New York Bus Accident Lawyer

Public transit is an essential part of life in New York City, and millions of people depend on buses for transportation each day. It is not uncommon to see public buses, private buses, tour buses, or school buses on the busy streets of New York. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured in bus accidents every year.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a bus, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. The knowledgeable bus accident attorneys at Moshes Law, P.C. are ready to assist you with your bus accident claim. Call today to set up a free consultation and learn if you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents In NY

There are several causes of bus accidents in New York. The cause of the bus accident will impact accident liability and how to pursue a legal claim for damages.

• Driver Fatigue- Many people don’t realize that driving while tired or fatigued is similar to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a bus driver is fatigued, they may have slower reaction time and trouble seeing something important, like a cyclist or a pedestrian crossing the road.
• Distracted Driving- New York City is a busy place, and it is easy to become distracted while driving. Whether a driver is focused on commotion on their bus or something happening on the street, distracted driving can cause deadly consequences.
• Driver Error- Bus drivers are humans and can make mistakes. Sometimes a bus driver is inexperienced, or they could have received improper training from the busing company. Either way, a simple error like pulling too close to the sidewalk can cause a serious accident.
• Excessive Speed or Aggressive Driving- If you have ever driven in New York City, you know that it can be a challenging place to drive. Roads are crowded and aggressive driving is common. If a bus driver falls behind schedule due to traffic, they may speed or drive aggressively to make up for the lost time. Speeding and aggressive driving are extremely dangerous and can result in deadly accidents.
• Driving While Intoxicated- It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence causes many severe accidents every year. It can affect coordination, response time, and cloud a driver’s judgment.
• Mechanical Failure- It is the bus company’s responsibility to make sure that their buses are maintained and safely functioning. If regular maintenance is ignored, mechanical failures can occur and cause accidents that can harm passengers and pedestrians.

Liability in Bus Accident Cases

A single bus accident can happen for several reasons, so it can be challenging to determine who is liable for the accident. An experienced New York bus accident lawyer can help determine which parties are liable in your case.

1. The Bus Driver- The driver is usually the first party held liable for a bus accident. A bus driver’s negligence commonly causes accidents, so they are typically the first party named in a personal injury claim.
2. The Bus Company- Bus companies can be held liable for bus accidents if the driver was improperly trained or vetted before beginning employment. All bus drivers need to pass background checks and training to begin work. Bus companies can also have liability for an accident if there was a mechanical error and the bus was improperly maintained.
3. The Bus Manufacturer- If the driver was competent and the bus received regular maintenance, an accident could have occurred due to a defect in the vehicle. If this is the case, the bus manufacturer may be liable for any damages caused by the accident.

Why Contact A NYC Bus Accident Lawyer?

If you have suffered an injury in a bus accident, you may have a long and expensive road to recovery ahead of you. Even a minor accident can lead to severe injuries like concussions, broken bones, or paralysis requiring extensive medical treatment.

After an accident, medical bills will accumulate, and you will probably have to miss time at work during your recovery. To recoup these financial damages, you will need the help of a bus accident law firm to file a lawsuit and fight for your right to compensation.

When you hire a bus accident lawyer, you can focus on healing while your attorney focuses on your legal rights and winning your case. An experienced New York bus accident lawyer will support you with the following:

• Negotiating with insurance companies who try to devalue your claim
• Determine accident liability and file claims against the correct parties
• Collect evidence to prove you were not negligent
• Investigate the cause of the accident
• Value your claim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve

Without the help of a bus accident attorney, a victim will not be prepared to handle insurance companies and the bus companies defense team.

If you have been injured in a bus accident, don’t face your legal battle alone. Contact the bus accident lawyers at Moshes Law, P.C. today for a free consultation.

Unique Insurance Issues in N.Y. Bus Accident Claims

In New York, certain laws protect passengers and bus companies from legal action in the event of an accident. If a bus accident victim is covered by their own no-fault auto insurance, their insurance will pay for damages, not the bus company’s insurance. If the victim does not have an auto insurance policy, then the bus company or the bus company insurer will be responsible for the victim’s damages.

