New York relies on buses every day. Whether you are taking a city bus to work, riding an MTA vehicle to visit family, or using a private carrier for a longer trip, you expect to arrive safely. When a bus driver, transit authority, or company fails to follow safety rules, the consequences can be devastating.
If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident, you deserve clear answers. A New York bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. Since 1959, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers has been advocating for individuals and families following serious crashes. We are ready to do the same for you.
How Bus Accidents Happen
Buses are large, heavy vehicles. They require extra care and attention to operate safely. Unfortunately, negligence during their operation can take many forms, including:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone behind the wheel;
- Speeding or aggressive driving in congested areas;
- Failing to yield when turning or changing lanes;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Giving inadequate training or supervision to drivers;
- Performing poor maintenance of brakes, tires, or other equipment;
- Overloading passengers or cargo (e.g., luggage); and
- Refusing to address fatigue from long shifts or improper scheduling.
A New York bus accident attorney at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers will investigate exactly what went wrong, gather evidence, and identify all parties that may share liability.
Types of Bus Accidents We Handle
Our firm represents clients injured in all types of bus-related incidents, including:
- MTA bus accidents in New York City and surrounding areas,
- Accidents involving Westchester County Bee-Line buses,
- Private and charter bus crashes,
- School bus collisions,
- Pedestrians struck by buses,
- Cyclists hit by buses in bike lanes, and
- Passengers injured while boarding, exiting, or riding a bus.
Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or an occupant of another vehicle, you have rights. A New York bus accident attorney can help you take the next steps.
Common Injuries in Bus Crashes
Bus accidents often result in severe injuries. Passengers may be thrown from their seats, struck by unsecured objects, or crushed in a rollover. Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable due to the size and weight of a bus.
Our firm has helped clients recover compensation for:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions,
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis,
- Broken bones and complex fractures,
- Internal bleeding and organ damage,
- Severe lacerations and scarring,
- Joint and soft tissue injuries,
- Facial injuries and dental trauma, and
- Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Some injuries may not appear immediately. Always seek a medical evaluation after any crash, even if you believe you are unhurt.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident?
Bus accident claims often involve multiple parties. Unlike a simple car crash, determining liability usually requires reviewing maintenance records, driver logs, training policies, and other relevant documents.
Potentially responsible parties can include:
- The bus driver, if negligent or reckless behavior caused the crash;
- The bus company or operator, if they failed to properly train or supervise drivers;
- The entity responsible for bus maintenance and repairs;
- A government agency, such as the MTA or a county transit authority;
- Other drivers who contributed to the collision; and
- Manufacturers of defective parts or equipment.
Conducting a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover all potentially liable parties. That is one reason to hire an experienced New York bus accident lawyer.
How No-Fault Insurance Applies to Bus Accidents
New York has a no-fault insurance system. If you were injured as a passenger, your own auto insurance or the insurance of someone you live with may provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.
However, PIP coverage is limited. It does not compensate for pain and suffering or long-term disability. If your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.
A lawyer will help you understand how no-fault insurance applies in your specific situation and whether you have the right to pursue additional compensation.
What Qualifies as a Serious Injury?
New York law defines a serious injury as one of the following:
- Bone fractures,
- Significant disfigurement,
- Permanent limitation of a body organ or function,
- Significant limitation of a body function or system, or
- Injuries that prevent you from performing usual activities for 90 of the first 180 days after the crash.
If you are not sure whether your injuries qualify, speaking with one of our New York bus injury lawyers can help clarify your options.
Types of Potential Compensation in a Bus Accident Claim
A successful claim may help you recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization;
- Surgeries, rehabilitation, and follow-up care;
- Prescription medication and medical equipment;
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional trauma and mental health care;
- Permanent disability or disfigurement;
- Loss of enjoyment of life; and
- Burial expenses for fatalities.
No formula determines how much compensation you will receive. Each case is unique, and your lawyer will work with your medical providers and other experts to calculate the full extent of your losses.
Why Bus Accident Claims Are More Complex
Bus accident cases often involve additional challenges compared to standard motor vehicle collisions. Here is why:
- Multiple victims may have claims at the same time;
- Government entities may be involved, requiring specific notice procedures;
- Evidence can disappear quickly if the bus company does not preserve it; and
- Insurance companies may deny liability or attempt to undervalue claims.
These cases require careful preparation and a clear strategy. A New York bus accident injury attorney understands how to navigate these obstacles and protect your interests.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in New York
If you were involved in a bus accident, here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Report the accident to the police and request medical care;
- Obtain the bus driver’s information and the vehicle’s identifying details;
- Collect contact information for any witnesses;
- Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage;
- Keep all medical records and receipts; and
- Avoid discussing fault or providing statements to insurers without legal counsel.
Early action makes a difference. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the more time there is to gather evidence and build your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accident Claims
Understandably, injured parties have numerous questions regarding bus accidents. Below are answers to some of the questions we often hear from prospective clients.
What If a Government Agency Operated the Bus?
If you were injured on an MTA bus or another government-operated vehicle, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days. This notice is a legal requirement and cannot be skipped. Missing the deadline may bar you from recovering compensation. Speak with a New York MTA bus accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. If a government entity is involved, shorter deadlines apply. Your lawyer can confirm which time limits apply to your case.
What If I Was a Pedestrian or Cyclist Hit by a Bus?
You still have the right to pursue compensation. In many cases, pedestrian and cyclist injuries are severe, and you may be entitled to recover damages for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A New York bus accident injury attorney can help you understand your options.
Why Hire Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers
For decades, injured New Yorkers have turned to Greenspan & Greenspan for help during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. We understand that a bus accident is not only a legal matter—it is a traumatic event that disrupts every part of your life.
When you work with us, you will receive direct access to your lawyer, who will always give honest answers about your case. We will devise a legal strategy and provide consistent updates. Our team has extensive experience in handling complex injury claims, including those arising from bus accidents.
Do you speak Spanish? Our team is bilingual, so we can provide you with the legal assistance you need, regardless of whether English is your first language. Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers is dedicated to protecting your interests, so you can focus on your recovery.
Talk with a New York Bus Accident Lawyer Today
You did not choose to be injured by someone else’s negligence. But you can decide how to move forward. One of our skilled lawyers can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers serves clients across New York State from offices in White Plains, Yonkers, The Bronx, and New City. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, we are here to guide you after a bus accident.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Just trusted legal guidance when you need it most.