Can I Sue SEPTA?
Yes, you can sue SEPTA. Under the Pennsylvania Sovereign Immunity Act, SEPTA has liability for accidents that occur when a bus, trolley or train is in motion. When you’re injured because of negligent operation of a transportation vehicle, SEPTA may be liable for the damages that result. The victim initiates their case by reporting the accident and then suing SEPTA.
What Can I Get in Compensation When I Sue SEPTA?
For a lawsuit against SEPTA, you can claim a maximum of $250,000 in compensation per injured party. The total amount is $1 million for a single case. The total amount is limited under Pennsylvania law because SEPTA is a government entity. However, up to $250,000 per person is still available when negligent operation of a transportation vehicle leads to injury.
How Can I Sue SEPTA?
To sue SEPTA, you must take the following steps:
1. Gather information regarding the accident. Include the date, time and location of the incident. Get as much information as you can including the identification number of the bus, train or trolley involved and any operator information that you may have available.
2. Put SEPTA on notice of the claim. The notice must contain certain information including the details of the accident and contact information for your treating physician. You have six months to file this notice. Although you can submit a SEPTA incident report online, you should give formal notice of your intent to file a claim.
3. File the same notice with the Pennsylvania Attorney General.
4. File your claim in court within two years. This is the same two-year time limit that applies to other kinds of personal injury cases. However, you must have complied with the six-month notice requirement in order to proceed with the lawsuit.
5. Build your legal claim. Build your case through discovery, legal motions and other legal strategies. Your Philadelphia personal injury attorney can assist you in developing a legal strategy that’s unique to your case.
When Can I Sue SEPTA?
You can sue SEPTA if you’re injured because of negligent operation of a vehicle. In order to recover, the vehicle must be in motion at the time of the accident. Accidents that occur when the vehicle is stopping or standing do not count. Here are some examples of accidents where victims may claim payment:
- A bus driver fails to stop at a stop sign and strikes a pedestrian
- When an operator doesn’t take ice and snow into account, they collide with another vehicle, causing injuries
- An operator departs when there are pedestrians in a crosswalk
- Passengers are jostled when a driver operates too fast for conditions
- A bus merges into a lane that is occupied by another vehicle
- An operator comes to a sudden stop causing a passenger to fall
Liability depends on the actions of all of those involved. Each case is an individual determination of the behavior of the parties involved. SEPTA is liable for the actions of their employees.