In both situations, first-party benefits of an insurance policy will only cover basic injuries and economic losses up to $50,000. If a victim’s accident injuries are severe, it is not uncommon for the cost of treatment and damages to exceed $50,000. In this case, the victim must seek out the help of a New York bus accident attorney to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and bus company.

How Can Our NY Bus Accident Attorneys Help You?

New York bus accident lawyers support and assist victims throughout the legal process in a variety of ways.

Guide You Through the Legal Processes

The legal process of filing a lawsuit and dealing with insurance companies can be complicated for someone inexperienced in the law, especially if they are also focused on healing from injuries.

A bus accident attorney will know how to handle the investigation process, collect reports from the MTA and the NYPD, and begin an insurance claim within the 90-day time limit.

Before filing a lawsuit, an accident victim must attend a 50-H hearing which is required by law whenever a claim is filed against a public entity. After this hearing, your attorney can guide you through the next steps of the legal process.

Deal With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies can be challenging to deal with because they will often attempt to devalue your claim and offer a settlement that is less than you deserve. You do not want to be left paying for medical bills out of pocket, so it is imperative that you are fully compensated for your damages.

After receiving the first offer from the bus company’s insurer, your attorney will begin negotiations. Your attorney will gather all your medical documents and value your claim for both economic and non-economic damages.

Negotiate A Fair Settlement for Your Injuries

Negotiations with insurance companies can be arduous, so it is best to have strong evidence of your injuries and damages suffered due to the accident.

Immediately after the accident, you should seek medical care for an evaluation. You will want to document all injuries and medical treatment you receive, along with how much these treatments cost. If you miss time from work, this should also be recorded to calculate lost wages.

Your attorney will determine the cost of your medical expenses, including future expenses like physical therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering to estimate the total value of your claim. Using this number and collected evidence, your lawyer will negotiate a sufficient settlement with the insurance company.

File A Lawsuit If Needed

If the insurance company refuses to settle the claim for a fair amount, your lawyer will file a lawsuit to recover the damages you suffered in the accident.

Types Of Claims Our Bus Accident Lawyers Handle

Our New York bus accident lawyers are experienced in handling all types of claims. The most common types of claims for bus accidents include:

1. Claims against public transportation buses
2. Claims against private or chartered buses
3. Claims against tour or commercial buses
4. Claims against school buses
5. Claims against vans

Each of these claims will have different and challenging issues like establishing liability, figuring out who the responsible party is, and working with varying types of insurance companies.

We’ll Fight to Maximize Your Financial Recovery

Lawyers from experienced bus accident law firms will understand how to value a claim and maximize your financial recovery properly. The three types of damages you may be able to recover include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Or Monetary Damages

Economic damages can easily be calculated because they have a monetary value. Typical economic damages in a bus accident case include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages and income
• Reduced or lost earning potential
• Medications and prescriptions
• Physical therapy

These damages will vary significantly based on the extent of the victim’s injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate because they don’t have a price tag. Non-economic damages are referred to as “pain and suffering” and include:

• Mental anguish
• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Your attorney can help you place a dollar value on these damages to ensure you are fairly compensated.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are rare in cases and are only awarded if the at-fault party exhibited extreme negligence. Punitive damages are meant to punish the offending party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Why Is Our NYC Bus Accident Law Firm the Right Choice?

The knowledgeable attorneys at Moshes Law, P.C. are ready to work with you to help you recover damages caused by a New York bus accident. Our lawyers will work tirelessly to collect evidence, investigate the causes of the accident, seek out the liable parties, and maximize your financial recovery.

If you have been injured in a bus accident, you deserve compensation for your damages and financial losses. You do not have to face the challenges of negotiating with insurance companies and filing lawsuits alone.

Talk To An Experienced Bus Accident Attorney NY

Contact a New York bus accident attorney at Moshes Law, P.C. today.

At your free consultation, our experienced lawyers will evaluate your case, walk you through the legal process, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.