a Philadelphia SEPTA bus stopping for passengers

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is one of the largest public transportation operators. SEPTA operates many different modes of transportation, including buses, trolleys, and trains. While these types of transportation are valuable and important to our area, they can also pose a risk.

Seven days a week, hundreds of thousands of people in the Philadelphia region rely on SEPTA for their transportation needs. That leaves that same number of people, not to mention others the SEPTA service comes in contact with, at risk every day to be injured due to the negligence of SEPTA operators or other accidents that can occur.

Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss are SEPTA accident attorneys in the Philadelphia area ready to determine if you have a case.

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Why Choose Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss for Bus and SEPTA Accidents?

Personal injury attorneys Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss has represented clients who have been victims of SEPTA accidents for over 50 years. Our experience extends to other related transportation cases as well. From school bus accidents to injuries caused by trolleys, our lawyers will work with you to successfully resolve your case, not only to put the accident behind you, but also so you get the compensation you deserve due to the pain and suffering that the accident has caused.

What to Do After Your SEPTA Accident

  1. Get Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately after the accident, injuries such as whiplash and concussions may not show symptoms right away.
  2. Report the Incident to SEPTA: When you report the incident, you create an official record, which can be used in a future claim. It is highly recommended to file an official report with SEPTA if any injuries occurred.
  3. If Possible, Document What Happened: If you can, take photos of the scene, including the location, vehicle damage, any visible injuries, and any visible hazards or contributing factors (e.g., unsafe conditions, faulty signage). You should also try to get contact information from any witnesses.
  4. Contact a SEPTA Accident Attorney: Dealing with the state authorities can be a tricky business. Contact an experienced commercial bus injury lawyer, such as those at Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, who have ample knowledge of how to handle cases like these.
  5. Recover from Your Injuries: When you consult experienced lawyers, you’ll have peace of mind while you heal from your injuries.

Common Causes of SEPTA Accidents

Many times, people assume only bus passengers are affected by accidents, but another group at risk is the pedestrians who may be involved. SEPTA vehicles are often operated in high foot-traffic areas. SEPTA accidents involving pedestrians can lead to severe injuries or even death. Sometimes those involved in a personal injury case who need bus accident attorneys in the Philadelphia area the most are pedestrians.

In 2023, it was reported that SEPTA reported 310 “major events” to the Federal Transit Authority in 2022 and a further 63 events in the first three months of 2023. In the first half of 2023 alone, SEPTA stated that 884 vehicular accidents had occurred on buses and trolleys.

Other causes of SEPTA accidents are:

  • Operator negligence
  • Collisions with other vehicles
  • Pedestrian and passenger falls
  • Poorly maintained infrastructure
  • Environmental and external factors, such as weather conditions, road designs, and visibility
  • Sudden stops, jerks, or jolts that lead to passenger injury

Determining SEPTA, Bus, and School Bus Liability

A parked school bus

Don’t guess as to whether it might be worth launching a claim. In the Delaware Valley and in Philadelphia, SEPTA accident attorneys are the best source to determine which injuries are mild enough to be dismissed and what would bring legal restitution. You can benefit from our commercial bus accident attorneys’ experience in a free consultation.

Your Case Step-by-Step:

  1. Free Consultation – We review your slip and fall incident case free of charge.
  2. Investigation – We gather relevant evidence, interview witnesses, SEPTA employees, other bus company employees, and build your case.
  3. Medical and Professional Documentation – We work with relevant professionals to prove your injuries and damages.
  4. Negotiation – We fight for you to get you maximum compensation.
  5. Settlement or Trial – While many SEPTA accident cases end in a settlement, we’re ready to go to trial for you.
  6. We Don’t Get Paid If You Don’t Get Compensation – Our SEPTA accident attorneys are only paid on a no-win-no-fee model, so we only get paid if you do.

Contact Our Philadelphia SEPTA Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in a SEPTA incident or other public transportation accident, call us today for a free consultation with one of our bus accident attorneys. In the Philadelphia area, this can be done in person, over the phone, or on Zoom. Whether you need school bus accident lawyers or support after a SEPTA accident, our firm will work to see you get the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a SEPTA claim?

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations generally gives injured people two years, so you’ll want to contact a SEPTA accident attorney in Philadelphia fast! Claims involving a public authority may also require written notice within six months. Because exceptions and tolling rules can change things, call us early so we can protect every deadline and preserve evidence.

What evidence helps most?

Helpful items include:

  • Onboard video and the SEPTA incident report number.
  • Photos of the scene, visible injuries, and the bus interior.
  • Names for witnesses, treating clinicians, and your employer for wage records.

Medical records tell the story of pain and recovery; we obtain certified copies.

What compensation could be available?

Every case is different, and our Philadelphia SEPTA accident attorneys have seen it all. But recoverable damages may include medical bills, therapy (including PTSD counseling), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If a child was hurt, we handle coordination with school bus accident lawyers when appropriate. We document the full impact: physical, emotional, and financial.

Should I speak with SEPTA or the insurer before hiring a lawyer?

You can, but be careful. Recorded statements may be used to minimize your claim. If you’re searching for bus accident attorneys in Philadelphia, we can handle calls and paperwork, request the incident file, and guide medical follow-up. Early advice from our Philadelphia SEPTA accident attorneys can help prevent small details from turning into big problems.

Can I sue if I was standing on the bus?

Yes, you may. Riders often stand during rush hour; the law does not bar claims for that alone. Liability turns on negligence: unsafe speed, hard braking without cause, distracted driving, or a defective handrail. We investigate video, route data, and witness accounts to see what really happened.

What if the driver left the scene?

  • Call 911 and note the bus number, route, location, and time.
  • Photograph everything if you’re able to, then get medical care even if symptoms seem mild.
  • Contact our Philadelphia SEPTA or bus accident attorneys quickly so we can request video before it’s overwritten, as well as locate third-party cameras.

A hit-and-run does not erase your rights; it just makes speed vital.

How do legal fees work?

Our initial consultations are free. We work on contingency, meaning you owe no attorney’s fee unless we resolve your case by settlement or verdict. Court costs and case expenses are discussed up front and paid from the recovery. You focus on healing while we handle the claim, from start to finish.