There are many people who use mass transportation to get to where they need to be. This can include the buses and trains that are provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). When using these methods of transportations, commuters expect that they are properly maintained and operated with caution. In the event that they are not, dangerous accidents can happen that cause serious injury to those using them. When facing these situations, it is important to contact an experienced Philadelphia attorney for assistance with your case.
Examples of Accidents
The transit administration for SEPTA is required to ensure that their modes of transportation are safe for passengers who use them. In order to do so, they must conduct regular inspections to be sure there are no hazards either on the vehicle or the waiting areas. If these are not found, they can go unnoticed and cause accidents. In addition to this, transit administrations are responsible for their drivers. All drivers are required to be in control of their capacities and operate vehicles with caution. If they fail to do so, the following situations can cause mass transit accidents:
- Derailments
- Faulty equipment
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Lack of seatbelts or safety features
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Driver/technician negligence
- Poorly maintained waiting areas
- Slip and falls
- Product malfunction
Proving Negligence
When an accident happens due to the negligence of a transit administration, they can be held responsible for the injuries they cause. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit in which the injured passenger is required to prove negligence. During this time, they must satisfy the burden of proof with evidence that shows the transit administration failed to provide a duty of care to the passengers. This includes caring for the vehicles or operating them accordingly. This proof must show they failed to do so, thus directly causing the injuries.
If the injured party is successful, they may be able to recover financial compensation for any damages stemming from the accident. This may be economic or non-economic. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, future lost wages, and more. Non-economic damages include emotional traumas such as the loss of enjoyment of life as well as pain and suffering.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case and to make sure that you are not taken advantage of. Contact attorney Rand Spear to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
