The New York City Transit Authority often overlooks bus accident victims, not our team. We would be honored to fight for you at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our New York bus accident lawyer. Our New York bus accident attorneys can also fight for you if your child is injured in a school bus accident.
Bus passengers often don't have the same level of protection as those in a car. As a result, city and school bus accidents can result in serious injuries. Learn more about bus accidents below. Then, contact us to schedule a free case consultation.
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LET OUR NEW YORK CITY BUS ACCIDENT LAWYER FIGHT FOR YOU
Queens, New York, is a bustling borough known for its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and thriving transportation network. While the city's buses are essential for daily commuting, they can also pose substantial risks when accidents occur.
Many are bus transportation to move around the city, whether a city bus, tourist bus, private bus, or other type of bus. The more buses traveling on the busy streets of New York, the more accidents are likely to happen.
Whether you have been hurt as a passenger on a bus in transit or a bus collided with you as a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle driver, or motorcyclist, an adept New York bus accident attorney can help you pursue justice and compensation for all damages.
At Davidoff Law, we understand the challenges you may face after a bus accident, and we are here to provide expert legal counsel and support.
CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION BY FILLING OUT AN ONLINE FORM OR CALLING US AT (212) 900-0000.
CAUSES OF NYC BUS ACCIDENTS
Driver negligence: Bus accidents in Queens often result from driver negligence. Bus drivers are responsible for safely operating their vehicles, adhering to traffic laws, and ensuring the safety of passengers and pedestrians. Negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting or talking on the phone), running red lights, or failing to yield the right of way can lead to devastating accidents.
Poor maintenance: Maintenance issues with buses can also lead to accidents. Buses are subjected to extensive wear and tear due to constant use, and if they are not adequately maintained, mechanical failures can occur. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems are some maintenance-related issues that can result in accidents.
Adverse weather conditions: Queens experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, from heavy snowfall in the winter to rainy days in the spring and summer. Adverse weather can greatly impact road conditions and driver visibility, making accidents more likely. Bus operators must adjust their driving behaviors and take precautions during inclement weather to reduce the risk of accidents.
Inadequate training: Insufficient training of bus drivers can contribute to accidents. Drivers should be well-versed in safety protocols, emergency procedures, and defensive driving techniques. Inadequate training may result in drivers making poor decisions when faced with unexpected situations on the road.
Bus company negligence: Bus companies must ensure the safety of their passengers. If they fail to properly maintain their vehicles, provide adequate training to drivers, or enforce safety protocols they may be held liable for accidents resulting from their negligence.
COMMON INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH BUS ACCIDENTS
Bus accidents can result in many injuries, some of which may have long-lasting consequences. Common injuries associated with bus accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Emotional Trauma
PRESERVING IMPORTANT EVIDENCE FOLLOWING YOUR BUS ACCIDENT
After a bus accident in Queens, preserving important evidence to establish liability and secure compensation is important.
Key steps to follow for preserving evidence include:
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
Your health should be your top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical records will serve as vital evidence of your injuries and treatment.
DOCUMENT THE SCENE
If you can physically document the accident scene by taking photographs or videos. Capture images of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant signage.
COLLECT WITNESS INFORMATION
Please speak to witnesses at the scene and obtain their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable statements that corroborate your version of events.
OBTAIN A POLICE REPORT
Contact the local authorities to report the accident. A police report will document the details of the accident, including the parties' names, witness statements, and any citations issued.
PRESERVE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Preserve any physical evidence of the accident, such as damaged personal belongings, clothing, or vehicle parts. This evidence can help establish the severity of the impact.
GATHER MEDICAL RECORDS
Keep records of all medical evaluations, treatments, and prescriptions. These documents will demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the medical expenses you have incurred.
WHO IS LIABLE FOR A NYC BUS ACCIDENT?
Determining liability in a bus accident case can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved. Depending on the circumstances, potential liable parties may include:
BUS DRIVER
Bus drivers are held to the same standards and laws that all drivers must abide by.Drivers must use designated stops to pick up and drop off their passengers. If they stop at an unsafe or unmarked area to let people off the bus, they can be held liable when someone is injured. If the bus driver's negligence or reckless actions caused the accident, they may be held personally liable. This could involve distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or other negligent behaviors.
BUS COMPANY
The bus company that employs the driver may also be held responsible if they fail to properly maintain the vehicle, provide adequate training, or enforce safety protocols. If the bus is under the authority of the MTA or any other agency, they may be found to have allowed inexperienced drivers to operate the vehicle without proper training. These entities are also responsible for ensuring a bus is well-maintained. If a company fails to maintain the vehicle, such as brakes or tires, and causes a collision, the entity may be liable for the injuries sustained in an accident.
OTHER DRIVERS
In some cases, other drivers on the road may share liability for the accident if they contributed to the collision through their negligent actions.
VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS
Manufacturers of the parts used or replaced on buses could be liable if the bus was equipped with defective components that failed, making it impossible for the driver to control it.
GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
If road conditions or traffic signals contributed to the accident, a government entity responsible for road maintenance and traffic control may be liable.
There are many moving pieces regarding who is liable for a bus accident in NYC. It could be one of these examples, or all could share a percentage of liability. Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation, including collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
Legal representation is important to navigating the complexities of bus accident cases and holding the responsible parties accountable. If a fair settlement offer does not arrive promptly, it is best to call on an NYC bus accident attorney who has experience negotiating the terms of a settlement and filing a lawsuit.
DETERMINING COMPENSATION IN A NYC BUS ACCIDENT CASE
If you have been injured in a bus accident in Queens, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income, including future earning capacity if your injuries are long-term or permanent.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, may also be included in your compensation.
- Property damage: If your personal property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings, was damaged in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
- Wrongful death damages: In cases where a bus accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A BUS ACCIDENT CLAIM IN NYC?
In New York, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is three years. A statute of limitations is the timeframe in which you have to file a lawsuit.
If your suit names a government agency, you have less time to file, only 90 days. That is why you must connect with a New York City bus accident attorney with a breadth of experience resolving bus accident claims immediately after the incident.
There are requirements and specific details that must be documented and submitted, and a lawyer who has experience will ensure that the claim is filed correctly and within the time restrictions under New York state law.
CONTACT OUR NEW YORK CITY BUS ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
If you have been injured in a bus accident in the city, you should contact Davidoff Law immediately. There may be multiple investigations into the accident, as buses carry many passengers, many of whom may have been injured and are seeking compensation. The NYC bus accident attorneys at Davidoff Law understand the law, the process, and how to negotiate a fair settlement, and they can work diligently to pursue the compensation you deserve. Let us put our knowledge and expertise to work for you. We can start with a simple consultation to help us better understand your experience and allow us to evaluate your case. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
CALL OUR BUS ACCIDENT LAWYERS IN NYC AT (212) 900-0000 TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.
