Man Killed, Wife Injured After Being Struck By a SEPTA Bus in Philadelphia

A man died, and his wife was injured after being struck by a SEPTA bus on the evening of January 3 in Philadelphia.

According to news reports, the accident occurred just before 7 p.m. at Front Street and Washington Avenue in the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia. The couple attempted to cross Front Street in the crosswalk before being hit by the bus.

Police say the man was dragged underneath the bus. Officers removed him from under the bus and attempted to provide life-saving measures but were unsuccessful.

The wife was taken to Temple University Hospital and is listed in stable condition. It is unclear how many people were on the bus at the time of the crash or if anyone on the bus was injured.

Police are investigating the accident to learn more about what happened.

SEPTA Bus Accidents: What You Should Know

Bus accidents in Philadelphia can stem from multiple causes that put passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers at risk. Driver behavior plays a significant role in these types of accidents, including distracted driving, fatigue from demanding schedules or speeding. Environmental factors like rain, snow, and ice create hazardous road conditions that increase accident risk. Mechanical issues with the SEPTA bus also contribute to accidents, including poor maintenance, brake malfunctions, or tire problems.

Philadelphia’s road infrastructure presents additional challenges, particularly in areas with deteriorating pavement, ongoing construction, or inadequate signage. Interactions with other road users pose risks, too – buses must navigate around cyclists, pedestrians crossing at intersections, and other vehicles making sudden movements. Inside the bus itself, disruptive passenger behavior can divert the driver’s attention from safely operating the vehicle.

These various factors often combine to create dangerous situations. For instance, a fatigued driver operating a poorly maintained bus in bad weather faces compounded risks.

If you’re involved in a SEPTA bus accident, your first priority should be seeking immediate medical attention for any injuries, even if the injuries seem minor. While at the scene, document as much information as possible by taking photos of the accident, the bus number, and damage to the vehicle. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain the bus driver’s name and badge number.

Report the incident to SEPTA officials who respond to the scene, and be sure to file a police report. However, avoid making statements about fault or signing documents before speaking to a Philadelphia bus accident attorney. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, related expenses, and any missed work due to injuries sustained in the accident. It’s also important to document any physical or emotional symptoms that develop in the days following the accident.

These cases often involve complex regulations and strict filing deadlines. Many successful claims require understanding both SEPTA’s policies and Pennsylvania’s public transportation laws, so having an experienced personal injury attorney in Philadelphia is essential. Contact Munley Law for a free consultation.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.