SEPTA Accidents Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

$1 Million Falling Object Injury
$11 Million Police Shooting Victims
$2.4 Million Pedestrian Accident
$1.5 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$1 Million Assault Injury
$4.8 Million Bicycle Accident
$31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
$10 Million Tractor-Trailer Accident
$3.25 Million Cement Truck Accident
$625K Premises Liability
$1.25 Million Premises Liability
$1.65 Million Car Accident
$31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
Maximum Compensation Bus Accident
$1 Million Truck Accident
$4.25 Million Tractor-Trailer Collision
$11 Million Police Shooting Victims
$1.35 Million Drunk Driving Accident

Philadelphia SEPTA Accident Attorney

SEPTA Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA Litigating Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Injuries Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

The Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system is a vital means of transportation for many in and around the Philadelphia area. Serving millions of commuters, SEPTA is the 6th largest rapid transit system in the country in terms of ridership. With a substantial network, consisting of hundreds of buses, subway lines, trollies, and regional trains, operating virtually around the clock, accidents are bound to happen. And they do.

Every year, thousands of innocent commuters and others on the road are injured and left with serious, often debilitating injuries. Legal disputes involving SEPTA vehicles are of a vastly different nature than other personal injury cases, necessitating a higher caliber of personal injury attorney. For the thousands of Pennsylvania residents and visitors injured in SEPTA accidents each year, van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is an aggressive advocate for victims’ interests. Our nationally renowned Philadelphia SEPTA accident attorneys are tough in the face of complicated, and heavily-defended SEPTA personal injury cases. We do not give up until we have recovered everything to which you are rightfully entitled.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”

- Quiana
Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”

- Ninel B.
They make my concerns their concerns.
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”

- Leslie L.
The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”

- RB
Guided me through the process for a success.
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”

- Frank A.
Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”

- Sewall M. Jr.
They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”

- Former Client
You should not go anywhere else.
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”

- Bennie H.

Serious Injuries Necessitate a Serious and Capable SEPTA Accident Attorney

By their very nature, the buses and trains comprising SEPTA’s fleet are disproportionately large in comparison to other vehicles. The sheer size and mass of these vehicles make them inherently dangerous to both passengers and others on the road. Additionally, public transport vehicles are not equipped with personal safety equipment such as seatbelts. Without any means of restraint during a collision, passenger injuries quickly become more severe. When a SEPTA accident has left you with medical bills, lost time at work, and crushing debt, it is imperative that you enlist the help of an accomplished personal injury attorney with dedicated SEPTA accident experience.

Enforcing Your Rights and SEPTA Responsibilities After Devastating Accident Injuries

SEPTA accidents do not always involve collisions with other vehicles or individuals. Given the extensive infrastructure surrounding SEPTA’s public transportation fleet, the areas in and circumstances under which accidents can occur is broad:

Spills on the floor of SEPTA stations or vehicles
Improper maintenance of station facilities
Defects in vehicle or facility product design
Lack of security at stations or on vehicles
Defective equipment on SEPTA vehicles

If your injuries are sustained outside of a SEPTA transit vehicle, but at some stage in your commute, SEPTA may be liable and you may be entitled to compensation. The best way to gauge whether or not you can hold SEPTA accountable for your injuries is to consult with a Philadelphia personal injury attorney. With decades of direct experience litigating these disputes, our SEPTA accident attorneys do whatever it takes to secure a favorable outcome in your case.

Our Philadelphia SEPTA Accident Attorneys Offer Clients an Unsurpassed Understanding of SEPTA Accidents and How to Secure Compensation for Injuries

SEPTA accidents are not simple fender-bender personal injury disputes; they are incredibly complex cases. The Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is considered a public entity under Pennsylvania law. The implication for injured individuals is that successful recovery can only be obtained by navigating a complicated maze of state and local regulations:

Time Limitations—For most personal injury cases, an injured individual has two years from the date on which the injury was sustained to file a personal injury lawsuit. Victims of SEPTA accidents must put SEPTA on notice of a claim within six months. This preserves the statute of limitations. Otherwise, your ability to bring a claim against SEPTA is restricted. From the moment you contact our Philadelphia-based SEPTA accident attorneys, we work around the clock to make sure you are not missing out on valuable rights to recovery and compensation.
Economic Recovery Limitations—Under Pennsylvania state law, a SEPTA accident victim is limited to a maximum of $250,000 in recovery. However, in the event that more than one person has been injured, a $1M cap is placed on the incident as a whole. For injured victims and their families, if action is not taken early and swiftly, there may not be any funds available for recovery. Only an attorney with substantial, hands-on experience handling SEPTA claims can be trusted to successfully secure the maximum amount allowable for your injuries.
Interplay between State and City Laws—The SEPTA network extends far beyond the city of Philadelphia—into Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and neighboring counties—and a maze of city laws operates in conjunction with Pennsylvania state laws governing SEPTA accidents. In order to aggressively fight for an appropriate settlement, your attorney must be intimately familiar with applicable regulations and your rights under these laws.

The procedural and legal nuances in SEPTA accident cases are substantial. Because you only have one opportunity to secure compensation for your injuries, you cannot leave your case to chance—or an attorney who is inexperienced in SEPTA accident litigation.

Contact Our Aggressive Philadelphia SEPTA Accident Attorneys. We Are Committed to Winning Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries

Through a free, no-commitment initial consultation, our Philadelphia SEPTA Accident attorneys begin to assess your case and litigation strategy immediately, so as not to jeopardize important rights to settlement. If your injuries do not allow you to visit our downtown office, we will come to the hospital or your home.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About SEPTA Accident Injury Claims in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

If you are hurt in a SEPTA accident, your health comes first. Call 911 if needed and seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Report the incident to the operator or station personnel and make sure an official incident report is created. If you are able, take photos of the scene, the vehicle or station area, any visible hazards, and your injuries. Get names and contact information for witnesses. Avoid giving detailed statements to any insurance representative or transit investigator before speaking with an attorney. An experienced SEPTA injury lawyer can step in quickly to protect your rights and handle all communications on your behalf.
Yes. SEPTA is a public entity, but it can still be held responsible when its negligence causes or contributes to an accident. This can include injuries that happen on a bus, trolley, subway, or regional rail train, as well as incidents in stations, on platforms, or in other areas that are part of the transit system. Examples include spills that cause slips and falls, defective equipment, poor maintenance, lack of security, or unsafe operation of a vehicle. A skilled attorney can evaluate where and how your injury occurred and determine whether SEPTA, a contractor, another driver, or multiple parties share legal responsibility.
Yes, and they are very strict. In most Pennsylvania personal injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. With SEPTA, you must usually provide formal written notice of your claim within six months in order to preserve your right to sue. Missing this notice deadline can severely limit or completely block your ability to recover compensation. There are also caps on how much can be recovered from SEPTA, such as a limit per injured person and a separate limit for all injured people in a single incident. Because of these rules, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a SEPTA accident.
Depending on the facts of your case and the legal limits that apply, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other accident related losses. In serious cases, this can include long term rehabilitation, assistive devices, or home modifications. Your attorney will review medical records, employment information, and the impact of the injuries on your daily life to calculate the full value of your claim and then work to secure the maximum amount allowed for your injuries within the legal limits that govern SEPTA claims.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam

the complete coverage advantage

Full-Spectrum
Law

From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.
Values-Driven
Practice

From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.
Human-Centered
Advocacy

We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.
High-Caliber
Results

Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

Trial Lawyers Excelling in the Areas of Law Most Critical to You and Your Family

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