The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) consists of buses, trolleys, and the Regional Rail that run throughout Greater Philadelphia. SEPTA accidents can involve large groups of victims and filing a claim against SEPTA involves extensive bureaucratic procedures that do not apply to other types of cases. You will not want to go through these procedures on your own and a local personal injury law firm can help.
Unlike regular car accidents, bus accident claims involve much more complex legal issues, including who should be held responsible for the accident depends on the condition of the bus, federal safety standards, the bus driver’s licensing, and/or substance abuse issues. Reach out to a Philadelphia bus accident lawyer today.
What Type of Bus Accidents Do Our Philadelphia Lawyers Handle?
SEPTA may be the most common carrier in Philadelphia, but Greyhound, Megabus, school buses, and other bus companies also operate throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Who Is Liable For a Philadelphia Bus Crash?
Depending on the specifics of the bus accident, one or more individuals or entities could be responsible. Even if the driver was at fault for the accident due to something such as distracted driving or fatigue, it is possible that the bus company could be held liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability.
Vicarious liability refers to a situation where the employer will be held responsible for the acts or of its employees. The responsibility could also fall on the bus company, the servicing company, and/or the mechanic if it is proven that the bus was not properly maintained or serviced.
What Type of Compensation is Available After a Bus Accident in Philadelphia, PA?
No accident is the same, so it is difficult to say what you are entitled to without all of the facts. However, here are some of the damages that you may be entitled to recover:
- Hospital and medical expenses
- Damages to your vehicle
- Lost earnings due to hospitalization and/or injuries
- Permanent physical disability
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
I Was Involved in a Bus Accident in Philadelphia. What Should I Do To Make Sure My Case Runs Well?
After a bus accident in Philly, follow these steps:
- Get medical attention
- Obtain a form from the bus driver to report your injuries
- Gather all the information you can, including the bus driver’s name and any license plate info from any other drivers involved in the accident
- Get names, number and address of any witnesses to the accident
- Note the route you’re on, and the time, bus number, and place of the accident
- Take pictures of the scene
- Explain all injuries to your doctor
- Consult with our experienced Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyers for help
How Can A Top Bus Injury Law Firm Help Me Win My Case?
The most important factor needed to win a bus accident case is proving negligence. You will need to show that the bus was negligent in a way that caused you harm.
This can be achieved by showing a breach of safety laws or unreasonable carelessness in the way that the vehicle was driven. The bus driver may have been negligent in the crash, which would potentially make the driver, and the entity employing him, responsible for your losses.
If another vehicle struck the bus and caused the crash, you could pursue a claim for damages from that driver. It is also possible that the manufacturer of the vehicle could be held accountable for losses if there was a problem with the bus or train and its parts.
Our team has the experience needed to prove negligence – and we leave no stone unturned when investigating, whether it be a breach of safety laws or unreasonable carelessness in the way that the vehicle was driven. We thoroughly investigate each case, and our efforts help us work towards the best outcome possible.
Contact Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyers From KaplunMarx Today
At KaplunMarx, our skilled Philadelphia bus accident lawyers will investigate the scene, examine the evidence, contact the insurance and bus company to get all of the information that is needed for your case. We will also do everything we can to identify the negligent party and hold them responsible for the injuries and costs that resulted from the accident.
If you are involved in a bus accident that also involved other victims, there is a portion of the bus company’s insurance coverage that you are entitled to. To ensure that you get your fair share of this coverage, you will need Philadelphia bus accident lawyers to work on your behalf.
Scool Bus Accidents
There are many types of auto accidents, but bus accidents can be the most tragic due to the number of people that are involved. Unfortunately, bus accidents are prevalent because many buses have outdated equipment and poor bus maintenance.
As a bus accident attorney can explain, these accidents can be more dangerous than other types of crashes because these buses are not required to have seat belts, so most do not. Also, due to weight, size, speed, and lack of seat belts, bus accidents can cause severe injuries.
To seek compensation and justice for injuries, contact one of our Philadelphia school bus accident lawyers today.
Who is Liable for a School Bus Accident in Philadelphia?
Much like truck accidents, rideshare accidents, and tractor-trailer accidents, there are a number of factors that come into play when it comes to liability. Depending on the specifics of the accident, one or more of the following could be held responsible:
- Bus driver
- School district when school buses are involves
- Private school, church, or other organization which owned and operated the bus
- The company contracted to provide the bus
- Third-party maintenance companies
- The manufacturers of the bus and/or parts
- The driver of another vehicle
- Any municipality that may have contributed to the accident by creating dangerous road conditions
How Does a PA School Bus Accident Differ from Other Bus Accidents?
There are special issues that relate to school bus accidents that you should be aware of. There are rules that limit the amount of money that can be obtained when the school bus is operated by the Commonwealth or a Municipality:
- The Sovereign Immunity Act: This only allows for recovery against a Commonwealth party for a maximum of “$250,000 in favor of any plaintiff or $1,000,000 in the aggregate.”
- The Tort Claims Act: This only allows for a maximum recovery of “$500,000 either by a single plaintiff or in the aggregate.”
However, if the school bus is privately owned, your attorney will turn to the company’s insurance carriers for compensation. There are many factors at play in school bus accidents, and you should not navigate the process alone.
Why Should You Hire the Top-Rated Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyers at KaplunMarx?
It is important that you find a qualified attorney and begin the legal process as soon as possible. Your lawyer will look into the case details and determine which party or parties might be liable so that you are properly compensated.
Thanks to years of experience, KaplunMarx is able to skillfully pursue personal injury claims on your behalf, and the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get you the highest payment possible in or out of court.
Contact Our Award-Winning Philadelphia School Bus Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was involved in a bus accident, you will receive calls from investigators and insurance company representatives, but you should absolutely not speak to them without speaking to an attorney from KaplunMarx first.
This kind of case is incredibly tricky, and you should not try to handle it on your own. Having a highly-skilled accident attorney on your side can protect your legal rights and increase your ability to get the justice you deserve.
To speak with one of our Philadelphia school bus accident lawyers, give us a call or feel free to fill out the form on our website
