Handling Bus Accident Claims In Queens and Throughout New York City
Buses are efficient modes of transportation for both Queens residents and visitors alike. There are many buses operating in New York City. One thing they have in common is that they can cause serious injuries when they collide with other motorists.
At the Law Offices of Gary E. Rosenberg, P.C., we help bus accident victims bring claims for compensation. The road to recovery is difficult, but we can assist in any way possible. Contact us to learn more.
What Causes Bus Accidents in Queens?
Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inexperienced driver
- Defective bus or component part
- Poorly maintained buses
Many of our clients are unaware of what happened. They know they are in considerable pain but aren’t sure of who is to blame.
We can help. We know how to assess fault for a bus accident by looking at all relevant evidence and speaking with witnesses. For example, we can analyze police reports, interview witnesses, and possibly visit the crash site or inspect the bus involved.
What Are the Most Common Buses in Queens?
Both public and private buses pull into Queens at all hours of the day. Some of the more common are:
- Charter buses
- Sightseeing buses
- School buses
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses
It matters considerably which bus hits you. If you are struck by a public bus, then the process for receiving compensation is different than if a charter caused a collision. Work with an experienced bus accident attorney in Queens so you protect your right to compensation following an accident caused by the MTA.
We Represent Anyone Injured by a Bus
Our Queens bus accident lawyer can assist:
- Passengers Injured On a Bus: When a bus crashes or rolls over, anyone sitting on the bus can suffer serious injuries. Few buses have seat belts, and you might be tossed around like clothes in a dryer. You might sue the driver for negligence or a different motorist on the road if they caused the crash.
- Motorists Struck By a Bus: You might have been driving when a bus struck your car, causing injury. You would need to sue the driver or the bus company for compensation.
- Pedestrians Hit By a Bus: Pedestrians have no protection in a bus accident, so their injuries are often severe. You might sue the bus driver for being negligent or even reckless.
Contact us so we can review. Before you can sue someone, you need to establish they are at fault for the crash. A negligent bus driver or other motorist is at fault when they fail to drive with reasonable care. In some situations, a bus company or even the city will be responsible as well.
Suing the MTA
If you were hit by a city bus, you face special challenges than if you were struck by a private charter bus. In particular, the MTA requires that you file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. You would not need to do this if you were hit by a private bus.
Once the MTA receives your notice, they will investigate and possibly offer a settlement. You cannot go into court and sue until you go through this administrative process. Some people, without the benefit of a Queens bus accident lawyer, miss this deadline. Or they go immediately into court to sue, only to have a judge toss the case.
We know how to hold the city accountable for hiring risky drivers or putting dangerous buses out on the road. They owe a duty of care to the public and might be automatically liable if a driver hurts you.
Compensation for a Bus Accident
Because these are serious accidents, our clients suffer some horrifying injuries which are very expensive to treat. They lose money to a variety of unforeseen expenses.
We can seek compensation to cover:
- The cost of medical care, including future medical care. Medical expenses are most commonly related to surgery, rehabilitation, prescription drugs, physical therapy, mental health counseling, and doctor visits.
- Lost income when you can’t go back to work. If you are seriously hurt, you might qualify for loss of earning capacity.
- Property damage, if your car was damaged in the wreck.
- Pain and suffering, for the intangible losses stemming from a car accident.
We will gladly discuss possible compensation. No two cases are alike, so it is best to get an individualized assessment of your case.
Contact Our Queens Bus Accident Lawyer Today
The Law Offices of Gary E. Rosenberg, P.C. can immediately review your case and offer guidance on how to proceed. All you need to do is reach out to our firm today by calling or sending an online message. Our consultations are free.