Philadelphia Bus Accident Lawyer Notice Deadlines Are Short. Call Now.
You were on a bus. You were hurt. Now you are trying to figure out what comes next.
Here is what you need to know right now: if a government transit authority like SEPTA is involved, the clock is already running. Notice deadlines in government entity claims are short — far shorter than the standard personal injury statute of limitations. Miss that window, and your claim may be gone entirely.
Call 1-800-247-LEGAL immediately. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we recover.
Every Day, Thousands of People Ride Philadelphia's Buses. Accidents Happen.
SEPTA buses run through every Philadelphia neighborhood. Kensington. West Philadelphia. North Philadelphia. South Philly. Broad Street. Market Street. These routes carry thousands of passengers every day — and when accidents happen, the injuries can range from minor to catastrophic.
SEPTA buses. School buses. Greyhound. Charter carriers. Every type of bus accident involves a different legal framework, a different set of liable parties, and a different set of procedural requirements. What they all have in common: you should not be navigating any of it alone.
We have over 50 years of combined experience handling bus accident cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We know the legal issues that arise. We know how to pursue them.
Can You Sue SEPTA for a Bus Accident?
Yes. SEPTA is not above the law.
Government transit authorities, including SEPTA, can be held liable for negligence — negligent drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, unsafe conditions, and failures to follow safety procedures. But government entity claims in Pennsylvania carry strict procedural requirements that do not apply to standard personal injury cases.
Notice deadlines for claims against government agencies are significantly shorter than the two-year statute of limitations that applies to most personal injury matters. If you miss the notice deadline, your claim may be barred entirely — even if SEPTA was clearly at fault.
Do not wait to see how you feel. Do not wait to talk to anyone at SEPTA or their insurer. Call us first.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
Every type of bus accident carries its own legal framework. We handle all of them.
SEPTA bus accidents — government entity claims against Philadelphia's transit authority, including strict notice requirements and governmental liability rules
School bus accidents — injuries to minor passengers, school district liability, and the additional insurance layers involved in school transportation claims
Commercial bus accidents — Greyhound, charter, and private carrier accidents, including interstate carrier regulations and federal safety standards
Bus passenger accidents — injuries sustained while boarding, riding, or exiting a bus due to driver conduct or vehicle conditions
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents — injuries caused by SEPTA or other bus operators striking pedestrians or cyclists on Philadelphia streets
Who is responsible? It depends on the facts. The driver. The carrier. The vehicle manufacturer. The entity responsible for road conditions or vehicle maintenance. In bus accident cases, liability is rarely simple — and identifying every responsible party is part of what we do from the first day of representation.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Philadelphia
The steps you take in the hours after a bus accident directly shape what your claim becomes.
Step 1:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine at the scene, get a full evaluation. Bus accident injuries — soft tissue damage, spinal injuries, head trauma — frequently do not present full symptoms right away. A medical record from the day of the accident is one of the most important documents in your case.
Step 2:
Document Everything You Can
Photograph the bus, the scene, any visible injuries, and road conditions. Get the bus number, route number, and operator information if possible. Collect contact information from witnesses. If police responded, get the report number.
Step 3:
Do Not Give a Statement to SEPTA or Their Insurer
SEPTA has a claims process. Their insurers have adjusters. Neither one is working in your interest. You are not required to give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney. Do not.
Step 4:
Call Goldberg & Weinstein Immediately
Reach us at 1-800-247-LEGAL at any hour. In government entity cases, the notice deadline is the first thing we address. We will move quickly to protect your right to file.
What You May Be Entitled to Recover
A bus accident claim in Pennsylvania can include compensation for:
Medical expenses — emergency care, ongoing treatment, and future costs related to your injuries
Lost wages — income already lost and earning capacity affected by your injury
Pain and suffering — the physical and emotional toll of the accident and recovery
Property damage
— personal items damaged or destroyed in the accident
Other out-of-pocket losses
— transportation, home care, and expenses directly caused by the accident
You are accumulating bills. You may be out of work. The insurance company is calling. You should not have to deal with all of that alone while you are trying to recover.
We lift that burden. We handle the legal process, deal with the insurers, and fight for every dollar you are entitled to. There is no fee unless we recover.
Their Insurer Will Offer Less Than You Deserve
We know how much more.
Whether the defendant is SEPTA, a school district, a charter carrier, or a commercial bus company, their insurer's goal is the same: pay as little as possible. A denial is not the end of your case. It is the beginning of litigation — and Goldberg & Weinstein is prepared to take these cases to trial when that is what your interests require.
We are a family-run firm delivering personal service and dependable results. We communicate with our clients. We keep you informed. And we do not let insurance companies decide what your case is worth..
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accident Claims in Philadelphia
Can I sue SEPTA for a bus accident in Philadelphia?
Yes. SEPTA can be held liable for negligence — but government entity claims carry strict notice deadlines that are significantly shorter than the standard statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you miss that window, your claim may be barred regardless of how strong it is. Call us immediately after a SEPTA bus accident.
What should I do after a bus accident in Philadelphia?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel fine. Document the scene — bus number, route, operator information, witness contacts, photographs. Do not give a statement to SEPTA or their insurer before speaking with an attorney. Then call 1-800-247-LEGAL. In transit cases, time is critical.
What is the deadline to file a claim against SEPTA in Pennsylvania?
Government entity claims carry notice requirements that are shorter than the standard two-year personal injury statute of limitations. Missing the notice deadline can eliminate your claim entirely. The specific requirements depend on the circumstances of your accident. Call us immediately — do not rely on this page for deadline guidance in your specific case.
Who is liable for a school bus accident?
Liability in school bus accidents can include the driver, the school district, the bus contractor, the vehicle manufacturer, or a third party responsible for road conditions or maintenance. Minor passengers injured on school buses may have additional protections and separate insurance layers. We investigate every potentially responsible party.
What if the bus driver was at fault but the company denies it?
A denial from the carrier or their insurer is not a legal finding. It is a negotiating position. We investigate the facts, preserve evidence, and build the case their insurer cannot simply dismiss. When the claim requires litigation, we litigate. A denial is where we start — not where we stop.
The Window to File Is Short. Do Not Miss It.
If you were injured on a bus in Philadelphia — whether it was a SEPTA route, a school bus, or a commercial carrier — call us before you do anything else. We know the deadlines. We move fast. And there is no fee unless we recover.
Call 1-800-247-LEGAL now. We answer 24 hours a day.