Bronx Bus Accident Lawyers
Hurt in a Bronx Bus Accident? We’re Here to Help.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a bus accident in the Bronx, you may be facing painful injuries, lost wages, overwhelming medical bills, and a lot of unanswered questions. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we’re here to provide the guidance, legal support, and personal attention you deserve.
Bus accidents can involve MTA buses, school buses, tour buses, or private carriers, and the legal process is often more complex than a typical car accident claim. Our Bronx bus accident attorneys have deep experience handling bus accident cases, including those involving serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
We know how to take on big insurance companies, government entities, and bus operators to demand full and fair compensation for your pain and suffering. Don’t navigate this alone. Let our compassionate and aggressive legal team fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation: 914-946-2500
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.
Speak with a Bronx Bus Accident Lawyer
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.
FAQs
1. What should I do immediately after a bus accident in the Bronx?
After a bus accident, call 911 and seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor. Report the incident, collect witness information if possible, and take photos. Then, contact an experienced Bronx bus accident attorney to protect your rights.
2. Who can be held liable in a Bronx bus accident case?
Liability can fall on the bus driver, the bus company, the city (if it’s an MTA bus), or even a third-party vehicle. Determining fault often requires a thorough investigation by a skilled personal injury lawyer.
3. How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years. However, if a government entity like the MTA is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Act quickly to protect your legal rights.
4. Can I still recover compensation if I was a passenger and didn’t cause the accident?
Yes. As a bus passenger, you are rarely at fault. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries regardless of who caused the crash—whether it was the bus driver or another vehicle.
5. What compensation can I recover after a bus accident in the Bronx?
You may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care needs. An experienced attorney can assess your case and fight for the maximum recovery.