Public transportation is crucial for millions of New Yorkers as they move about the city. New York City buses carry thousands of passengers every day across the five boroughs including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. However, accidents with these vehicles may result in serious injuries because of the weight of the bus and the lack of seat belts, airbags, and other passenger safety devices. If you or a loved one were hurt as a bus passenger, a bystander, a bicyclist, or the driver of another vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation.
The Rothenberg Law Firm provides experienced and aggressive representation to Brooklyn bus accident victims. Taking on the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), NYC Transit Authority, or other negligent entity requires extensive resources and legal savvy. A Brooklyn bus accident lawyer can explain your rights while providing the best advocacy and guidance you need. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.
What Causes Most Bus Accidents in Brooklyn?
There are different types of bus accidents. While many accidents may involve MTA buses, there are also tour buses, private coaches, charter buses, various kinds of private buses, and school buses.
Bus accident cases are usually brought on by the negligence of a bus driver, another motorist, or the owner/operator of the bus company.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of advocating for victims injured in bus accidents caused by:
- Bus driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Excessive speed
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signs/signals
- Drug or alcohol impairment
- Negligent hiring practices on the part of bus operators
- Inadequate bus driver training
- Negligent vehicle inspection or maintenance
- Defective auto parts
- Equipment malfunction
The first step toward justice is determining what caused the accident and the liable parties. The best way to maximize your chances of a successful case is by retaining an experienced Brooklyn personal injury lawyer who will investigate on your behalf and collect evidence that identifies at-fault entities and supports your claim. Given that NYC is such a complex environment with so many people, it is in your best interests to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who has experience dealing with New York City bus accidents.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), transit buses and school buses account for 35 percent and 38 percent of fatal bus crashes in the country. Injury victims are prone to serious bodily injuries that require extensive medical treatment and many times, ongoing medical care. Some victims sustain catastrophic injuries that may require amputation or severe traumatic brain injuries.
Our law firm represents bus accident victims who have suffered the emotional and financial strain from the following injuries:
- Head and brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Burns
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
- Damage to ligaments and tendons
- Deep lacerations
- Severed limbs
- Eye injuries
We help ensure our clients focus on getting better while we take care of every aspect of the legal process.
Who May Be Liable for a Bus Accident in Brooklyn?
Personal injury claims from bus accidents can be complex, and some may involve multiple defendants. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, liability may rest with any individual or entity whose negligent actions or inaction caused the accident.
Your attorney will consider eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, vehicle maintenance records, police reports, and other critical sources when evaluating potential sources of recovery.
Personal injury cases of any kind are complicated matters that involve a host of different factors and considerations. A seasoned personal injury lawyer understands that handling a car accident case is not the same as handling a bus accident case or some other type of event that led to someone’s injuries. The Brooklyn bus accident lawyers at the Rothenberg Law Firm LLP understand this. We know that handling a bus accident claim requires a certain approach that may differ from the approach taken in a different kind of case.
We do not provide cookie-cutter legal representation. Rather, we invest tremendous time and effort to learn about your case and what makes it unique.
Any of the following parties may be fully or partially responsible for a bus accident:
- Company in charge of bus maintenance
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
- Tour bus company or operator
- New York City Transit Authority
- Manufacturer of defective vehicle parts
- Negligent bus driver
- Negligent third-party motorists
- Other government entities
Before making any statement to adjusters or accepting a settlement, speak to the dedicated legal team at Rothenberg Law Firm about your potential rights to monetary compensation.
Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit After a Bus Accident in New York City
New York has a three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims based. Keep in mind that some time limitations for personal injury claims are shorter than 3 years. For instance, if you’re filing a wrongful death claim, you have just 2 years from the date of death to file a claim. If the lawsuit involves the MTA or other municipal entity, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the collision and resulting injuries. Once the Notice of Claim is filed, victims have one year and 90 days from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the municipality.
As with any litigation, meeting deadlines is critical. If you’re unsure of applicable time limits, it’s best to contact our lawyers as soon as possible.
Damages Available to Bus Accident Victims in New York City
If you were injured in a bus accident stemming from negligence, you may be entitled to damages for a wide range of losses, including:
- Hospital expenses
- Past and ongoing medical costs
- Lost income and benefits
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Many bus accident victims might be under the impression that they can take on their case alone. This is a major mistake. Insurance companies and other responsible entities will do everything they can to limit what they owe you. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Let our legal team advocate for you. We’re prepared to take on the toughest defendants–whether it is large insurance companies or government entities.
Call Us Today For A Free Case Evaluation With A Bus Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn
Your choice of Brooklyn bus accident attorney matters. Our lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to handle complex cases and the toughest defendants. And having a powerful advocate in your corner doesn’t cost a dime because we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not take any money from you unless and until we are successful in winning your case.
Contact the Rothenberg Law Firm for a free consultation with our leading Brooklyn personal injury attorneys. We are eager to learn about your case and to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. We have decades of experience handling bus accident cases and have recovered billions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. And with a law office located in Brooklyn, we are able to conveniently serve Brooklynites.
