
Somerton Personal Injury Lawyers
Serving Philadelphia and its surrounding neighborhoods, including Somerton, Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer is a family-owned personal injury firm with deep connections to our region. We proudly bring more than 200 years of combined experience to each case, emphasizing careful preparation, strategic case work, and consistent communication. That approach has resulted in over $1 billion recovered on behalf of our Philadelphia and New Jersey clients.
Somerton is an upper Northeast neighborhood. Its busiest areas, especially those near Roosevelt Boulevard and Bustleton Avenue, experience constant traffic and pedestrian activity. These and other routes link neighborhood schools and organizations, local businesses, transit options, and nearby homes, making them active corridors for drivers and pedestrians.
Because our Somerton personal injury lawyers know the streets of Somerton so well, our team provides highly targeted support to individuals injured in local accidents.
Getting to Know the Somerton Philadelphia Neighborhood
Somerton is divided into seven neighborhoods, including Old Somerton, Timberwalk, Tudor Village, Lumar Park, and Westwood. It is bordered by the Philadelphia/Montgomery County line to the west and Roosevelt Boulevard to the east. Its northern boundary is defined by County Line Road and Poquessing Creek, while Red Lion Road serves as the southern border.
Originally called Smithfield, Somerton was a village named after a prominent resident and State Senator, Jacob Sommer. The name was changed to Somerton in the 1800s. The Philadelphia State Hospital (decommissioned in the 1980s/1990s) played an important role in this growing community. Now, Somerton is home to a fast-growing, foreign-born population, notably with Indian and Russian immigrants.
Somerton shifted from farmland to a “car-first” residential neighborhood in the 1950s. It transitioned from largely rural farmland into suburban residential development following extensions of Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1), which facilitated automobile-oriented growth. Local analyses of Roosevelt Boulevard — a wide, high-volume artery bordering Somerton — show it has long been associated with numerous crashes and pedestrian safety issues, consistent with planning critiques of “stroad-like” road design that prioritizes motor vehicles over pedestrians.
Additionally, ShopRite of Somerton (Bustleton Ave) is Somerton’s primary commercial anchor. It generates constant “right-in, right-out” traffic conflicts and high-density pedestrian activity. Another retail hub, Trevose Shopping Center, serves as a funnel for vehicles coming in from Bucks County, leading to frequent merging accidents. Retailers like NetCost Market generate heavy delivery truck volume, leading to double-parking hazards and obscured sightlines on Bustleton Avenue.
Somerton community organizations advocate for improving parts of this Philly neighborhood, but personal injury risks are still a concern. The Somerton Civic Association (SCA) gets involved with pushing for stop sign placement, zoning for traffic safety, and road repair.
We Are a Steady Legal Ally After Accidents in Somerton
PennDOT reported 110,765 traffic crashes in Pennsylvania in 2024, resulting in 1,127 fatalities and approximately 67,000 injuries. These statistics aren’t just data—they are daily realities for residents navigating our local roads. Our personal injury lawyers provide targeted support for those injured in our neighborhood, handling a wide range of accidents:
- Bus and SEPTA Accidents: The SEPTA Somerton Station at Bustleton and Philmont Avenues, as well as local buses, bring pedestrians and vehicles into close interaction. Sudden stops, bus crashes, and foot traffic all contribute to injuries.
- Car Accidents: With constant traffic, frequent turns, and mixed-use streets, the risk of car accidents is high at any time of day
- Pedestrian Accidents: There are high risks for these near retail corridors, transit stops, and intersections like Bustleton and Grant.
- Truck Accidents: Sharp corners, restricted sightlines, and frequent large commercial vehicles, such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, contribute to accidents in residential and business districts.
- Uber and Lyft Accidents: Pick-ups and drop-offs by Uber, Lyft, or taxis in busy pedestrian zones can pose risks, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the area, stressed, or distracted.
How Somerton’s History and Main Arteries Create Accident Risks
Besides the transit stops, busy shopping hubs, and high-traffic roads, Somerton’s past also contributes to increased dangers that lead to injuries:
- The Drag Racing Legacy: In the 1960s, trenches were dug across the old Budd Company Airstrip (near Tomlinson Rd) to stop illegal drag racing. The flat terrain nearby still encourages high-speed reckless driving.
- The Tank Farm “Dead Ends“: The Somerton Tank Farm (built 1954) blocks several through-streets, funneling neighborhood traffic onto a few overburdened roads like Tomlinson Road.
- Estonian Engineering (Tudor Village): Built by immigrant Uno Kallaste, Tudor Village’s narrow streets predate modern SUVs and delivery trucks, causing frequent tight-squeeze and parked-car collisions.
- Grant Avenue: From Roosevelt Boulevard to Blue Grass Road, Grant Avenue sees more crashes involving senior citizens than any other part of this highway in Philadelphia.
- Roosevelt Boulevard: This busy arterial carries high-speed commuter and commercial traffic through Somerton, creating frequent conflicts with pedestrians and local vehicles.
Be Aware of These Road Hazards in Somerton
Traveling through Somerton by car or on foot comes with other challenges. From congested streets to unpredictable weather, several factors increase the chances of accidents:
- Pedestrian and Transit Activity: Busy sidewalks, bus stops, and unexpected pedestrian crossings increase the likelihood of vehicle-pedestrian crashes.
- Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and construction zones can force sudden lane changes or loss of control.
- Traffic Volume: Roads like Roosevelt Boulevard and Bustleton Avenue carry fast, multi-lane traffic, making accidents more common.
- Visibility: Dim lighting and blocked sightlines at intersections limit driver reaction time.
- Weather: Rain, snow, and ice make streets slippery and cut visibility, raising the risk of collisions.
Legal Support You Can Count On After a Crash in Somerton
After an accident, dealing with insurance companies or opposing attorneys can be overwhelming. At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, we dig into every detail, gather the evidence that matters, and fight relentlessly to safeguard your rights.
Demand more from your lawyer—Demand Rand to take action!
Frequently Asked Questions About Somerton Accidents
- What Should I Do After a Somerton Accident?
Check for injuries, call 911, move to a safe location, and document the scene with photos.
- How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Somerton?
Pennsylvania law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, so it’s important to act promptly.
- What Evidence Helps Strengthen My Accident Case?
Photos of the scene, medical records, witness statements, police reports, and any relevant communication with insurance companies all help support your claim.
- Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence system, so you may still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident.
- How Much Does a Somerton Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, we have a “no fee until victory” guarantee and provide free personal injury consultations.
Do Not Hesitate to Contact Our Somerton Personal Injury Lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer
Our Somerton personal injury lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer offer free consultations and can fight to protect your rights after a serious accident in Philadelphia. Call 215-985-0138 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Philadelphia, as well as Cherry Hill and Marlton, NJ. We proudly assist clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.