Hundreds of thousands of Philadelphia residents ride on buses operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) every day, and thousands more take trips on commercial buses operated by companies like Greyhound. Accidents are bound to happen, and when they do, they often cause severe injuries to those involved.
If reckless or careless behavior by a bus driver, their employer, or anyone associated with the transportation company led to a collision, you should talk with a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, our seasoned attorneys are not afraid to take on private bus companies or public government entities like SEPTA to protect your legal rights. We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to get you the money you deserve.
Who is at Fault for a Philadelphia Bus Wreck?
The most likely cause of a public transportation crash is negligence by the bus driver. Every bus driver has a legal duty to protect their passengers from harm by acting safely and reasonably at all times. This is true while the bus is in motion and pulling in and out of stops to pick up and drop off passengers. A bus driver who accelerates too fast after a stop and causes a boarding passenger to fall and hurt themselves could be considered negligent, as could a bus driver who runs a red light and collides with another car.
Suing a Public Transportation Company
However, it is usually better to sue a bus driver’s employer than just the bus driver since the employer will likely have more insurance or personal assets to pay for your injuries and losses. Sometimes, bus companies can be directly responsible for causing wrecks—for example, because they were negligent in their hiring or training practices.
Third-Party Liability for Bus Crashes
Some public transit wrecks might be caused by another driver acting recklessly, a mechanic not repairing a bus properly, a manufacturer making faulty parts for a bus, or even a passenger assaulting a bus driver while they’re on their route. A skilled bus crash attorney at our firm will help you determine who is at fault for your accident and ensure they’re held accountable for your damages.
Special Rules for Claims Against SEPTA
In most cases, you have two years maximum after a personal injury to sue the negligent party for damages. However, if you’re trying to sue SEPTA, someone who works for SEPTA, or anyone related to a state or local government body, you generally have to give written notice of the claim you want to file within 180 days of your accident. There are also caps on the maximum amount of money you can hold a government body liable to pay after a public transit accident. A Philadelphia bus crash attorney at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can further explain these legal nuances and file your claim on your behalf.
Call a Philadelphia Bus Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Case
No matter how they happen, bus crashes can have devastating consequences on your physical, mental, and financial well-being. Holding the negligent person or people liable to pay for your losses can make a world of difference in your life moving forward.
A conversation with a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to get started on your case. Our outstanding record of recovering compensation against bus companies includes a record verdict – over $2 million in punitive damages (in addition to economic and non-economic damages) for four of our clients in a 2016 trial against Greyhound Bus Company. We will fight like hell to protect your rights and support you throughout the process.
