What Are My Legal Options if I Am Injured in a New York Bus Accident?

Mass transit is a popular form of transportation in New York. Many people use it to get to and from their jobs and travel throughout the city’s boroughs. Car, bus, and subway accidents are common in New York City, partly due to the sheer number of people traveling throughout the bustling metropolis. A collision can be caused by several different factors, including operator error or another negligent driver on the road. A bus accident can result in serious injuries to passengers, especially since buses typically do not have seat belts installed in them. Pedestrians can also be struck if a bus does not stop in a crosswalk or veers off the road and onto the sidewalk.

Common Causes of Bus Crashes

According to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), every public transportation bus service or system subject to the Safety Board must give the Board immediate written notice of the following accidents:

• All fatal accidents
• Any accident that results in five or more injuries to persons involved
• Any accidents caused by mechanical failure, including any fires that occur that result in passenger evacuation and response by a fire department, regardless of whether there were any injuries

In New York City, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) investigate bus accidents. Accidents involving buses can be caused by several behaviors or actions. In some cases, crashes occur because of another motorist’s negligent actions behind the wheel, such as distracted or drunk driving. Collisions may also occur due to an inexperienced bus driver’s error or a bus company’s negligence in not properly maintaining their vehicles or training their drivers.

If a bus passenger or a pedestrian who is struck by a bus suffers an injury as a direct result of improper maintenance or bus operator negligence, the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) can be held liable. The victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

In the majority of cases, the NYCTA and its insurance carrier will not offer bus accident victims enough compensation to cover the actual cost of their medical expenses. That is why it is imperative to seek legal counsel so those injured in a bus crash receive the financial compensation they need and deserve.

Contact a Brooklyn, NY Personal Injury Lawyer

Taking public transportation can save a lot of time and money, allowing a person to travel to their destination without putting wear and tear on their own vehicle. However, commuters still run the risk of being involved in an accident which could result in severe injuries or even death. The experienced law firm of Goldberg Sager & Associates has handled many types of personal injury cases related to public transit. Our knowledgeable New York City bus accident attorneys will determine liability for any damages you have suffered and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 718-514-9516.

Sources: 
https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/osss/ptsb/bus/accident-reports