The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the state agency that is responsible for operating several different public transit systems in the Philadelphia area. It operates 5 different types of vehicles, including buses, trolleys, regional commuter trains, subway and elevated trains, and electric trolley buses. While public transit is generally very safe, the unfortunate reality is that accidents do and will continue to occur, sometimes resulting in serious injury to the people involved. Victims of SEPTA accidents may be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries, including recovery for medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, or lost income. To ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, you should be certain to contact one of the experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorneys of The Levin Firm as soon as possible. We have the legal skill and knowledge necessary to help you bring your claim to a favorable resolution, and work hard to hold the people responsible for our clients’ injuries accountable.
When SEPTA accidents occur, those involved can be seriously injured. Many times, people on public transit vehicles are required to stand, or if seated, do not have a seatbelt available to them. As a result, public transit passengers are particularly prone to an injury in the event of an accident. Among the types of SEPTA accidents we handle include the following:
Because SEPTA is considered a state agency, there are certain legal issues that arise when SEPTA vehicles are involved in accidents. Whenever a plaintiff wishes to bring a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any of its subdivisions, the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity is implicated. Sovereign immunity operates to shield the state from liability, except in cases where the legislature has authorized suits against the government. Even in cases where it is possible to sue the state, there are often limits regarding how much a plaintiff may recover. In addition, there are specific laws that apply to accidents involving common carriers, or companies or state agencies that are in the business of transporting people for pay. Because of these specialized legal issues, it is important to retain the services of a SEPTA accident attorney who is familiar with handling claims against SEPTA and understands how to get victims the compensation they deserve.