

With over 120 buses in its fleet on the road, pedestrians inevitably become victims of SEPTA bus crashes. Pedestrians are vulnerable when:

• A fatigued, distracted, or reckless bus driver can cause them to miss traffic signs, drive at unsafe speeds, fail to yield, etc increasing the chance of a Septa bus accident. Poor spatial judgment or failure to check the surroundings of the bus when near pedestrians can lead to bus accident injuries such as getting hit by the bus mirrors.
• When bus drivers are underqualified for bus operations due to a lapse in training, unfamiliarity with their vehicle, or inadequate testing, both the driver and their employer (SEPTA) may be held liable for an accident involving a pedestrian.
• Routine inspections are required for every bus SEPTA has on the road, however when something goes wrong with its normal function, riders and those around the bus may be in danger.

Sudden Stops or “Jerk and Jolt” Injuries

Common bus accident injuries from a bus making a sudden stop are whiplash and physical injuries caused upon impact. Broken bones and lacerations are quickly visible and most seek medical attention immediately. Whiplash may have a delay in pain as your body’s adrenaline numbs your muscles injuries from the sudden forward and backward motion of your body from this type of SEPTA bus crash injury.

Physical or Sexual Assaults While Riding SEPTA Buses or Trains

SEPTA may be held liable if you were a victim of physical or sexual assault while aboard one of their buses or trains. The fault lies with the transportation authority when they are found to be negligent when attending to the safety of their riders. For example,

• Passenger-on-passenger violence
• Assault by transit employees
• Mugging or robbery-related attacks
• Groping or unwanted touching
• Sexual assault or rape
• Employee misconduct

What to Do After a SEPTA Accident

It is important to follow the rules and requirements that SEPTA abides by when you have a claim for your Septa accident. Specifications like how you submit your claim or follow their mandatory time frame are details you need to know or you should work with an experienced lawyer who knows the particulars.

While you’re still at the scene, ask the bus or train driver for an incident form or card. Make sure the incident form has your full name and fill out all information the form requests. Give it to the driver or a SEPTA supervisor.

Be sure to document a description of the driver and get their name. Write down the names of any other SEPTA workers present when the train or bus accident injuries occurred.

Document or take pictures of the number of the bus, license plate number, and route number you were riding. An overabundance of photographic and video evidence of the scene and incident is preferred, especially if you capture street signs, pavement markings, vehicle damages, etc.

If you are injured, go to the emergency room. Clearly describe to the doctors all physical pains and how you received them.

Filing a Claim Against SEPTA

Following a Septa bus accident, SEPTA may offer you and other injured persons a fixed amount of money for initial medical bills as a final settlement. It is important that you do not accept a settlement without consulting an experienced personal injury attorney who understands SEPTA liability claims. You may be entitled to a much higher payout than what they initially offer.

• File your incident report as soon as possible, ideally at the scene of the Septa bus accident
• Within 6 months of the accident, you must notify SEPTA with your intent to file a claim
• Filing the lawsuit must be done within 2 years of the accident
• SEPTA insurance representatives may try to negotiate before the case goes to trial
• If your case goes to trial, your attorney will argue your case

Navigating the complexities of a SEPTA accident claim can be overwhelming, especially given the strict regulations and timelines involved. Don’t face SEPTA alone. Contact Carpey Law today for a consultation to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Staying Safe on SEPTA: Tips for Riders

To stay safe and reduce the risk of injury in a SEPTA bus accident, riders should always hold onto handrails or secure themselves in their seats while the bus is in motion. Stay alert and avoid distractions, such as looking at your phone, especially when boarding or exiting. Follow all safety instructions and report any unsafe driving behavior or hazardous conditions to SEPTA for a safer ride for all passengers.