Bus accidents are unfortunately very common in New York City and beyond. These motor vehicle accidents injure hundreds of people every year and occasionally lead to the deaths of pedestrians, passengers, and other parties.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus-related accident in New York State, you may not know how to move forward or how to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other losses.
To learn about the steps you can take to protect yourself in the aftermath of a bus accident in NYS, please call Schwartzapfel Lawyers’ law firm at 516-342-2200 today. Or, if you would prefer to first hear more about bus accidents, injuries, and litigation, please read on.
First, let’s break down how a seasoned New York bus accident lawyer can help you secure a successful outcome with your personal injury lawsuit.
Are Bus Accidents Common In NYC?
The exact statistics on bus accidents in New York City are difficult to determine. However, recent news articles indicate that buses from the MTA are involved in at least several hundred crashes every year. In fact, over three years, MTA buses were recorded to have been involved in over 21,000 collisions.
Car accidents, too, occur widely and often across the New York metropolitan area. As evidence of this, citywide vehicle collision statistics for December 2023 indicate that 8,027 collisions occurred in this month alone. In those collisions, 353 cyclists and 896 pedestrians were involved alongside the thousands of motorists.
The bottom line is this: Bus accidents are too common in New York City and often, they don’t just involve other motor vehicle drivers. Sometimes, they involve passengers, pedestrians, roadside workers, vendors, and bicyclists, many of whom are seriously injured as a result.
What Are Common Causes Of Bus Accidents?
More often than not, the root causes of bus accidents can be traced to the same problems that cause other car accidents in New York City and beyond. Common causes of bus accidents include but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving by the bus driver or another driver (e.g., texting and driving)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving on unsafe roads (e.g., areas that are under construction or have been made hazardous by debris)
- Driving during inclement weather (e.g., rain, sleet, snow)
Ultimately, however, the causes of bus accidents are secondary to another critical fact: bus accidents can be very dangerous for everyone involved.
Can Bus Accidents Be Dangerous?
Yes, absolutely. Buses weigh much more than typical motor vehicles, making them more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. While any auto accident can be dangerous or even deadly, bus accidents may lead to serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones (e.g., fractures of the legs, arms, shoulders, hips, and ankles)
- Lacerations and/or internal bleeding
- Paralysis and/or loss of motor abilities due to spinal injuries
With any bus accident, all parties are at risk, as even those inside the bus can be seriously injured. For example, if a motor vehicle impacts a New York City bus by way of a T-bone collision, the bus’ occupants could be seriously injured due to the lack of seatbelts on most buses. Moreover, injuries here may be sustained from the initial impact energy of the crash, from bumping into other people or seats, and/or many other sources.
Often, these injuries will require significant immediate medical intervention as well as ongoing medical help in the future. Such medical assistance can rack up major bills for those involved, throwing their financial security in jeopardy.
Things can be even more serious for individuals injured outside a bus. Cyclists, pedestrians, and other motor vehicle drivers can be left gravely injured, permanently disfigured, and even killed due to the physical impact of a multi-ton bus.
Suffice it to say: A bus accident can derail one’s life and make moving forward difficult. But there are laws in place to protect you and your loved ones in the event that you are injured in a bus-related accident. Knowing them will help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
To learn about these laws and your rights, please call Schwartzapfel Lawyers and speak with one of ouraward-winning bus accident attorneys today. Dial 516-342-2200 now and allow us the honor and privilege of fighting and winning for you!
What To Do After a Bus Accident
No matter how you are affected by a bus accident, you should follow the same steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Get Medical Help
In the immediate aftermath of a bus accident, your first priority should be to secure medical help for you and any other passengers or drivers. Call 911 if someone else hasn’t already done so, and without putting yourself in harm’s way, get yourself and those who are near you to safety.
This is important because, depending on the severity of the bus accident, a fire may start, or other hazards may soon affect the situation. So, please, before worrying about legal liability and lawsuits, first and foremost, take care of yourself and your health and safety.
Even if you don’t appear to be injured at first, make sure that you are checked out by a medical professional. In some cases, injuries won’t appear until later on and so it is all the more critical that you not wait until it is too late. Moreover, a prompt medical examination will ensure official documentation of any injuries, latent or otherwise.
Document the Scene
Once you have ensured that you are safe and out of harm’s way, try to document as much of the scene as possible. This may involve taking pictures or video of the accident site, personal injuries, and/or recording the contact information of any first responders and officers present, as well as the drivers involved, their passengers, and other potential witnesses.
Contact Skilled Legal Professionals
Once you’re safe and any pressing medical issues have been taken care of, you can and should contact a legal professional. Skilled bus accident lawyers should be able to assist in a variety of ways, ranging from helping you contact your insurance company to outlining your legal options, as well as suing responsible parties (e.g., the bus driver, bus company, etc.) on your behalf.
