Public transportation is a convenient and widely-used mode of travel in Philadelphia. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates buses, trains, and trolleys that transport millions of passengers each year. However, while the agency strives to ensure the safety of its passengers, accidents still happen. If you were injured while using these services, an experienced SEPTA attorney can help you understand your legal rights and explain the SEPTA lawsuit mistakes to avoid that might affect your claim and compensation. 
SEPTA Lawsuit Mistakes to Avoid in Philadelphia
When filing a SEPTA lawsuit, you want to be strategic in the process of recovering rightful compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
So here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid in your SEPTA case.
Not seeking medical attention
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s critical to your health to have a thorough medical exam as soon as possible. Some injuries may not appear immediately. In addition, delaying medical treatment might weaken your case and allow the defendant to argue that your injuries were not a result of the SEPTA incident. The documentation of your exam, diagnosis, and treatment is valuable evidence for your claim.
Not completing an incident report
One of the crucial steps in pursuing a SEPTA injury claim is reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities. When an accident occurs, make sure to notify the SEPTA operator, supervisor, or any available SEPTA employee. Failing to complete an incident report may negate your injury claim and make it more challenging to recover damages. Make sure to get a copy of the incident report for your records, as it’s another piece of essential evidence to support your case.
Not filing a claim in time
Understandably, there’s a lot of chaos after an accident, and you need time to focus on your health and recovery. Just keep in mind there’s a specific time limit to abide by to file an accident claim, and missing it may prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether—in fact, Philadelphia has a shortened statute of limitations for SEPTA injury lawsuits. Generally, you must file a notice of claim within six months from the date of the incident. Failing to miss this deadline may result in the dismissal of your case.