Bus Accident Lawyer | Bronx, NY

A quick internet search will produce dozens of news articles reporting on Bronx bus accidents ranging from fender benders to buses driving off an overpass. If you or someone you love was injured in a Bronx bus accident, the physical, emotional, and financial strains can be immense. You should not have to face these unwanted and undeserved consequences alone. At Greenspan & Greenspan, our Bronx bus accident lawyer can help you hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Let us help.

Causes of Bronx Bus Accidents

The Bronx is one of the most densely populated areas in the country. Many residents and visitors rely on public transportation, including the bus, to move about. With over three dozen Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus routes alone, the number of bus-involved incidents in the Bronx is extraordinary. The list of reasons for bus accidents is endless. However, we repeatedly see several specific causes of bus-involved crashes, including:

  • Bus driver error,
  • Violating traffic laws,
  • Drunk driving,
  • Distracted driving,
  • Driver fatigue, and
  • Improper maintenance of the bus.

The heavily congested streets create a prime opportunity for bus accidents. Almost always, people look to the bus driver themselves as the cause of the crash, and while the driver is often at fault cause, at least partially, other parties may also be responsible, including:

  • The bus company,
  • The city or state,
  • The mechanic or maintenance facility, and
  • Third-party drivers.

If you are injured in a bus crash, it is essential to have an experienced Bronx bus accident lawyer investigate the potential liability of all parties involved, including the MTA. If the MTA owned and operated the bus, it can be vicariously liable for your injuries. Vicarious liability means that even though the bus driver caused the accident, their employer—the MTA—may be partially liable. Our Bronx commercial bus accident lawyer will help you identify potentially liable parties.

Bus Occupant Accident vs. Non-Occupant Accident

Whether you were a bus passenger or not, you may have a valid claim if a bus caused your injury.

Bus Occupants

A bus passenger or occupant may be injured in a bus crash just as they might in any type of motor vehicle accident. This can happen when the bus collides with another vehicle, an object, or a building. A bus crash can be particularly dangerous to non-seatbelted or standing passengers.

Non-Bus Occupants

It is also possible that you were not a bus passenger but were injured in a crash. If you were in another car, on a motorcycle, riding a bicyclist, or a pedestrian involved in a bus accident, you may have sustained severe injuries. Because of a bus’s sheer size, a collision requires little force to cause serious damage and injury to all involved.

Evidence in a Bus Crash

Identifying and proving fault is easier said than done. Proving your claim often requires a lengthy investigation to find reliable and credible evidence. Evidence used to establish and prove fault includes:

  • Police and accident reports;
  • Eyewitness accounts;
  • Traffic summon;
  • Driver actions before, during, and after the crash;
  • Physical evidence at the scene;
  • Medical testimony; and
  • Expert analysis and accident reconstruction.

Remember, every case is unique. Your attorney will work with you to gather the necessary evidence to support your case. Our experienced Bronx bus accident attorney will help you every step of the way.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Like any motor vehicle accident, the type and severity of any injury can vary substantially. More often than not, bus accidents result in severe, life-altering injuries. Common bus crash injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries,
  • Concussions,
  • Superficial cuts and scrapes,
  • Deep lacerations,
  • Internal organ injuries,
  • Internal bleeding,
  • Neck injuries,
  • Broken bones,
  • Back and spinal cord injuries,
  • Paralysis,
  • Burns,
  • Soft tissue injuries, and
  • Death.

Depending on the nature of the accident, you may walk away with minor injuries and expect to make a full recovery, or you could face severe permanent injury that will be with you for the rest of your life. Your position in the accident will also play a role in the injuries you might face. For instance, a bus occupant in a slow-speed rear-end collision may suffer only temporary whiplash and bumps and bruises. However, in that same accident, if it was a motorcycle that the bus rear-ended, the cyclist may be left with severe debilitating injuries. No matter the circumstances, our Bronx bus injury lawyer is here to help you fight for justice and compensation.

Damages in a Bus Accident Case

Many factors will influence the possible damages a bus accident victim may be able to recover. Each case will involve specific facts and circumstances affecting the potential compensation. For instance, insurance policy maximums, injury’ severity, and evidence reliability can influence compensation.

Generally, an accident victim can seek compensation in the form of economic and noneconomic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are calculable financial losses you incur as a result of the accident. These can include:

  • Past and future medical expenses;
  • Past and future lost wages; and
  • Cost to repair or replace property (e.g., a car, motorcycle, or bicycle damaged in the accident).

These will vary significantly among accident victims.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are an individual’s subjective losses. They can include:

  • Pain and suffering,
  • Mental anguish,
  • Loss of consortium, and
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.

Accident victim’s noneconomic damages often far exceed their calculable losses. However, they are almost always more challenging to estimate and negotiate because they are personal to the individual. In other words, the pain and suffering you endure can drastically differ from someone else, even under similar circumstances. Having a skilled Bronx bus crash attorney can mean substantial recovery.

In instances of gross negligence or extreme misconduct, the court may award a plaintiff punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim but rather to punish the defendant for their horrific conduct.

How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Bus Accident Claim in New York?

In New York, for any motor vehicle accident, including bus accidents, you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. Notably, many variables can extend or shorten this timeframe. For instance, a child injured in a bus crash will typically have three years from their 18th birthday to initiate a lawsuit. On the other hand, when a government agency is involved (e.g., the MTA), that time frame may be significantly shorter and can be as little as a few weeks to months. There are often other nuances involved when filing claims against government entities, so it is imperative to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

The Bronx Bus Accident Law Firm

With over 30 years of experience, Greenspan & Greenspan will aggressively advocate for you and your family. If a bus accident has left you unsure of what to do next, contact us today for a free case evaluation.