Moreover, as bus accident lawsuits are not as straightforward as typical auto accident lawsuits, you will want a professional at your side to guide you through what can be a complicated process. Depending on where liability is assigned, you may be unable to sue one party or another.
To learn more about liability assignment after a bus accident, statutes of limitation, and other factors involving bus accident lawsuits, call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 today.
Liability for Bus Accidents
Determining liability for a bus accident can be tricky. That’s because the buses in New York City are mostly owned by companies, not individuals. For example, local school buses are for the most part owned by New York City or individual school districts and NYC tour buses are in large part owned by tour companies, bus companies, or other corporate entities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in New York State, you may be entitled to financial compensation from those who contributed to the accident. Potentially liable parties here include but are not limited to:
- Individual Bus Drivers. Most buses are common carriers, meaning that bus drivers have a heightened responsibility to drive safely for their passengers. If a bus driver is found to be at fault for an accident, they may be on the hook to cover your damages (e.g., medical/rehabilitation costs, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc.).
- Bus Companies Or Other Employers. Similarly, bus companies have a massive responsibility to hire and train qualified drivers. They must also maintain their buses regularly to ensure all equipment is functioning and meets industry standards. If a company is found liable for a bus accident, they could be responsible for your injuries or the injuries sustained by others.
- Other Drivers Involved In The Accident. When a third-party driver causes a bus accident, they may be liable for damages sustained by bus occupants or the bus company at large. By the same token, pedestrians, bicyclists, and/or any other parties that cause a bus accident in NYS may be found responsible and held liable for damages.
- Bus Manufacturers Or Component Manufacturers. If a company sells a bus component (e.g., motor equipment, brake pads, tires, etc.) that malfunctions and, as a result, this leads to an accident, that company could be held responsible for damages.
In any case, it’s important to talk to a highly trained bus accident lawyer who can help you better understand who’s responsible and make sure your rights are protected at all times.
Can You Get Compensation For Bus Accident Injuries?
In a word, yes. Bus accident injuries can be severe and result in heavy medical expenses. As such, monetary compensation is often the best way of ensuring that the responsible party pays for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of income if you had to take time off work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of ability of your injuries resulted in paralysis or permanent disfigurement
- And beyond!
To get the most money for your injuries, you’ll likely need a skilled bus accident lawyer on your side.
Understanding The Types of Bus Accidents In New York City
Bus accidents are common in New York City. Different kinds of buses might be involved in these events, each creating different barriers to determining fault and getting victims the compensation they’re entitled to.
School bus accidents are particularly concerning, especially in crowded places like Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, because they can injure children and teens.
Whether the bus driver, the bus company, or even the school system is to blame, determining responsibility can be difficult without help from knowledgeable New York City bus accident lawyers.
Another regular occurrence in Manhattan is tour bus accidents, which occur when strong traffic and visitors mingle to cause unpredictability. These accidents may cause major damage, injuries to bus passengers, and even death.
In certain situations, other drivers, the bus operator, or the bus corporation might be in charge of accountability.
Private bus accidents also provide distinct difficulties, particularly in terms of deciding how the bus business should be involved in upholding safety standards and ensuring the qualifications of bus drivers.
The Role Of Skilled Bus Accident Attorneys In NYC
Hiring a qualified bus accident attorney is absolutely vital when an accident happens in New York City. These seasoned attorneys assist bus accident victims in getting the compensation they’re entitled to by skillfully negotiating bus accident claims.
Whether you’ve experienced a school bus, private bus, or an MTA bus accident, NYC bus accident lawyers know the particular rules that apply to different kinds of buses.
From compiling evidence to dealing with insurance companies, a seasoned bus accident attorney can help with every aspect of your case.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a bus crash, for instance, you might have mounting medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Bus accident lawyers can assist you in submitting an injury claim and the highest reimbursement for your losses.
Dealing with the insurance company in bus accident situations might be one of the toughest tasks involved. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is crucial as insurance firms want to reduce their awards.
Negotiating on your behalf can help make sure that you get appropriate reimbursement for your medical costs, lost income, and other losses.
Whether your case is a car accident with a bus or a more complicated scenario involving several cars and New Yorkers, skilled personal injury attorneys can also assist you in understanding the subtleties of your case.
To learn more now, call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 or schedule your free consultation with us online today. No matter your situation, it will be our honor and privilege to fight for you both in and out of court.
Making Sense Of Government Entities And Liability In Bus Accident Cases
When government institutions are involved in a bus accident, determining fault can be difficult. Buses run by the New York City Transit Authority or Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), for example, fit certain legal structures. Making a claim against these organizations calls for rigorous processes, including a shorter statute of limitations than against private parties.
