Train Accident Injury Attorneys in Pittsburgh

There are thousands of train accidents and other types of mass transit events in the US each year. Hundreds of Americans lose their lives in these types of accidents, and tens of thousands more suffer serious injuries. Mass transit accidents are not as common as everyday auto accidents, but they can be far more devastating for those who are involved in them.

Pittsburgh’s “T” system has two lines that span across 53 stations that cover more than 26 miles of railway. This system includes a subway that runs underground through downtown and a light rail line that covers the entire city and some suburbs. The T system is designed to connect seamlessly with the city’s bus lines and commuter trains, helping to transport an average of 27,000 passengers per day.

Some of the most common reasons that mass transit accidents occur include:

• Operator Negligence: Negligence or carelessness on the part of the train operator or vehicle driver is very often a primary cause or contributing factor in a mass transit accident. Examples include distractions (e.g., texting while driving), speeding, failure to follow operator procedures, intoxication, and drowsiness/fatigue.
• Lack of Proper Training/Supervision: In many cases, operator errors that cause train accidents and other mass transit events result from inexperience or a lack of adequate training and supervision. It is the responsibility of transportation authorities to ensure that those who the public entrusts their safety to every day are properly vetted, and that they possess the skills and training necessary to safely do their job.
• Negligent Maintenance: Some transportation accidents happen because the vehicle is not properly maintained, or the company has failed to adequately maintain the rail tracks on which the train runs. Mass transit systems run every day, and it is absolutely critical that everything that makes them run smoothly and safely is regularly maintained and in good repair.

If you have been injured while working on the railroad, you may be entitled to certain benefits. Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., represents injured railroaders in actions brought under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), as well as the Federal Safety Appliance Act (FSAA) and the Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA). Our attorneys can talk to you about the benefits for which you may be eligible, helping you understand your options under the law.

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, our lawyers serve clients affected by many different injuries and accidents:

• Head injury
• Back and spinal cord injury
• Injuries to joints
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Fractures
• Lost limbs/amputations
• Lost fingers

Filing a Mass Transit Accident Claim in Pennsylvania

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates a vast network of public transportation systems around the state (including Pittsburgh), and when someone is injured in a mass transit accident in PA, they will normally be filing a claim against SEPTA. As we touched on earlier, these types of claims involve very specific procedures that are unique to claims against public entities.

One of the most important things to realize is that if you are planning on bringing a claim against a public entity like SEPTA, you must file a notice of intent within six months of the date of your injury. If you fail to file the notice within the required timeframe, your case could be dismissed, and you could lose out on the compensation you deserve.

Filing the notice in a timely manner is very important, but it is also important to file it properly. For example, providing unnecessary details (such as information about the full extent of your injury before you have had a full medical exam and know all the facts) could be used against you later on. This is where our experienced attorneys can be very helpful.

We will work closely with you to ensure that everything is filed properly and on time, and we will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the accident happened and which parties can be held liable. We will also handle all negotiations directly with the appropriate entity, so you can focus on recovering from your injury and moving forward with your life.

Whether your accident involves SEPTA, a railroad company, or another transportation entity, it is very possible that there are other parties that could be at fault as well. We will work hard to ensure that all responsible parties are held fully accountable, and that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Seasoned Pennsylvania Mass Transit Accident Attorneys

If you or someone close to you has suffered injury in a train accident or any other type of mass transit accident in Pennsylvania, Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C. is ready to go to work for you! To get started, call our Pittsburgh office today at 412-391-9860 or toll-free at 866-466-5789. You may also send us a secure and confidential message through our online contact form.