Person Struck and Killed By SEPTA Train in Philadelphia
A person died after being struck by a SEPTA Broad Street Line train in Center City, Philadelphia, on January 23.
According to news reports, the accident happened around 5 a.m. in the 300 block of North Broad Street at the Race-Vine Station. Rescue crews responded to reports of a person under a train. The person was pronounced dead at the scene.
Express service was temporarily suspended in both directions as SEPTA police investigated the accident. It has since resumed.
SEPTA Train Accidents in Philadelphia
SEPTA train accidents can be quite complex. Under Pennsylvania law, SEPTA is considered a “commonwealth agency,” which affects how the claim is handled. Unlike a personal injury claim against another individual or private business, there are special notices and shorter deadlines when filing claims against the agency. The individual will first have to notify SEPTA that they were injured. The statute of limitations for an injury claim is six months following the notice.
In a wrongful death lawsuit against the agency, only certain family members will be able to file the claim. These include:
- The victim’s spouse
- Children of the deceased
- The deceased’s parents
- A personal representative of the estate
It’s also important to mention that Pennsylvania’s Sovereign Immunity Act caps damages against SEPTA. The act states that the family can recover a maximum of $250,000. This total will include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and property damage.
Given SEPTA’s status as a government agency and the complexity of train accident cases, injury victims are strongly advised to consult with an experienced SEPTA train accident attorney who understands the special rules and deadlines that apply. Contact Munley Law to speak with our experienced Philadelphia accident attorneys now.
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.
