It only takes a quick Internet search to find reports of SEPTA bus accidents. Pedestrians, passengers, and occupants of other vehicles have sustained severe injuries and even death from accidents with SEPTA buses. Victims have the right to pursue damages for their accident-related losses.
To get the highest compensation possible, partner with a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer from Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer. With over 30 years of successful practice history, our team knows what it takes to get injured victims the settlements they deserve.
There Is No “Average” Settlement
As the victim of a SEPTA bus accident, it makes sense that you want to know how much you can expect from a settlement. But every case comes with its own unique circumstances, which makes offering an “average” amount for damages in a personal injury case impossible–and unethical. Our team will review your case for free, but even then can only promise that we will fight for the highest settlement possible.
A number of factors influence the value of a case. These factors include, but are not limited to:
- The severity of your injuries
- The consequences of your injuries
- Your medical costs, income loss, and related future damages in a personal injury case
- The value of property damaged or totaled in the accident
- The extent of your physical pain and emotional suffering
Trust your public transportation accident lawyer in Philadelphia to evaluate your losses with precision. We will not miss a single detail in our calculations. We will recognize what your case is worth and work to secure a fair settlement.
Limitations on SEPTA Compensation
SEPTA operates under government oversight–it is a government agency. This means specific laws apply when filing a claim for a SEPTA accident. Pennsylvania Title 42, §8528(b) limits damages available to SEPTA victims to:
- $250,000 per person
- $1,000,000 per accident
Further, the procedures for filing a claim and pursuing compensation from a government agency are different from those applying to claims against private individuals or companies. You only have six months to provide “notice” of your claim against SEPTA as per Title 42, §5522. To ensure you file within that deadline, Demand Rand as soon as possible after your accident.
If your injuries are especially severe, or if several others are injured in the accident, you may be concerned that the $250,000 maximum will not cover your losses. Remember that accidents can be complicated. While SEPTA may bear culpability for it, it might not be the only liable party.
Other Possible Liable Parties
Your public transportation accident attorney in Philadelphia will examine the circumstances of your case to identify any other liable parties and hold them accountable for damages. These parties may include:
- The SEPTA driver: SEPTA bears some responsibility for the driver–training and completing background checks, for example. But if the driver operated the vehicle while under the influence, the driver may hold personal liability as well
- A third-party driver: Another driver may have contributed to the accident. If this is the case, your attorney can file against their insurance
- A vehicle manufacturer: If the SEPTA bus or other involved vehicle only “caused” the accident because of a product defect or malfunction, the vehicle or part manufacturer may be liable
- Another government entity: Government offices responsible for maintaining safe road conditions and working traffic signals may bear culpability if failures on their part contributed to the event. Of course, these entities enjoy the same legal protections as SEPTA
Take Immediate Steps to Protect a Potential Settlement
Once you partner with Rand Spear, your Philadelphia public transportation accident attorney will manage all aspects of your case. We will handle all communication with SEPTA and other relevant parties. Still, there are things you can do after a SEPTA accident to protect your potential settlement.
If you are severely injured, it is best not to move. Wait for emergency care to arrive. If you can move without incurring further damage:
- Document the facts: bus number, bus route, accident time, and location.
- Get the name of the bus driver and the names and contact information of other drivers involved
- Take pictures of the bus, other vehicles, your injuries, and the accident environment overall. Details you may not think matter–road conditions, traffic signals, presence of traffic, or security cameras–can make a difference to your case.
- Get the names of witnesses–perhaps other injured passengers–and their contact information.
- See a doctor: delaying care puts your health at risk as some symptoms, even those for some serious injuries, do not appear immediately. It can also compromise your case as the at-fault party can blame any worsening of your condition on your delayed care or claim you manufactured injuries just to get a payout.
Then, reach out to Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer. Do not speak to SEPTA representatives or any other involved parties about the accident. Those parties are not on your side–we are.
SEPTA–and Others–Seek to Minimize Settlements
SEPTA and others liable for your damages will do their best to pay as little compensation as possible. For example, SEPTA representatives may argue you were injured while disembarking, and SEPTA was not “in operation” of the vehicle at the time of your accident–a requirement for proving liability according to Title 42 8522(b). Our team is ready to fight any challenges used in the attempt to deny your rightful compensation.
Get Sound Legal Representation and Priority Client Treatment
The process of healing from accident-related injuries is tough, and often, the fight to get the settlement you deserve is too–especially if you fight on your own or with inferior, inexperienced legal representation. The team at Rand Spear has over 200 years of combined experience. We know what legal weapons to take to a SEPTA battle or battles with other liable parties.
Trust a Philadelphia public transportation accident lawyer from our team to put the power and experience of our team into your case and give you top-level client treatment. We appreciate the trust you give us when putting your case in our hands and will give you the attention and respect you deserve from start to finish.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
