If you or a loved one has been injured while crossing the street by a SEPTA bus, contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will carefully examine the details of the accident and let you know your legal options. Attorney Edith Pearce is a highly rated Philadelphia personal injury attorney with extensive experience obtaining compensation for injured victims.
Claims against SEPTA
As outlined on our comprehensive SEPTA accident page, claims against the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority are complex, time sensitive matters. SEPTA is protected by the Sovereign Immunity Act which limits liability and a special 6 month window of opportunity to act called a statute of limitations.
Pedestrian accidents
Pedestrians are everywhere in Philadelphia and bus drivers are used to them. In some cases, a pedestrian negligently walks in front of a bus. However, a driver could be distracted or not notice a pedestrian and hit them. It is also possible for both parties to be partially at fault. And, in some cases, multiple parties are responsible for a pedestrian’s injuries.
Intersections in Philadelphia may or may not have traffic control signals. When traffic controls exist, pedestrians should pay attention to them and obey them. According to Sec 3542(a): “When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
Recent accidents
Bus drivers are people too, and people make mistakes. Between the number of tourists we have here, lack of parking and number of buses on the road, accidents will occur. Here are a few recent pedestrian accidents involving SEPTA buses:
In October 2017, a pedestrian was struck just outside of Hahnemann University Hospital at the intersection of Broad and Vine streets. The Center City crash was still under investigation at the time of this article.
In January 2017, a SEPTA driver was convicted for running into a 93yr old man in Glenside back in 2016. The charges: homicide by vehicle. The driver was reading a paper while taking a left hand turn.
In November 2016, a grandmother from Cherry Hill, NJ was tragically killed while pushing her grandson across the street.
Do I need a lawyer?
Anyone can file a claim with SEPTA, however in many cases an experienced attorney can significantly improve the outcome of your case.
If you’ve been injured, call us. You will get free advice to help you with your claim. If we can assist you, we’ll offer our services. If retained, we will fight for you and hold every party accountable who is responsible for your injuries and obtain the maximum amount of compensation available to you for your injuries.
