One of the more unique features of the Philadelphia public transportation system is the presence of trolleybuses, also known as trackless trolleys, along five routes. Operated by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), these vehicles transport thousands of people from place to place each day. While trackless trolleys usually operate without incident, they can cause significant injury and damage to property when they are involved in accidents with other vehicles. The best way to ensure that your legal rights are protected after being involved in a trackless trolley accident is to retain the services of an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Accidents involving trolley buses can occur for a wide variety of reasons, and can injure people both in the vehicle as passengers and other motorists and pedestrians. Some of the more common causes of SEPTA trackless trolley accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Driver fatigue
- Mechanical failure
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Speeding
- Improper turns
- Driver error
The good news for victims of SEPTA trolley bus accidents is that Pennsylvania law allows people injured by SEPTA accidents to bring legal claims against the agency to compensate victims for any losses. Potential damages available in a case stemming from an accident with a SEPTA trolley bus include compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and lost income, among others. After an accident involving a SEPTA vehicle, victims should be sure to record as much information about the accident as possible. This can include things like:
- The vehicle number
- The name of the driver
- Contact information from any witnesses
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Taking photos of the aftermath of the accident, if possible
In addition, if you suspect that you are injured in any way you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Injuries that may not serious at first are capable of causing long-term medical complications.