The subway systems connecting urban
Pennsylvanians enable millions of people to travel efficiently
every year. Yet they can also cause some of the most horrifying
transportation accidents imaginable. The speed of an oncoming
train – coupled with the train operator's inability to see the
victim or react in time – can result in serious injuries and
death. Injuries often occur when a subway train stops suddenly
as it enters a station or lurches forward as it leaves. Common
injuries arising from subway accidents include:
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Loss of limbs
- Fractures
- Internal injuries, including organ damage
Victims of subway accidents must not only deal with the
extensive recovery process associated with severe injuries, but
they also face complex legal issues. When an accident involves a
subway train or other form of public transportation, victims can
file a claim with the appropriate transportation agency – such
as SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Agency).
However, those agencies typically have very strict limits on
the amount of compensation they can offer victims. For example,
if an accident occurs on the Broad Street line serving South
Philadelphia, SEPTA cannot award more than $250,000 to any
single victim – or more than $1,000,000 total for that accident,
regardless of how many people were hurt. A system or track
malfunction could result in a collision and seriously injure
dozens of people, yet the $1 million cap still remains the limit
for any accident.
Once the damages limit has been paid out, no more victims can
receive compensation – even those with the most permanent and
catastrophic injuries. Authorities often hand out claim cards at
the accident scene. If you are involved in any subway or other
mass transit accident, take a claim card if offered. These are
important to complete and submit as soon as possible. Having
already secured one will help your attorney to expedite your
case.
Even if you do have the claim card submitted on time, though,
you are essentially competing with any other victims for a share
of the damages – and it may not be enough to compensate you
fully for your injuries. A knowledgeable Pennsylvania
transportation accident lawyer can also investigate other
sources for potential compensation, such as your own insurance
company, which may cover some of your damages.
The bottom line is that an experienced attorney familiar with
subway accident claims can make a crucial difference when you
are struggling to pay for medical treatment and get your life
back on track.
The
Pennsylvania transportation injury lawyers at Munley,
Munley & Cartwright, P.C. have more than 40 years of experience
in handling accident cases. Our goal is to provide exceptional
legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest
standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights
through teamwork and the use of our considerable resources and
experience. Whether we’re gathering evidence, giving advice, or
talking with insurance companies, we are always your
representative.
We have offices conveniently located in
Stroudsburg,
Carbondale,
Hamlin,
Hazleton,
Scranton, and
Wilkes-Barre, PA. If
you have been injured as a result of a subway/rail accident,
please contact us by e-mail or telephone 1-800-318-LAW1. For
more information about our firm, please visit
www.munley.com. |
