Looking for a Top Rated Bus Accident Lawyer in New York?

How Can A New York Bus Accident Lawyer Help?

New York City is the biggest city in the United States and almost 9 million people call it home. Due to its enormous population, New York City also has one of the busiest bus networks in the entire world. The MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) owns 80% of all the buses in New York.

On average, every day 23 crashes involve a MTA bus. Using public transportation is essential for millions of New Yorkers. Nonetheless, bus accidents can happen and passengers and pedestrians may get injured. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, seeking the help of an experienced New York bus accident lawyer is crucial.

If you or a loved one has been recently injured in a bus accident, do not hesitate to contact Greenberg & Stein P.C. At our law firm, you can find some of the best bus accident attorneys in New York ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 888-716-4324 to schedule a free consultation to review your case. Or contact us to get in contact with our legal team. We have already recovered millions of dollars for other accident victims, now let us help you.

The Importance of Hiring an Experienced New York Bus Accident Attorney

It is impossible to stress the significance of choosing an experienced New York bus accident attorney. It is critical to have the particular information and skills that a competent attorney can give when engaged in a bus accident. They will safeguard your rights and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Experienced attorneys review the details of every case they work on. They will evaluate the strength of it and then determine the potential compensation you may receive. Furthermore, they will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and interview witnesses.

In complex cases, they will usually work with professionals in other areas that can help clarify the events of the accident, strengthening your case.

An attorney will provide you with expert legal advice, guiding you through the complex legal process, and ensuring your rights are protected. They will also handle all the negotiations with insurance companies if you wish so.

Needless to say, attorneys are experts when it comes to negotiation. They know the tactics that insurance companies typically use to try to pay as little as possible.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorneys will prepare a solid case and fight for the amount you deserve in court.

Remember that, your attorney will be your advocate, ensuring your voice is heard, and fighting for your rights throughout the entire legal process.

A bus accident can have far-reaching consequences. You may focus on your recuperation while knowing that a committed legal expert is working relentlessly to protect your interests and get the compensation you deserve if you choose an experienced New York bus accident attorney.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bus Accident?

It is critical to prioritize your safety and well-being following a bus accident. Following a bus accident in New York, the following are some critical things to take:

Seek medical attention: Your top priority should be your health. Even if you feel your injuries are small, it is critical to get medical attention because some injuries are not always obvious.
Contact Authorities: Report the accident to the police and give them any pertinent information. A police report will be useful documentation in your case.
Gather Evidence: Collect evidence from the accident scene if you are physically capable of doing so. Photograph the accident scene, damaged automobiles, injuries, and any other pertinent information. Obtain contact information from any witnesses who witnessed the accident.
Preserve Documentation: Make duplicates of any medical records, bills, and other documentation pertaining to your injuries and treatment. These records will be critical in determining the degree of your losses.
Avoid Making Statements: Avoid making any remarks or signing any paperwork without first talking with a bus accident lawyer. Statements made to insurance companies or other relevant parties may be used against you.

When Do I Need a Lawyer for a Bus Accident?

While not all bus accidents necessitate the immediate engagement of an attorney, it is prudent to contact one in most scenarios for several reasons. For example, if your injuries are severe, requiring substantial medical care, long-term rehabilitation, or permanent disability, an attorney can assist you in seeking compensation to compensate your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Not all bus accidents are as simple as two vehicles colliding with each other and one party being evidently at-fault. When numerous parties are involved in a bus accident, determining culpability can get complicated. A knowledgeable attorney can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and develop a compelling case on your side.

As previously stated, insurance firms are businesses with a profit motive. As a result, they attempt to pay as little as possible.

A competent attorney can evaluate the worth of your case and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to guarantee you obtain reasonable compensation.

Fortunately, not all bus accidents cause deaths; however, when deaths occur, cases can get a lot more complicated. When a loved one is tragically killed in a bus accident, it is critical to get legal assistance in order to pursue a wrongful death claim. An attorney can assist you in navigating the legal procedure and holding those responsible accountable.

Types of Bus Accidents in NY

Bus accidents can occur in various scenarios, leading to different types of collisions and injuries. Some common types of bus accidents in New York include:

Rear-end collisions: These incidents occur when a bus collides with the car in front of it. Rear-end crashes can occur as a result of driver error or inattentive driving. Poor brake maintenance can also lead to a rear-end collision.
Intersection accidents: Bus accidents at intersections can involve other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Failure to yield the right-of-way, running red lights, or improper turning can contribute to these accidents.
Pedestrian accidents: Buses share the road with pedestrians, and pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities. These incidents can be caused by a lack of visibility, driver attention, or failure to yield to pedestrians.\
Bicycle accidents: Collisions involving buses and bicycles, like pedestrian accidents, can result in serious injury for riders. These incidents can occur when buses fail to give bicycles enough room or fail to yield to them.
Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipe incidents happen when a bus collides with the side of another vehicle, which usually happens when changing lanes. These collisions might occur as a consequence of driving error or inappropriate lane changes.
Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents involving buses can be particularly dangerous, often leading to multiple injuries. Factors such as excessive speed, sharp turns, or poor road conditions can contribute to these accidents.

The Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents in NY

Bus accidents in New York can be caused by a variety of circumstances. Understanding the most prevalent causes is critical in evaluating culpability and pursuing compensation. Some of the most common causes of bus accidents are:

Driver negligence: Bus drivers may engage in unsafe or distracted driving, increasing the chance of an accident.
Fatigue: Bus drivers frequently work long hours, which causes weariness and sleepiness. Fatigue can impact a bus driver’s judgment, response time, and general ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the chance of a bus accident. Impaired drivers may have poor coordination, poor judgment, and delayed response times.
Inadequate driver training: Proper training is required for bus drivers to handle these enormous vehicles safely. Inadequate training or failure to follow safety rules can also lead to accidents.
Poor maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance and essential repairs can result in mechanical breakdowns, braking problems, or tire blowouts, increasing the risk of an accident.
Defective parts: Faulty or defective bus parts, such as brakes or tires, can contribute to accidents. In such cases, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective parts may be held liable.
Weather conditions: Driving conditions can be difficult when there is severe rain, snow, or ice. Buses must be driven with extreme caution during inclement weather to avoid accidents.
Road hazards: Poor road conditions, construction zones, or debris on the road can all pose substantial risks to buses and increase the likelihood of an accident.
Bus overcrowding: Overcrowded buses can create hazardous conditions, making it more difficult for drivers to retain control and increasing the danger of passenger injury in the case of an accident.
Improper turning: Buses require more room and time to turn safely. Failure to indicate turns, incorrect lane changes, or failing to provide other cars enough space during turns can all lead to accidents.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in NY?

The statute of limitations in New York for personal injury lawsuits, including bus accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. Nonetheless, this statute of limitations does not apply to government agencies. The MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) operates most buses in New York City and they are a government agency.

This does not mean that you are not able to sue a government institution, it just means that the process is different and it may be more challenging.

When suing a government entity, you and your attorney must serve a “Notice Of Claim” to the corresponding agency within 90 days of the incident. The notice of claim is a document where you state that you intend to file a lawsuit, the reasons for it, and a brief description of your injuries and the details of the case.

Then, the government entity will have 30 days to respond. Finally, you will be able to file a lawsuit but it must be done within one year and 90 days after the accident. Otherwise, you will not be able to sue the government agency.

As you can probably notice, suing a government entity is not easy. Being able to get the compensation you deserve without the help of an experienced attorney is really difficult.

What Is My Bus Accident Case Worth?

The monetary worth of a bus accident lawsuit is determined by a number of variables, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, medical expenditures, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

An expert bus accident lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of your case and determine its worth. To calculate a reasonable settlement amount, they will evaluate issues such as medical records, expert views, and the long-term impact of your injury.

Who’s Liable for My Bus Accidents and Injuries?

Liability in bus accidents can be difficult to determine since several parties may be involved. In a bus accident lawsuit, potential culpable parties include the bus driver, bus company, bus manufacturer, maintenance contractors, other negligent drivers, and government bodies responsible for road upkeep.

After a bus accident, you can get reimbursed for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are all tangible losses that can be objectively calculated based on financial expenses and losses incurred as a result of the injury.

These damages aim to compensate the injured party for their measurable monetary losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages refer to subjective losses that are not easily quantifiable in financial terms. These damages compensate the injured party for the intangible and non-monetary effects of the injury; for example, pain and suffering.

An experienced bus accident lawyer will examine the facts of the accident, collect evidence, and identify the relevant parties in order to hold them accountable for your injuries and losses.

How Our New York Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help After Your Bus Accident

Seeking legal representation from a skilled New York personal injury attorney who specializes in bus accidents can significantly benefit your case.

Greenberg & Stein P.C. is a law firm located in New York. Our firm has represented more than 3000 clients in personal injury cases. Our attorneys have more than 75 years of professional experience.

Our bus accident attorneys will help you in every step of the legal process. Our legal team will go above and beyond to make sure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 212-681-2535 to schedule a free consultation to review your case.

Recovering Compensation After New York City Transit System Accidents

Do you have a question after recently being injured in a New York City bus, subway, or train accident or negligence? View our video library of commonly asked questions related to bus, subway, and train accidents.