The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the largest transit system in Pennsylvania and the sixth largest in the United States. SEPTA carries millions of people every year aboard its subways, trains, buses, and trolleys. Due to the high volume of people who ride on SEPTA vehicles and the amount of miles SEPTA vehicles travel, it’s not surprising why so many passengers are injured in accidents on these trolleys, trains, and subways.
Here are five things you should do after you’ve been in a SEPTA accident.
- Complete an Incident Form. After any SEPTA accident, you should be given an Incident Form to fill out. This form will ask you your name, address, date of birth and a description of the accident and your injuries. The SEPTA driver will retain a copy of your form for records. If you are not given an Incident Form, ask the driver for one.
- Take Notes. If possible, take notes about the accident. You should take notes on the location of the accident, what route you were taking, where you were sitting, the driver’s name or a description of the driver, and a description of any other vehicles involved in the accident. It is also wise to consult a truck accident attorney as they can provide crucial advice on how to proceed.
- Seek Medical Care. Seek medical care immediately if needed. Ambulances may arrive on the scene of the accident to take injured passengers to a near by hospital. If an ambulance does not arrive on the scene, you should go to an emergency room on your own as soon as possible after the accident. Delaying treatment your injuries may need can cause your injuries to worsen, or lengthen your recovery time.
- Do Not Talk to SEPTA Attorneys or Employees. SEPTA attorneys or employees may contact you after the accident to ask for a recorded statement about the accident. You are under no obligation to speak to a SEPTA attorney at that time. In doing so, you may hurt your chance for a successful recovery if you give a recorded statement. If you have already contacted your attorney, you can inform the SEPTA representative that an attorney represents you and that all questions can be directed to your attorney.
- Contact an Experienced SEPTA Accident Attorney Immediately. Do not hold off on finding an attorney. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. To learn more about your rights and for help protecting your right to a financial recovery, call The Cochran Firm Philadelphia at 215-569-0900 for a complimentary consultation. Our lawyers understand the laws surrounding SEPTA cases and have the experience you will need