Even though millions of people ride the New York City Metro Transit Authority trains and buses, the number of truck and bus accidents in NYC is less than half that of other major cities in the US. However that number is not zero, and every year thousands of people are injured or even killed in both bus and truck accidents.
Sadly, many of those hurt and killed by buses are pedestrians. The way buses are designed and the fact that they are so oversized means that the heavier weight of a New York City bus is more likely to crush or break smaller vehicles than to be damaged themselves. Pedestrians and people in smaller cars, trucks, and taxis are far more likely to be severely injured or even killed than bus passengers and drivers. In fact, 52% of fatalities from truck and bus accidents are pedestrians.
Those pedestrians who are involved in non-fatal accidents as a result of being hit by a bus or truck sustain injuries that include the following:
- Burns
- Broken bones and fractures
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Amputation
What are the most common causes of bus accidents in NYC?
- Negligence
- Reckless driving
- Careless driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Overtired/fatigued drivers
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Overcrowded buses
- Mechanical failure
- Defective parts
- Flat or blown out tires
Other causes of bus accidents are negligence on the part of the driver, the bus manufacturer, or their employers. Negligence is when proper or reasonable care is not taken, or when failure to use reasonable care ending in injury or death.
These following things would be considered negligence as opposed to accidents:
- Inadequate training for drivers
- Not doing regular bus maintenance as required
- Performing inspections erratically or not doing them at all
- Required extended overtime
- Trying to pressure drivers to work very long hours
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in New York City, it is extremely important to contact an experienced attorney right away. The rules for filing these types of personal injury lawsuits are very specific in New York, and you will need a particular bus accident attorney who has handled these cases so that you get everything you are entitled to from the insurance companies and other at-fault parties.
There are a lot of legal layers in bringing bus accident cases to trial, and the last thing you need as a victim of such an accident is to have to worry about your case. You need to focus on getting your life back together, getting back on your feet, and healing.
Mitchel Ashley is an incredibly capable NYC bus accident lawyer who understands that for a claim like this to be litigated the right way, he needs to know about the specific and special laws and regulations to do with MTA buses. Additionally, knowledge of the Federal Motor Vehicle Standards, the Rules and Regulations of each bus company, and understanding the liability of the city as the bus owners is imperative to working these cases.
Most people do not realize that bus driver discipline procedures are unique in New York City. As your MTA bus accident attorney, it is our job to know what the standards for submitting reports and claims to each of the different public safety boards.
What can a bus accident lawyer do for you?
- Work with insurance companies
- Obtain and review medical records
- Obtain and review surveillance footage
- Interview drivers
- Interview witnesses
- Preserve evidence
- Research, interview, and retain experts such as accountants and financial analysts
- Argue on your behalf
- Get you the compensation you deserve
What should you do if you have been in a bus accident in New York City? First, you should make sure that you receive immediate medical attention and make sure you are safe. You should document all of your injuries and the scene of the accident if possible. Make a report to the police as quickly as possible. You should also write down the name of the bus driver and the bus number involved in the accident. Then, contact an experienced lawyer who can help you make a claim and navigate the world of litigating a bus accident lawsuit.
New York City buses, just like other vehicles on the road, are required to have no-fault insurance coverage, which covers things like medical expenses and lost wages but does not have anything to do with paying for pain and suffering and other damages for passengers injured in a bus accident. When it comes to compensation, that is covered by liability insurance, and both no-fault and liability insurance are self-insured through the New York City Transit Authority.
What is compensation for?
- Covering any and all medical expenses
- Ongoing occupational or physical therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The Ashley Law Firm has handled countless bus and motor vehicle accident cases and has been able to recover millions of dollars for their clients who have been severely injured. If you have been injured in any accident involving a bus or truck in New York City, Mitchel Ashley can get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
