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When is SEPTA at Fault in an Accident?

Over half a million people in Pennsylvania depend on the SEPTA transit system as a regular part of daily life. With the many transportation options including buses, trolley lines, regional rail, CCT Connect and even a Casino Service, SEPTA can get you almost anywhere you need to go. Usually, passengers are safely transported to their final destination safely and without an issue. However, given the sheer number of vehicles on the road SEPTA vehicle accidents sometimes do happen.

In some instances, SEPTA may be at fault for the accident. This may be due to operator error or other factors such as improper vehicle maintenance or negligent hiring and retention of employees. Other times, a private passenger vehicle may cause a SEPTA accident. Whatever the case, if you are seriously injured while a passenger on SEPTA, or as a result of a SEPTA accident as a pedestrian, bicyclist or private passenger vehicle you should consult with a personal injury lawyer or SEPTA accident lawyer in Philadelphia, PA regarding your right to bring a claim.

SEPTA Accident Lawyer Brent Wieand

Brent Wieand is an experienced SEPTA accident attorney in Philadelphia who has helped numerous victims of SEPTA accidents recover compensation for their injuries and other economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages. He is a recognized leader in the field of personal injury law. For the past three years, attorney Wieand has been selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers “Rising Star” This honor limited to less than 3 percent of all Pennsylvania attorneys.SEPTA accident lawyer

To speak with SEPTA accident lawyer Brent Wieand about filing a claim for personal injury or wrongful death call 1(888) 789-3161 or fill out a description of your claim through the online contact form. Brent offers a free consultation and you will never owe costs or attorneys fees unless you are awarded compensation through a settlement or award.

What Types of SEPTA Injury Claims do you Handle?

Brent will fight hard for the rights of SEPTA accident victims who were seriously injured and family members who have lost a loved one. Some examples of cases Brent handles include SEPTA vehicle accident such as bus accidents, trolley accidents, train accidents, paratransit accidents and SEPTA vehicle collisions with pedestrians and bicycles.

In addition to vehicle accidents, Brent serves clients injured in SEPTA slip and fall accidents and other premises liability claims. These type of accidents frequently occur because of a defective or dangerous condition of SEPTA’s property, such as uneven pavement, crumbling infrastructure or leaking pipes that create slippery walking conditions.

What Types Monetary Damages Can I Recover in a SEPTA Personal Injury Case?

The types of losses that you can recover in a SEPTA personal injury claim include damages for lost wages, loss of earnings capacity, medical and dental expenses, loss of consortium, loss of support and property losses.

In addition, you may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering in instances where the accident caused:

  • death
  • a permanent loss of bodily function
  • permanent disfigurement or permanent dismemberment

and

  • your damages for pain and suffering your medical and dental expenses incurred were greater than $1,500.

However, because SEPTA is an agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is offered protection by statute which are not afforded to private persons or businesses. Pennsylvania statute 42 Pa.C.S. § 8553 creates a limitation on damages that are recoverable in a personal injury case against SEPTA.

The most that a person can recover against SEPTA for a single accident is $500,000.  However, in cases where multiple people bring claims for injury arising from the same accident, the most all claimants can recover is also $500,000.  For this reason, it is important to hire an attorney to represent you as soon as possible following a SEPTA accident. If SEPTA pays out $500,000 to other claimants before you make a claim, you will no longer be able to make a recovery.

Free Legal Consultation for Your SEPTA Accident Case

If you were injured, or a family member was killed in a SEPTA accident and you would like a free legal consultation, call SEPTA accident lawyer, Brent Wieand, at 1(888) 789-3161. Attorney Wieand is proud to represent clients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania including the areas of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. Don’t be a victim twice, call today.

*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

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