Here in Pennsylvania, many people rely on public transportation, such as buses, to get them safely from place to place. Though buses typically travel at lower speeds, accidents still occur, and when they do, people can sustain serious injuries as a result. Please continue reading and reach out to our seasoned PA mass transit accident attorneys to learn more about bus accidents and how our firm can help if you’ve been hurt in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of bus accidents?
Bus accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Because they share the road with other vehicles, passengers can be at risk of injury due to dangerous and unpredictable drivers. Some buses also do not require passengers to sit, usually offering standing room if all seats are taken. Such situations often put passengers in further danger of sustaining serious injuries. Common causes of bus accidents may include:
- Driver negligence
- Speeding
- Sudden Stops
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Drowsy driving
- Improper maintenance
- Other divers on the road
- Poor weather conditions
What should I do if I am injured in a bus crash?
Bus accidents can be unpredictable and very dangerous. In case one finds themself in this unfortunate circumstance, be prepared for what comes next. If an accident occurs, a representative from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, will likely show up at the scene to provide claim forms to passengers. If one of these forms is not provided, it can also be found online. SEPTA claim forms require injured passengers to provide essential information such as:
- Date of incident
- Time of incident
- Location of incident
- Destination
- Route or property where the incident occurred
- Whether you were injured on a bus/train or a property
Note that the most important thing you can do after an accident is call 911. Law enforcement can help ensure you receive immediate medical treatment and will write up an accident report, detailing the facts of the incident. In addition, taking photographs at the scene of the collision as well as collecting information from eyewitnesses is also encouraged. This can be beneficial later on down the road. Finally, once you’ve received medical treatment and are in stable condition, you should strongly consider retaining the services of a knowledgeable and dedicated personal injury lawyer who can help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
If you have any further questions or you’d like to get started, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated legal team today. We are here to help you through each phase of the process ahead.
