It may be possible to get compensated if you or one of your family members was injured in a car crash that was caused by a SEPTA bus driver. If you or a loved one got hit by a SEPTA bus in Philadelphia or its surrounding neighborhoods, call SEPTA accident lawyer Brent Wieand right away at (215) 666-7777 for a free and confidential legal consultation. Brent can help answer your questions and determine whether you have a claim against SEPTA.
Can I Get Compensated for a Car Accident Caused by a SEPTA Bus Driver?
All drivers, including city bus drivers, have a legal responsibility to act with basic common sense and regard for safety. When a bus driver carelessly causes an avoidable crash or collision, and another person is injured or wrongfully killed as a result, the victim or victim’s surviving loved ones may have grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit, called a “cause of action.”
Like any other driver, a SEPTA employee is capable of making serious judgment or operational errors, particularly when he or she is inexperienced. When a SEPTA bus driver makes a mistake, SEPTA and/or the individual employee may be liable for resulting deaths and injuries.
Sometimes liability extends to a third party, such as a manufacturer that produced a faulty vehicle component. However, most cases involve one or more mistakes on the part of the bus driver. In fact, driving errors are the lead cause of automotive accidents in the United States, far outnumbering road problems, vehicular defects, and other sources.
Did any of the following errors play a role in you or your loved one’s Philadelphia SEPTA bus accident?
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
- Excessive speeding
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
- Failure to yield at an intersection
- Illegal traffic maneuvers
- Improper passing
- Reckless driving or aggressive driving
- Running a red light
- Tailgating (following too closely)
- Texting while driving
If so, you may have a claim for compensation. Even if you aren’t completely certain what caused your accident, you should talk to a SEPTA bus crash lawyer about your legal options. An experienced personal injury attorney like Brent Wieand can help you understand whether you have a claim, and if so, how you may be able to pursue compensation.
Common Injuries Among Bus Crash Victims in Pennsylvania
Even the largest, heaviest cars and trucks are much smaller and lighter than commercial buses, which means occupants often sustain serious injuries when a collision occurs. In addition to causing serious pain and loss of physical function, major injuries also leave deep financial scars, frequently burdening victims with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt. While an accident claim cannot undo your injuries, it can potentially lead to compensation, enabling you to receive quality care without worrying about how you will pay for your medical bills.
Compensation may be recoverable for a variety of injuries. In addition to being compensated for existing medical bills, you may also recover compensation for costs and losses you are expected to sustain in the future, such as surgeries you will need or earnings you are expected to lose.
Examples of injuries that frequently arise in public transportation bus accident claims include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Whiplash injuries, neck injuries that are common in drivers whose vehicles were rear-ended.
- Broken bones and bone fractures, which can take many months to heal and in some cases leave permanent scarring behind.
- Mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions (mild TBI), which can have debilitating cognitive effects like impairing memory, communication, and learning.
- Back and spinal cord injuries (SCI), which can result in permanent paralysis or chronic back pain.
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains (stretched or torn ligaments) and strains (torn or pulled muscles). Whiplash is an example of a soft tissue injury.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Handling Claims in Philadelphia
It is extremely difficult for a person acting alone to successfully take on a large and powerful company, especially while they are trying to heal from serious injuries. Don’t go against SEPTA’s legal team without a skilled, committed, and aggressive attorney fighting in your corner.
As a personal injury lawyer serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Brent Wieand has extensive experience fighting to recover car accident compensation on behalf of injured men, women, and children. Brent believes in taking an aggressive, proactive approach to each case, and will use the full resources of the Wieand Law Firm, LLC to investigate your matter thoroughly.
To set up a free legal consultation with Brent, call the Wieand Law Firm, LLC at (215) 666-7777 as soon as possible. Brent will keep your information private.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. The Wieand Law Firm, LLC is based in Philadelphia, PA, and proud to serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.*
