If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. At our bus accident law firm in NYC, we’re here to support you and fight for the compensation you deserve after such a traumatic event.
Bus accidents often result in serious injuries, and working through claims against the MTA can be complicated. Our team is dedicated to easing that burden by guiding you through the legal process.
Whether it’s gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or pursuing compensation for your pain and suffering, we’re here to advocate for your rights.
Contact a New York City bus accident lawyer today for a free consultation!
Elements Needed For a Successful Claim
Certain elements must be in place to pursue a claim if you've been injured in an accident. These include:
- Duty of Care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely and avoid causing harm.
- Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed to meet this obligation, acting negligently.
- Causation: Their actions directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm due to the injury, such as medical bills or lost wages.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
After an accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: These cover financial losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. It's compensation for the direct costs you’ve faced due to the accident.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are more personal and cover pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life—things that don't have a clear price tag but deeply affect your well-being.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How to Get in Touch With Us
You can easily reach out in the following ways:
- Telephone: Call us directly at (718) 521-2251.
- Contact Form: Fill out our online contact form.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you get started on the path to recovery.
Meet Your NYC Bus Accident Attorneys
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we understand that dealing with the fallout of an accident can be daunting. Our mission is to simplify the process for you and offer the compassionate support you need.
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny is a distinguished personal injury lawyer based in Brooklyn, renowned throughout New York State for his expertise. With a degree from St. John’s University and valuable experience from the Daniel Galinson firm, Paul has successfully secured over $150 million in settlements.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz combines his deep legal knowledge with a unique background in competitive sports, enhancing his negotiation skills with insurance companies and fostering strong relationships with clients.
A graduate of Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Michael is celebrated as one of the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 and has earned the Rising Star award from Super Lawyers Magazine.
Important Initial Advice To Follow After a New York City Bus Accident
If you've been hit by a MTA bus or were a bus passenger in an accident in New York City, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately visible, and having medical records is best for any future claim.
- Report the Accident: Ensure the accident is reported to the police and the bus operator. A police report will serve as important evidence if you decide to file a claim.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, any damage, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This will help establish fault later on.
- Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to settle quickly. It’s important not to agree to anything or make statements without consulting a lawyer first.
- Stay Off Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident on social media. Anything you share online can be used against you in the claim process.
- Contact our Skilled Law Office to Speak With A New York Bus Accident Lawyer: Contact us at Ajlouny Injury Law and speak with one of our experienced NYC bus accident lawyers to review your case. We can help you if you were struck by a bus in New York state.
Deadlines to File Your Bus Accident Case
If you've been injured in a bus accident in New York City, it's essential to act quickly. The state’s statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation.
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the bus accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident if your claim involves a public entity like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and the lawsuit must be initiated within one year and 90 days of the accident.
Failure to meet these deadlines can result in the dismissal of your case, regardless of the strength of the evidence.
Gathering Evidence For Any Type Of Bus Accident
After a bus accident, collecting evidence is paramount to building a strong claim for compensation. Here's what to gather as soon as possible:
- Police Report: Obtain the official report, which includes details about the crash and statements from witnesses and officers.
- Medical Records: Seek medical attention immediately and keep records of all treatment. These documents will connect your injuries to the accident.
- Eyewitness Statements: Get contact information from any witnesses. Their unbiased accounts can support your version of events.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, bus, vehicles involved, and any injuries for visual proof.
- Surveillance Footage: Request footage from bus or traffic cameras, as it may provide essential evidence of the accident.
- Driver and Maintenance Logs: Driver records and bus maintenance logs can reveal negligence, such as driver fatigue or mechanical issues.
- Insurance Information: Collect details of the bus company’s and any other drivers’ insurers for filing claims.
Our New York City personal injury attorneys are on hand to take on the New York City Transit Authority and get the evidence you need.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Our payment comes from a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, and if we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs. We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of financial situation.
Why Choose Us Over Other NYC Bus Accident Attorneys?
Our experienced team brings a deep knowledge of New York City’s transit system and the complexities of bus accident claims. Our approach is personalized—each case receives individual attention to ensure that every detail is addressed with care and precision.
From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we’ll guide you through every step with empathy and expertise. Our proven track record of successful settlements and our dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients are testaments to our effectiveness.
