When Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) accidents happen, dozens of people may be injured. Unfortunately, there are also several people who will fake their injuries and file fake injury claims with SEPTA. This fraudulent activity is on the rise nationwide and, as such, it affects those who are legitimately injured. SEPTA will scrutinize the claims that it does receive, and make it more difficult for legitimately injured parties to receive compensation.
Case With Fraudulent Claims
In 2013, nine people were arrested in Philadelphia for faking SEPTA injuries. These individuals were charged with insurance fraud after filing personal injury claims in connection with a 2010 SEPTA accident. The detectives who arrested these individuals said that they claimed that they were on the bus at the time. Digital video surveillance was able to show that these individuals were not on the bus. Because police had not responded to the accident, the individuals were able to make false claims without any proper authorities substantiating them.
Fake Claims Cost the System
Fake claims just like this make it costly for public transportation. It also affects those who are legitimately injured when they attempt to file a claim following an accident. To thwart such attempts, SEPTA implemented new strategies for tracking accident victims, such as installing video cameras on all of their vehicles.
In 2019, it was reported that the measures SEPTA has taken are working. There is a reduced number of claims and lawsuits. The organization is paying out less on claims. That money can go towards other projects. Legitimate claims are not impacted by these measures.
However, even if video does show that you were on the SEPTA bus, train or trolley, that doesn’t mean it will be easy to prove your case. There are many factors to take into account and for a victim to be awarded compensation for injuries resulting from a public transportation accident. That is why you need an experienced SEPTA accident lawyer on your side.
What You Need to File a SEPTA Claim
The most important step that an accident victim must take is requesting a SEPTA “incident card” at the accident scene. If the accident was severe enough to cause multiple injuries, the SEPTA incident cards are handed out to those who are actual victims. This is one step that SEPTA has taken to reduce the number of false claims it receives each year.
Before you can file an injury claim, you must complete this card, which confirms that you were (i) present at the scene of the accident, and (ii) a victim of the accident. You must fill out the card at the accident scene and provide it to the SEPTA authority or driver. Make sure you fill-out the card with all of the pertinent information, and SAVE A COPY FOR YOUR CASE! It is also a good idea to take a photo of the incident card after you fill it out in case it gets lost or misplaced.
Contact a SEPTA Attorney
After you have received medical care and confirmed your injuries, it is in your best interest to speak with an attorney who offers SEPTA claim assistance. Because of the plethora of claims that SEPTA receives, and the complex legal issues surrounding government entity (SEPTA is a governmental entity) claims, you need an attorney to help you file your claim and present your evidence. Even with an incident card, you must show that the driver or SEPTA itself was responsible for your injuries, or that another vehicle was responsible for causing the SEPTA accident.
It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. You have only six months to let SEPTA know of your intention to file your SEPTA accident claim. SEPTA is an entity of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the statute of limitations for injury claims is significantly shortened whenever you have an injury involving a government agency.
Attorney Jeffrey H. Penneys, Esq. can help you with your injury claim. We understand the rules and regulations in regards to SEPTA accidents. We can help you receive compensation after a SEPTA subway, trolley or bus incident. Schedule a free consultation now by contacting Mr. Penneys at 215-771-0430. You can also request more information by completing our online contact form.
Updated September 23, 2021