New York Bus Accident Lawyer – Serving
Staten Island and all of New York City
Bus accidents can be deadly. In a city like New York, buses have become an essential part of travel due to their convenience and the city’s tight roads. This has made accidents all too common – if you have been injured as a result of a bus driver’s negligence, it’s best to not go at this alone. They involve countless of local laws and intricacies that a specialized New York bus accident attorney can help with. At Staten Island Accident Lawyers, we have dealt with many victims and injured parties following a bus accident. These crashes have included defendants like the MTA, school buses, tour buses, and other public or private transportation vehicles. We have seen it all, and want to use our experience to help you in obtaining the highest possible settlement.
Such accidents are unique in that they often result in severe injuries and complex liability issues involving multiple parties—including drivers, companies, municipalities, and insurance carriers. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, our team will fight for you and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve
Why Hire a New York Bus Accident Lawyer?
As mentioned earlier, bus accidents aren’t like your standard car accident. They often involve navigating complex laws and regulations, filing claims within incredibly tight deadlines, especially if dealing with the MTA, and taking on powerful transit authorities. That’s why working with an experienced New York bus accident lawyer is essential, for it can be overwhelming to go about this on your own.
We’re proud to stand on the record of our firm. We bring decades of experience handling high-stakes transportation accident cases in all five boroughs of NYC, and we’re known for our aggressive litigation, personalized attention to each client, and willingness to go to trial to win the highest settlement possible
Who We Represent
Injured Passengers
If you were a passenger at the time of accident—whether it was on the MTA, school bus, or even a chartered one—you may be entitled to compensation if you were injured as a result of negligence. While you’re fully focused on recovering, our team of injury lawyers will build up a case and present it to the insurance company to begin the process of negotiation.
Drivers or Occupants of Other Vehicles
Drivers who fail to follow signs and traffic laws can cause injury to other drivers. If you were in another vehicle when struck by a bus, whether as a driver or passenger, we will identify all liable parties and pursue the compensation you need to cover your financial and emotional losses.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
New York City streets are understandably packed with cyclists and pedestrians. Adding on to this problem is the fact that bus stops often intersect with bike lanes, making these particular areas a hotspot for accidents. If you were injured while walking or biking due to negligence, call our experienced attorneys by searching for a bus accident lawyer near me.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
MTA and Public Transit Accidents
The MTA operates one of the largest bus systems in the country, making it the defendant of hundreds of accident cases per year. MTA is an important factor when building a case, as they’re part of the city of New York. This means that a notice of claim MUST be filed before 90 days, or your claim becomes jeopardized. Our Staten Island lawyers have the expertise required to timely file your claim.
School Bus Accidents
Accidents involving a school bus can be a tragedy due to the age of the passengers. There are two types of such vehicles: Department of Education operated, meaning they’re public and fall under the same limits of MTA vehicles, or privately operated. We have a network of experts that are prepared to investigate thoroughly and hold all responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
Private Bus and Charter Company Accidents
Long-distance coaches such as the Greyhound are required to meet strict safety and maintenance standards. If you were hurt in a crash involving one of these companies, we will analyze the company’s logs, maintenance records, and safety standards to present case that will secure your maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in NYC
There are many factors at play with these accidents. They can be caused by distracted driving, and other times, fatigue arising from a driver’s long shift is to blame, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Failing to follow the proper speed limits is also a common cause, since the tight urban streets of New York do not allow for much margin of error.
Mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes, can also lead to catastrophic accidents, particularly when a company neglects routine maintenance. Regardless of the cause, rest assured that we will determine who is at fault and hold them accountable for your pain and suffering.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?
This can be a complex topic, as many defendants can be involved in a chain of command that led to the collision. Those generally liable include:
Bus Drivers
When a crash occurs due to driver error—by failing to follow traffic laws or falling asleep at the wheel—the driver may be held liable for the resulting injuries.
Bus Companies or Government Entities
If the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may also be held responsible. This includes both private companies and public agencies like the MTA or the Department of Education. Reviewing those companies’ training logs can reveal any lapses in training and improper standards.
Third Parties
In some cases, third-party contractors responsible for bus maintenance or the manufacturers of defective vehicle parts may also be held liable. If another driver separate from the bus contributed to the collision, they can be held liable as well. We explore every potential source of liability to maximize your compensation.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in New York City
1. Get Medical Help Immediately
Your health should be your top priority after a crash. Even if you feel fine, you may have internal injuries or delayed symptoms. It’s also important to treat as soon as possible, as this helps your case and shows you required prompt medical attention.
2. Report the Accident
Make sure the accident is officially reported. If you were a passenger, notify the driver or transportation agency. If you were a pedestrian, cyclist, or in another vehicle, call the police and filed a report as soon as possible.
3. Gather Evidence
If you aren’t prevented by injuries, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Collect the relevant information of the drivers responsible, such as insurance information, driver’s license, and the bus number.
4. Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer Near You
The earlier you speak to a qualified bus accident New York, the better your chances of a successful claim. Deadlines for notices of claim are razor-wire, and our attorneys are ready to help. With our vast knowledge of local laws and statutes, you can rest assured that your claim will be in good hands.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
As your trusted Staten Island injury lawyers, we will seek the full compensation you’re entitled to under the law. This may include the costs of medical bills, pain and suffering, and potential future damages. You may also be entitled to recover lost wages as a result of your impaired physical ability.
If the accident was fatal, surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs and the loss of income.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in NYC?
The timeline for filing a bus accident claim depends on the nature of the defendant. In most personal injury cases involving private companies or individuals, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if the claim is against a public entity such as the MTA or a school district, you must file a formal Notice of Claim within just 90 days, and the lawsuit itself must typically be filed within one year and 90 days.
Failing to meet these deadlines can result in your case being dismissed. That’s why it’s critical to contact a New York bus accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Staten Island’s Trusted Bus Accident Legal Team
At Staten Island Accident Lawyers, we’re proud to be recognized as a leading name for accident claims in New York. When people search for a bus accident lawyer near me, they find our firm first due to our expertise, experience, and proven results.
We credit this to our personalized approach, where we make ourselves available to clients 24/7—we’re committed to providing hands-on support, regular updates, and aggressive representation until the case settles.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a bus crash, you shouldn’t wait to call. One of our top attorneys at Staten Island Accident Lawyers will take your call today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case, advise you on whether it’s viable, and begin building a strong case the moment the phone call ends.
There is no fee unless we win your case. This means that we will not get paid unless your case settles. We are ready to fight for you, from investigation to settlement or trial. Call us now at 917-722-0676.