Choose us for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and results-driven approach to your bus accident case. We’re here to support you and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
General Information on Bus Accidents in NYC
Bus accidents in New York City can be particularly devastating due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. Common types of bus accidents include head-on collisions, rear-end accidents, and T-bone accidents.
These incidents can also involve other types of vehicles, such as taxis, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber, or even hit-and-run scenarios. Each accident presents unique challenges and complications, including handling complicated insurance claims and understanding the specific regulations governing bus operations.
Who Is Usually Liable in a Bus Accident?
In New York State, fault is determined based on negligence, which refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care. Here's a breakdown of who might be held liable in a bus accident:
- Bus Driver: If the bus driver was negligent—such as speeding, running red lights, or being distracted—they may be held liable. Drivers must adhere to all traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.
- Bus Company: The company that owns the bus may be held responsible for the driver's actions if those actions occurred within the scope of their employment. This is due to the principle of "vicarious liability," which holds employers accountable for their employees' negligent actions while on duty.
- Other Drivers: Sometimes, other drivers involved in the accident might be at fault. For instance, if a car ran a red light and collided with a bus, the driver of that vehicle could be liable.
- Municipal Entities: In some cases, the city or state might be partially responsible, especially if poor road conditions, defective traffic signals, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident. These claims can be more complex and often require adherence to specific procedural rules and deadlines.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the bus or another vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable. This would involve proving that the defect was a significant factor in causing the accident.
- Pedestrians or Cyclists: If a pedestrian or cyclist caused or contributed to the accident by violating traffic rules, they might share some responsibility.
New York follows a "comparative negligence" rule, meaning that if multiple parties are at fault, each can be held proportionally responsible for the damages. It’s necessary to gather evidence and work with an experienced lawyer to determine who is liable and to build a strong case.
MTA Bus Accidents in New York City
According to the most recent data available, the number of riders being thrown around on city buses has been increasing. When asked, MTA officials blamed the incidents on drivers having to swerve to avoid cars, bikes, and pedestrians.
MTA data shows that “bus customer accidents” (reported mishaps that do not involve collisions) were up 11% to 494 through the end of August 2019 compared to 442 in 2018 as reported by the New York Post. Of the 494 bus customer accidents reported through August 2019, 41.9% were caused by “throwing movements,” a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
Bus collisions involving injuries also increased, as noted by the Post. Contact our bus accident lawyers for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in an MTA accident.
Slip and Fall Accidents on MTA Buses
The second most common bus customer accident reported were slips and falls when passengers board or exit the bus.
Slip and fall accidents can result in life-threatening injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Torn muscles and ligaments
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations to the hands and face
You deserve a bus accident lawyer who will fight to get you the maximum recovery available in your case. Do not settle; contact Ajlouny Injury Law today.
School Bus Crashes
On average, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 124 people are killed each year in school-transportation-related crashes. Over a ten-year period, over 264 school-age children were killed, including 97 pedestrians.
Despite being one of the most regulated vehicles on the road, school bus accidents happen every year and can be fatal. When a child is severely harmed or killed because of an operator’s negligence or wrongdoing, there must be accountability.
Common Bus Accident Causes
Bus accidents can be caused by several factors and may be the fault of another driver, the bus operator, or both. Regardless of the situation, if you are injured in a New York City bus accident, you need an attorney who will help you understand your rights and your potential for recovery.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
Injuries from bus accidents can vary widely, but some common types include:
- Whiplash: Often caused by the sudden jerking motion during a collision, leading to neck and back pain.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact accidents can cause serious bone fractures, affecting mobility and requiring extensive treatment.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are common, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and emotional effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting daily life and requiring ongoing care.
- Internal Injuries: Trauma to internal organs can cause serious complications and often requires emergency medical intervention.
According to the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle accidents, including those involving buses, are a significant cause of injury in the state.
Other Locations We Serve
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we are dedicated to providing expert legal assistance across all of New York City. Our team covers the entire city, including but not limited to:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
No matter where you are in NYC, we're here to support victims of bus accidents with the same high level of service and commitment.
Speak to a New York MTA accident lawyer Today!
Having to deal with the fallout of an MTA bus accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone without support. Our dedicated law firm and team of New York bus accident lawyers are here to provide the support and expertise you need during this challenging time.
Contact us today and speak with our injury lawyer team at an initial free consultation
