SEPTA and other such commercial buses are still a very popular way to get around the city of Philadelphia. However, just like the growing trends of the ridesharing services Uber and Lyft, SEPTA buses, long-distance buses and charter buses each present their own dangers and are susceptible to accidents. In some instances, bus accidents can be more dangerous than motor vehicle collisions, because buses rarely have seatbelts or enough airbags for every passenger on board. It takes a team of experienced and specialized bus accident lawyers to understand all the parameters involved in such a case, the long-term severity these accidents can have, and the compensation owed to the victims.
The J. Fine Law Firm has over 25 years of experience in personal injury and accident-related cases including motor vehicle, bus accidents, slip & falls, work accidents, and more. If you or your loved one has been the victim of a bus accident, call (888) 913-3899, fill out our free consultation form on or from the scene of the bus accident call 1-800-HURT-123 to speak with one of our dedicated and professional personal injury attorneys today!
Major Causes of Commercial Bus Accidents
SEPTA and other such charter bus companies are mandated by the government to properly maintain and regularly inspect their commercial vehicles. As a result, accidents rarely occur due to faulty or neglected parts, but usually because of the person manning the vehicle. While the drivers must have the proper licensing, a clean multi-year background check, and adhere to very high standards of driving & care, there are many factors that contribute to serious bus accidents.
The common causes of bus collisions include wide turns, dangerous road conditions, distracted driving, substance abuse, passenger vehicle driver error, weather, and other such acts of carelessness. If you were involved in a commercial bus accident and sustained injuries that have negatively affected your life and ability to work, call the J. Fine Law Firm for a free consultation.
City & Public Transit Accidents
When a passenger of a city or public transit bus is injured or killed due to the negligence of the driver or because the bus company failed to properly maintain the vessel, the victim can receive compensation from the city, the government, or the driver themselves. However, the laws surrounding such cases are extremely complicated when a bus is owned by a city, state, or federal government. In some cases, sovereign immunity protects the government from personal injury lawsuits.
In Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth is immune from suit, but there are some exceptions. If the passenger’s injury occurs during the operation of a vehicle that is in the possession of the state government, the victim can sue the state for their injuries.
In New Jersey, a person can sue the state if they can prove one of the following:
- The injury or death occurred because the property was in a dangerous condition
- The employee was negligent
- The state knew the property (state-owned bus) was unsafe
In Delaware, the victim or their family can sue the state in cases where a motor vehicle is involved in the injury. It must be proven that there was negligence on the part of the employee or state that led to the injury.
Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Philadelphia, it’s important to be aware that the window to file a personal injury lawsuit is limited. In Pennsylvania, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to bring a claim against the responsible parties. This timeframe is known as the statute of limitations.
However, different rules may apply if your claim is against a government entity, such as SEPTA or another public transit agency. In cases involving city- or state-owned buses, special notice requirements and even shorter deadlines could come into play. Missing these deadlines can mean permanently losing your right to recover damages for your injuries.
Because the laws surrounding these claims can be complex and the deadlines strict, we strongly advise contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving vital evidence and protecting your rights.
Seek Legal Representation After a Bus Collision
Immediately after a bus accident, protect yourself and ensure you’re able to recover future compensation owed to you by seeking & hiring professional legal representation. Attorneys and insurance companies representing the bus company work right away to minimize your injuries and deny fault.
With the qualified and experienced legal team at J. Fine Law on your side, we’ll gather all information regarding the case including witness statements, camera recordings, bus safety evaluations, and more in order to accurately prove who is liable for your injuries, medical expenses, and damages. It is nearly impossible to fight these cases on your own; protect your legal rights with representation from our Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyers.
What to Tell the Insurance Company After a Bus Accident
In the aftermath of a bus accident, it’s natural to be contacted by insurance companies—sometimes even before you’ve had a moment to catch your breath. While you are obligated to notify your own insurance provider that the accident occurred, it is crucial to tread carefully. Avoid giving a detailed statement or accepting blame in any way, as insurance adjusters may twist your words to reduce or deny your claim.
Only provide the most basic facts: time, location, and a brief description of the incident. Politely decline to discuss your injuries or provide specifics about how the accident happened until you’ve spoken with an experienced Philadelphia bus accident attorney. Keep in mind, anything you say or sign can later be used against you and potentially jeopardize your ability to recover fair compensation.
Let your legal team handle further communications—they know the tactics insurers use and will protect your best interests every step of the way.
Be Wary of Insurance Settlement Offers
Following a bus accident, you may be approached by insurance companies eager to settle your claim quickly. While this can seem convenient, it’s important to remember that their first offers are usually on the lower side. Insurance carriers often try to resolve cases fast by minimizing payouts, focusing only on immediate medical bills rather than the full picture of your losses.
These early settlements rarely account for ongoing treatment, lost wages, long-term pain, or the broader impact the injury may have on your daily life. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not yours. That’s why it’s crucial to consult an experienced legal team before accepting any offer; together, we can help you recover the full compensation you truly deserve.
What Not to Do After a Bus Accident: Protecting Your Claim
In the aftermath of a bus accident, your actions can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. There are several missteps that could jeopardize your claim:
- Don’t Post on Social Media: Sharing details or photos about the accident or your injuries on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can be used against you by insurance companies.
- Avoid Speaking Directly With the Bus Company or Their Insurers: Their adjusters may be quick to contact you, but anything you say can be misconstrued or used to minimize your claim. Politely refer any calls or inquiries to your legal counsel.
- Don’t Make Recorded Statements: You are not required to provide recorded statements about the accident before consulting with an attorney.
- Don’t Sign Documents Without Legal Review: Settlement offers or waivers may forfeit your right to full compensation—have a qualified attorney review any paperwork first.
By refraining from these common mistakes and directing all communications through your attorney, you give yourself the best chance to recover the compensation you deserve.
Free Bus Accident Lawyer Consultation
When you call the J. Fine Law Firm for a bus collision injury consultation, you’ll speak to a lawyer! Our firm has experienced great success over 21 years representing victims of personal injury suits, because of our hard work and dedication to every case and every client.
Our commitment to the rights of our clients has allowed us to secure some of the top settlements and awards in PA and NJ. If you’ve been injured in a SEPTA or bus accident, call (888) 913-3899, fill out the consultation form, or call 1-800-HURT-123 from the scene for a free consultation today over the phone or in our office locations in Philadelphia PA, Feasterville PA, or Cherry Hill NJ.