There are millions of people who use the mass transportation provided by the state of Pennsylvania every day. This includes the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) many buses and trains. Usually, these methods of transportation are safe and there are no major problems. However, it is possible for an accident to happen just like another other vehicle. When a mass transit vehicle due to the negligence of another party and a passenger becomes injured, they can pursue legal action to recover compensation with the assistance of an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer.
What are Causes of Train Accidents?
There are many different ways that a train accident can happen due to negligence. Some common examples can include:
- Employees operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Train operators improperly securing or releasing hand brakes
- Railroad employees failing to comply with or understand orders
- Railroad employees falling asleep on the job
- Railroad employees receiving improper instructions
- Train operators excessively speeding
- Improper railroad maintenance crews leaving broken welds, dysfunctional switches, or any other potential safety hazard unattended
What are Causes of Bus Accidents?
SEPTA buses can be involved in a serious accident in the event that negligence occurs. Common causes of bus accidents can include:
- Sudden stops and starts
- Bus fires
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving
- Large blind spots
- Inclement weather conditions
- Negligent road design
- Discharging passengers on unsafe roadways
How do I Pursue Compensation?
When pursuing legal action after a mass transit accident, it is important to understand that these methods of transportation are provided by the municipality. When pursuing legal action against a municipality, the injured party must send a written Notice of Claim to the municipality in question. This must be done within six months of the incident. It must include their name and address as well as the date, hour, and location of the accident. In order to prove that negligence took place and caused their injuries, the injured party must gather evidence. This can include footage of the accident, witness statements, police report, medical documentation of the injuries, and more.
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 Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
