SEPTA is the common form of public transportation used by residents throughout Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. SEPTA offers various forms of public transportation, including subways, buses, elevated rails, and commuter rails.
One interesting item to note is that these public transportation options do not use or require seatbelts. So, when there is an accident on a SEPTA bus or other form of public transportation, the injuries can be quite serious.
Buses and public transportation are not only cost-effective, but they are supposed to be safe forms of travel. But, when an accident occurs, the injuries can have long-term effects.
Whiplash Injuries
One common injury with SEPTA accidents is whiplash. Whiplash is a category of soft tissue injuries focusing on the neck and upper shoulders. Bus accident victims are frequently found to be victims of whiplash, because of the impact of the collision and lack of safety restraints.
Symptoms of whiplash can include, but are not limited to:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Tenderness and swelling of the neck
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Limited mobility
- Muscle spasms
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also quite common in bus and other public transportation accidents. When a passenger is not restrained, they are more likely to strike their head on an object in the impact. That blunt force trauma might lead to catastrophic, long-term effects, including paralysis, cognitive issues, memory problems, and so forth. Even minor TBIs carry long-term effects and could be life-threatening.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Just like TBIs, spinal cord injuries are also common in SEPTA injuries that occur at high speeds. When a victim’s body is violently thrown about, they can suffer from pinched nerves, herniated disks, severed spinal cords, and more. The results of spinal cord injuries are devastating and could permanently disable an accident victim or lead to death.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The mere force of the impact is likely to throw a passenger from his or her seat. They might strike objects in the bus or be tossed around due to the impact. Broken bones are a common injury resulting from SEPTA crashes.
Broken bones can be extremely painful, especially in harder-to-heal zones like the femur. Also, broken bones may require multiple surgeries, orthotics, and physical therapy to recover – costing the patient thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Lacerations and Cuts
Lastly, a victim in a bus or public transportation incident is likely to have a cut or laceration of some kind. These lacerations often require surgical procedures and reconstructive work by a plastic surgeon. Deep cuts are at high-risk for infection and could be life-threatening. Furthermore, these cuts could result in permanent scars, which affect the victim for his or her lifetime.
You Have Options After a SEPTA Accident
After an injury in a SEPTA accident, you have rights. If the SEPTA driver or the department responsible for the maintenance of the public transportation options is negligent, you might be entitled to compensation.
To explore your options, contact an attorney with experience in SEPTA claims by speaking with attorney Jeffrey H. Penneys, Esq. at 215-771-0430 (cell) or 800-465-8795 (office). You can also request more information from him online.