In bus accident situations involving government agencies, you need to act fast. Skilled New York bus accident attorneys can help you manage the legal system so that your rights are maintained and you satisfy all legal deadlines.
Whether the accident happened in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or another borough, it is important to have a qualified legal team with experience managing disputes against governmental agencies.
Liability might even extend beyond the bus business or operator. If a bus accident resulted from a faulty component, for example, the maker of that component might be held liable.
Whether it’s a government agency, a private bus business, or a third-party manufacturer, skilled bus accident attorneys can assist in determining all accountable parties. This ensures your greatest opportunity of obtaining maximum compensation.
What Steps Should You Take After A Bus Accident In NYC?
If you or a loved one gets in a bus accident, the actions you take immediately afterward can greatly affect the result of your case. Most importantly, you need to see a doctor. Even if your injuries appear minor, this is a critical step.
Certain injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, might not show right away but have serious long-term effects. Filing a bus accident claim depends on you carefully recording your injuries and the medical treatment you get.
Documentation of the accident scene is important even after attending to medical issues and contacting your skilled lawyer. This process might involve recording pictures or videos of the bus, the surroundings, and any obvious injuries.
Get names from other drivers, bus passengers, and witnesses. Your legal team may benefit greatly from this material as they develop your case.
Once you have documentation and secured your immediate safety, you should get in touch with a law office focused on bus accident cases. To this end, Schwartzapfel Lawyers has the experience required to manage challenging bus accident cases. Whether your best line of action is suing an insurance company, negotiating with one, or both, we’re here to fight — and win! — for you.
Pursuing Compensation For Bus Accident Injuries
Severe bus accident injuries range from shattered bones to catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injuries.
Often requiring intensive medical care, these injuries cause large medical costs. Pursuing compensation is absolutely vital if you or a loved one has suffered major injuries in a bus accident.
Seeking pay for immediate and long-term losses, the right personal injury lawyers can assist you in submitting a bus accident claim. Possible damages can cover lost income, medical expenditures, and suffering, as well as injuries.
If injuries are serious, you might be qualified for reimbursement for future medical bills and loss of earning ability.
Skilled bus accident attorneys are aware of the difficulties injury victims have, especially in relation to insurance companies that could try to minimize the degree of your injuries.
Remember, having an experienced lawyer on your side can help make sure you get all the money you need for your future.
The Importance Of Timely Legal Action
Particularly where a government organization is involved, the statute of limitations for bus accident claims in New York State is limited to two (2) years.
Failing to submit your claim within this window might cause you to forfeit your entitlement to reimbursement. That’s why it’s important to respond quickly following a bus collision.
Notifying the right NYC bus accident attorneys right away helps them to start compiling evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing your case.
Equally significant is the variation in the statute of limitations based on the particulars of your case. If your bus accident included a government agency like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, for instance, the window of time for claiming damages might be far less than in incidents involving private bus operators.
Qualified bus accident attorneys can ensure the timely filing of your claim, therefore safeguarding your rights and raising your chances of a positive result.
Why Seasoned Bus Accident Lawyers Are Important
Skilled bus accident lawyers are highly important if you plan to sue a bus company, bus driver, or any other party involved in a bus accident.
Seasoned legal professionals like the team here at Schwartzapfel Lawyers can help you:
- Gather the right evidence to prove your case, including getting eyewitness accounts, police reports, medical notes, and more.
- Advise you on who you should sue among the many potentially liable parties.
- Help you file your lawsuit and all relevant paperwork on time.
- Ensure that you present your case professionally and efficiently in court.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, keeping you informed every step of the way.
In other words, skilled bus accident lawyers can help you get as much monetary compensation for your injuries as possible. Given the high expenses of many medical treatments or surgeries, this is vital for anyone looking to move on after a bus accident.
Moving On From Bus Accidents
It can be challenging to move forward after a bus accident. However, the right legal team can assist you with covering your medical bills and helping you secure your financial future.
That’s where Schwartzapfel Lawyers comes in. As experienced New York City bus accident attorneys, we have over (150) years of combined experience in successfully handling auto accidents, bicycle accidents, and other accidents on the Big Apple’s busy streets. We know that bus accidents can be physically, mentally, and emotionally debilitating, which is why we can handle the legwork necessary to get your lawsuit off the ground and in the endzone.
Even better, we will work with you to secure the maximum compensation available to pay for your medical bills and any other accident-related expenses. With our help, you’ll be able to move on from the accident so that you can focus on what’s most important: getting better.
So, please, don’t delay. Your financial future is too important to leave to chance. Act now by calling Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 for a free consultation and/or case evaluation. It won’t cost you a thing and may save you tomorrow.
Call now!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
MTA buses were in more than 21K collisions in just 3 years | NY Post
Police Department City of New York Official Data | NYC.gov
Suing the Government For Personal Injury in New York | NYC Bar
