Bus Accident Attorney Philadelphia: 98% Champion

Why You Need a Philadelphia Bus Accident Attorney After a Crash

If you’ve been injured in a Philadelphia bus crash, a bus accident attorney philadelphia can help you steer the complex legal process. Accidents involving SEPTA, school, tour, or charter buses often cause serious injuries, as passengers lack seatbelts and are vulnerable to impact. Crashes are common on busy routes like Market Street and Broad Street, leading to catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills from hospitals like Penn Presbyterian or Jefferson Health, and lost wages.

Bus companies and their insurers have legal teams dedicated to minimizing your compensation. You need an advocate fighting for your rights. Here are the immediate steps to take and deadlines you can’t miss:

What to Do After a Philadelphia Bus Accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority; some injuries have delayed symptoms.
2. Call 911: File an official police report.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries.
4. Get Witness Information: Collect names and phone numbers.
5. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be used against you.
6. Contact an Attorney: Speak to a lawyer before any insurance company.

Critical Legal Deadlines:

• SEPTA Accidents: You have only 6 months to provide written notice.
• General Injury Claims: Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations is 2 years.

I’m Jason Fine, a bus accident attorney in Philadelphia with over 25 years of experience helping victims of serious bus crashes, including complex cases against SEPTA. My firm has recovered over $50 million for clients, and I have been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for ten consecutive years for my work in personal injury.

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Understanding the Complexities of a Philadelphia Bus Crash

When a bus accident happens in Philadelphia, determining fault is rarely simple. The size and weight of buses mean collisions can cause catastrophic damage. Understanding the common causes and potential defendants is the first step in building a strong case.

Common Causes and Who Can Be Held Liable

Bus accidents in Philadelphia can stem from various factors. Our job is to investigate thoroughly to identify all parties who may be held liable for your injuries.

Common causes include:

• Driver Negligence: This covers many errors, such as speeding on Roosevelt Boulevard, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules for drivers, but violations still occur.
• Bus Company Negligence: The company itself may be at fault for negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, or poor vehicle maintenance, such as failing to repair faulty brakes or tires.
• Other Parties: A crash isn’t always the bus driver’s fault. Other negligent drivers, poor road conditions on highways like the Schuylkill Expressway, or defective bus components can also cause or contribute to an accident.

Depending on the cause, liable parties could include the bus driver, the bus company, a parts manufacturer, maintenance contractors, other drivers, or even government entities. We handle cases involving all types of buses in Philadelphia, including:

• SEPTA Buses
• School Buses
• Tour and Private Charter Buses

Uncovering the truth requires a dedicated Bus Driver Negligence Attorney who can steer these complexities.

Critical Deadlines: The Statute of Limitations and SEPTA Claims

While Pennsylvania law generally gives you two years to file a personal injury claim, accidents involving government-owned services like SEPTA have a much shorter and stricter deadline. Under the Pennsylvania Sovereign Immunity Act (42 Pa.C.S. § 8528), you must provide written notice of your claim to SEPTA within six months of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. These tight timelines make it crucial to contact a Philadelphia bus accident attorney immediately to protect your rights. For more information, see our page on Claims for SEPTA Bus Accidents.

What Compensation Can You Recover After Being Injured in a Bus Accident?

A bus accident in Philadelphia can create significant financial and emotional burdens. Our goal is to help you recover full compensation for all your losses.

Damages can include:

• Economic Damages: These are your quantifiable financial losses, such as current and future medical bills from hospitals like Penn Presbyterian or Jefferson Health, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and rehabilitation costs.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for non-financial losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Bus accident injuries are often severe due to the forces involved and lack of passenger restraints. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries and organ damage

It is important to note that claims against government entities like SEPTA are capped at $250,000 per claimant. An experienced attorney can help you steer these limits while pursuing a Bus Accident Compensation Claim in Philadelphia.

How a Bus Accident Attorney in Philadelphia Strengthens Your Case

Navigating the legal aftermath of a bus accident alone is a significant risk, especially when facing large bus companies or government entities like SEPTA. A dedicated bus accident attorney Philadelphia can build a strong case while you focus on recovery.

Why to Call a Philadelphia Bus Accident Attorney Immediately

While seek medical care and document the scene after a crash, the most critical step you can take to protect your legal rights is to contact an attorney. Insurance adjusters for the bus company will likely contact you quickly, aiming to minimize their payout. They may ask for a recorded statement or a signature on documents that could harm your claim.

As your Philadelphia Bus Accident Attorney, we will immediately take over all communications with insurers, protect you from lowball tactics, and ensure crucial deadlines—like the six-month notice for SEPTA claims—are met. Engaging an attorney early empowers you with experienced representation from the very beginning.

The Process of Working with a Philadelphia Bus Accident Attorney

When you choose J. Fine Law, you gain a partner committed to securing justice for you. Our process includes:

1. Free Case Evaluation: We start with a no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, review your injuries, and explain your legal options.
2. Thorough Investigation: Our team launches a comprehensive investigation, gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements. We work with accident reconstructionists and subpoena bus company records, such as maintenance logs and driver histories, to uncover the truth.
3. Identifying All Liable Parties: We identify every party that may be responsible, from the driver and bus company to parts manufacturers or government agencies.
4. Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation: We handle all communications with insurance companies, negotiating for a settlement that covers all your damages. While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial and are ready to fight for you in court if a fair offer is not made.

Our meticulous approach ensures every detail is handled with precision, allowing you to focus on healing.

Why J. Fine Law is the Right Choice for Your Recovery

When you search for a bus accident attorney Philadelphia, you need a firm with a proven history of success. Here’s why J. Fine Law is the right choice for your recovery:

• Proven Track Record: With a 98% success rate and over $50 million recovered for clients, our results speak for themselves.
• Rapid Attorney Response: We know time is critical. Our team responds quickly to ensure deadlines are met and your case gets the immediate attention it deserves.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case.
• Personalized Attention: You are not just a case number. We provide compassionate, personal support and will even visit you at home or in the hospital.
• Experience with Complex Cases: We have extensive experience handling intricate bus accident cases involving SEPTA, multiple liable parties, and federal regulations.

Don’t face powerful bus companies and their insurers alone. Let us be your champions.

Ready to discuss your case? Start your bus accident case evaluation today. We are here to help you secure the recovery you deserve.