Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyer

Injured on a SEPTA Bus or in a Philly Transit Crash?

Get Experienced Legal Help.

Philadelphia is a transit-heavy city. Whether you’re commuting on a SEPTA bus through Center City, riding a Greyhound out of the Filbert Street station, or navigating a bike near a NJ Transit route, accidents happen.

Public transportation accidents in Philadelphia are legally complex. Unlike a standard car crash, claims involving city-owned or state-funded transit require navigating Sovereign Immunity laws and extremely tight filing deadlines. At Kane & Silverman, we have the local experience to hold these agencies accountable.

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Why Philadelphia Bus Accidents Are Unique

Navigating a bus accident claim in Philadelphia is different than anywhere else in Pennsylvania. You aren’t just dealing with an insurance company; you are often dealing with a government entity.

• The 6-Month Notice Rule: If you are filing a claim against SEPTA or the City of Philadelphia, you must provide formal “Notice of Claim” within six months of the accident. If you miss this window, you lose your right to sue.

• The Damage Cap: Under Pennsylvania law (42 Pa. C.S. § 8528), there are strict limits on how much a victim can recover from a Commonwealth agency—currently capped at $250,000 per person.

• The “Jerk and Jolt” Doctrine: In Philadelphia, transit agencies often defend themselves using the “Jerk and Jolt” rule, claiming that sudden movements are an inherent part of bus travel. We know how to gather the evidence needed to prove that the “jolt” was actually negligence.

Handling Claims Against All Major Philly Carriers

We represent victims injured in accidents involving:

• SEPTA Buses: All routes serving Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.

• School Buses: Accidents involving the School District of Philadelphia or private contractors.

• Charter & Tour Buses: Sightseeing buses around Independence Hall or the Art Museum.

• Interstate Carriers: Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus operating out of Philly terminals.

Common Philly Bus Accident Locations

Our team investigates accidents across the city’s most dangerous corridors, including:

• Roosevelt Boulevard: Frequently cited as one of the most dangerous roads in the nation.

• Market Street & Broad Street: High-traffic bus and pedestrian zones.

• I-76 (The Schuylkill) & I-95: Major routes for regional transit and charter coaches.

What to Do After a Philadelphia Bus Accident

If you’re injured, contact an attorney. Because of the 6-month notice requirement, you cannot afford to wait. An experienced attorney will work to properly file your claim, protect evidence, and work to get you the money you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (Philadelphia Edition)

Q: Can I sue SEPTA if I was a passenger and there was no collision? A: Yes. If the driver’s negligence—such as excessive speed or an abrupt, unnecessary stop—caused your injury, you may have a claim. This falls under the “extraordinary” jerk and jolt standard.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim against SEPTA in Philadelphia? A: In Pennsylvania, you generally have only 6 months to file a formal ‘Notice of Claim’ against a government entity like SEPTA. This is a much shorter window than the standard personal injury statute of limitations. Failing to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Q: What is the maximum compensation I can get from a government agency in PA? A: Under Pennsylvania law (42 Pa. C.S. § 8528), damages against Commonwealth parties like SEPTA are currently capped at $250,000 per person and $1,000,000 per occurrence. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these caps to maximize your recovery.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer in Philly? A: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Start Your Claim Today

Don’t let a government deadline prevent you from the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call our Philadelphia office at 215-232-1000 or visit us at 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 1A5 to schedule your free consultation.