What To Do If You Were Injured In The SEPTA Train Crash At The 69th Street Transportation Center

On August 22, 2017, one of SEPTA’s Norristown High Speed Line trains crashed into another train at the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, just outside of Philadelphia.  Reports indicate 42 people were injured in the crash.  

Thankfully, according to local media, none of the victims were critically injured.  However, local reports described a violent collision followed by a chaotic scene. One passenger said there was “blood everywhere” and described how his face was thrown into the wall of the train by the impact.

SEPTA and federal officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident to determine what went wrong.  While officials are still sorting out exactly what happened, multiple witnesses put the blame on excessive speed, claiming the train overshot at least two stops before the accident occurred.

If you were a victim in the SEPTA accident at the 69th Street Transportation Center, there are three things you should do:

Get Immediate Medical Attention:  If you have not done so already, it is imperative to your health and to protect your rights that you seek medical attention immediately.  

Even if you only appear to have suffered minor injuries, you should have your injuries properly diagnosed.  

Traumatic injuries often cause symptoms that may arise days or even weeks after the initial event, and it is critical that your injuries are treated and documented early.

Contact an Experienced Attorney:  Train accidents are often complex cases involving multiple parties. Investigation of your claim may require the evaluation of evidence gathered from several different agencies and the testimony of experts such as accident reconstructionist may be necessary to prove your claims.  

Further, claims involving government entities like SEPTA must be reported properly and early in order to preserve your right to pursue a claim.

Do Not Speak to any Insurance Personnel: until you have consulted an attorney. While the insurance representatives reaching out to you after an accident like the one that took place at the 69th Street Transportation Center may seem to have your best interests in mind, their job is to limit their exposure to injury claims and to “adjust” your claim to an amount theydeem fair.

All too often, these “adjusters” take advantage of unrepresented injury victims, convincing them to accept wholly inadequate compensation for their injuries.

An experienced attorney can make sure your claim is evaluated properly and fairly to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

The Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie Can Help

At the Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., we have decades of experience handling accidents like this and dealing with government entities like SEPTA. If you, or a family member was injured in the SEPTA train accident at the 69th Street Transportation Center or in any other train accident, please contact our firm for a consultation.

A dedicated member of our legal team is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (844) 777-2529 (Toll Free). One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you to discuss your case.  

We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College, Bellefonte and Lock Haven, and we are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.