Who Is at Fault If I am In an Accident While Riding a City Bus?

Buses are generally considered a fairly safe form of public transportation, after all, millions of school children ride buses to and from school every day, and many millions more rely on them for their daily commute or for intercity transportation. Unfortunately, thousands are injured every year while riding buses, including many right here in New York City.

Being injured as a result of an accident with a city bus can be confusing as to determining who was at fault and how you can go about seeking compensation for your injuries and medical expenses.

Like car accidents, bus accidents can cause a wide range of similar injuries including broken bones, whiplash, concussion, internal organ damage, bleeding, and even death. But due to the sheer size of buses and their construction, they also pose a number of other potential hazards to passengers. For one, the high center of gravity makes them more prone to roll overs. Two, they often don’t include seatbelts, which means passengers can be more easily thrown about in an accident, or simply make them more likely to fall during a sudden stop. Finally, passengers often carry a wide range of belongings while using public transportation, which creates the chance of projectiles during an accident. So, while the general safety record of buses is better than automobiles, the injuries sustained can often be much worse.

In the case of bus accidents, the claims process isn’t always as clear cut as on might think: passengers are not likely to have their own coverage in the event of an accident, the involvement of a third-party such as another driver can change things, and the bus may have certain immunities from liability.

City buses are operated by government entities and they have their own sets of rules in terms of liability and filing deadlines. In the case of New York City buses, you must file a claim within 90 days or your claim might be automatically denied regardless of the merit.

Determining who was at-fault and where to turn when seeking compensation for injuries suffered as a passenger on a New York City bus can be frustrating, which is why it is essential that you promptly consult with an experienced New York City bus accident lawyer as soon as possible following your injury.

The team at Greenberg & Stein have handled all manner of bus accident cases during their more than 75 years of combined experience. Every case is unique, and our team will walk you through your rights and legal recourses as we help you determine who was at fault for your injuries and where you can turn to for compensation.

Our team has a reputation for taking on and winning difficult cases, including those brought against government entities on both the city and state level. Bus accident cases are serious matters, which is why you should never trust your claim with just any lawyer.

Having an experienced and knowledgeable team on your side, like those at Greenberg & Stein, is a critical step immediately following your injury in order to ensure that you receive a fair and just compensation if you’ve been hurt while riding a New York City bus.

We offer a free consultation and a 24-hour phone line, so don’t hesitate to call us following a bus accident in New York City. Call us today at 888-411-3966 to schedule your free legal consultation.