There are many people in Pennsylvania who need mass transportation to get to where they need to be. It is because of this the state provides buses and trains through the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). As these are large and potentially dangerous vehicles, they need to be taken care of and operated properly. If they are not, they can cause serious accidents and injuries as a result. It is because of this that those who are injured by the negligence of SEPTA can pursue legal action to recover compensation with the assistance of a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney.
Examples of Accidents
SEPTA is required to make sure all their modes of transportation are safe for passengers who board them. This can be accomplished by conducting routine inspections of not just the vehicle, but the waiting areas as well. Failure to do so can result in hazards going unnoticed and causing accidents to happen. Certain hazards that can do so can include the following:
- Derailments
- Faulty equipment
- Lack of seat belts or safety features
- Poorly maintained waiting areas
- Slip and falls
- Product malfunction
- Poor lighting
- Broken stairwells
- Malfunctioning elevators or escalators
- Lack or surveillance
In addition to this, SEPTA is also responsible for their drivers. Those who operate the buses and trains are required to do so safely so that they do not cause harm to passengers. If a driver engages in negligent behavior and causes an accident, they can be held liable for the injuries they cause. Negligent behavior can include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
Proving Negligence
After an accident, SEPTA can be held liable for any injuries that were sustained. This can be accomplished by the injured party through filing a personal injury claim. During this time, they are required to prove negligence to have a successful case. This can include gathering evidence that shows the transit administration failed to provide passengers with the proper duty of care. This may be if they did not care for or operate the vehicle accordingly, thus causing the accident and their injuries.
Injured parties who successfully do so may be able to recover financial compensation for any damages due to the accident. Economic damages may be available for medical expenses, lost wages, future lost wages, and more. Non-economic damages may be available for 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
