Most of the time we can rely on our SEPTA system to deliver safe and effective public transport. We don’t use the buses and trains expecting to be involved in an accident, but occasionally this does happen and we may be injured, either as a passenger or as an occupant of another vehicle or even as a pedestrian who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If you have been involved in a SEPTA accident, it is more than likely that you were not at fault. SEPTA has a legal responsibility to pay compensation to anybody who is injured in an accident involving one of their vehicles. You will need to contact an experienced accident attorney to help you assess your circumstances and file a claim for damages against the corporation.
Why do SEPTA accidents occur
SEPTA buses and trains are used by millions of passengers daily and are normally very reliable and safe, but the human factor is always likely to lead to the possibility of accidents. The following could be one of the factors behind a SEPTA accident.
- Driver error, particularly when the driver is inexperienced, tired, distracted or ill. This is probably the single most common cause of accidents.
- Slips and falls on the bus or train, caused by spillages or other slippery or uneven surfaces for which there is no adequate warning.
- Defective parts, especially brakes, tires, steering and instrumentation. This may be a spare parts issue or the maintenance team has missed the problem.
- Safety mechanisms like emergency exits or fire extinguishers failing to work properly.
- Electrical faults have started a fire on board the vehicle.
- Exceptional weather conditions have made driving hazardous such as ice, fog or snow.
SEPTA accidents may involve multiple accident victims
Whatever the cause of the accident, there is a potential in any public transport vehicle such as a SEPTA bus or train for multiple injuries because of the number of people being carried. Crash scenes are inevitably somewhat chaotic and people can suffer from injuries as a direct result of a crash or because of the way other passengers may frantically try and get out. Injuries can mean simple cuts and bruises or serious issues like damage to the head, neck or back.
Injuries due to a SEPTA accident can be costly
All injuries can mean expenses which have not been planned for and may not be covered by the victim’s own insurance coverage. When SEPTA is clearly at fault for the accident, then it is your legal right to claim sufficient compensation for your injuries from them. Damages claims are meant to cover such things as pain and suffering, including psychological suffering; medical expenses and loss of earnings.
Because of the complexities of any SEPTA accident and the fact there may be more than one factor involved, it is absolutely essential that you use an accident attorney with particular experience in dealing with SEPTA and its insurance policies.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, learn how to protect your rights with a free consultation. Contact an experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer.
