To learn more about partnering with Spear Greenfield, including a list of frequently asked questions by our customers, please click on the link below.
Types of Compensation
The type of accident may affect who is liable and what compensation you receive. You can work with your bus accident lawyers to identify the specific accident classification and compensation options available to you.
Some key types of compensation you may be able to receive include:
- Medical expenses: Any costs related to your injuries, such as a doctors’ visit, test, or treatment could all be part of your compensation.
- Income: Another possible compensation would cover hours of work you missed recovering from injuries. If your injuries affected your wages or caused you to lose your job, you could be entitled to additional coverage.
- Pain and suffering: In some cases, the physical and emotional trauma of accident and injury could be recoverable damages through compensation.
FAQs
If you’re exploring your options for compensation and SEPTA accident lawyers, you likely have critical questions. We’ve provided a list of commonly asked questions to help provide additional guidance for you as you navigate this complex process.
How Can You Protect Yourself After an Accident?
Immediately after the accident, you’ll want to stay on site as a witness. Be careful not to make any statements that could be perceived as an admission of guilt, as you’ll need to prove you were not at all responsible for the accident.
Identify witnesses and document evidence of any injuries as soon as you can. Keep records of any symptoms you experience related to your injuries, doctor’s visits, and treatments, as well as any other medical information that may be relevant to the case. You’ll also want to track your related out-of-pocket expenses and any work you miss due to injuries.
How Should You Respond if a SEPTA Representative Calls You After You’ve Chosen an Attorney?
If you receive a call from a public transportation company representative, the vehicle driver or another related party, do not consent to make any recorded statements. You’ll also need to avoid signing any forms from the company or insurance carrier. If you’re offered a settlement from the insurance provider, consult a lawyer before taking any action.
Who Can You Sue for Losses?
Several different parties could be held liable for the accident depending on the situation. Those who could be held responsible include:
- An individual driver
- The vehicle operating company
- The municipality operating the transportation system
- Business owners at various stops along the route
What Should You Consider When Considering Suing?
If you are preparing to file a claim against a SEPTA entity, you typically will need to make the claim within six months of the accident. This timeline is applicable whether you were a pedestrian hit by the public transportation vehicle, a passenger on the vehicle or a driver of another vehicle that collided with the bus. You will also need to follow this stipulation if you bring the case against a public entity, such as a municipality.
A wrongful death claim must also be filed within six months by the victims’ survivors. In certain cases of delayed discovery, specific cases without a public entity may be extended. However, the statutes regarding these types of cases are strict, so you’ll want to consult an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
Do You Need an Attorney to Sue?
Having an attorney is critical to helping you receive fair compensation for the physical and emotional damages you or a loved one have undergone. The SEPTA system has a range of resources and claims investigators to represent the person or entity at fault, so you’ll need the right expertise to represent your interests.
