In Brooklyn, a bustling borough of New York City, the rise in population has led to an increased reliance on public transportation, particularly buses. However, with this rise in bus usage comes an unfortunate reality: bus accidents.
These incidents can be particularly severe due to the size of buses and the absence of safety features like seat belts.
You need legal assistance if you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Brooklyn, NY. The Irwin Law Firm specializes in handling bus accident claims in Brooklyn.
Our expertise allows us to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
From filing your lawsuit against the responsible parties, including the driver and any relevant municipalities, to assessing your damages and negotiating with insurance companies, we’re here to advocate for your rights and interests.
Don’t handle the ramifications of a bus accident claim alone. Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today for experienced legal representation in Brooklyn, NY.
Get Help With Our Brooklyn Bus Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Brooklyn, it’s essential to understand who might be responsible. The liable party could range from private tour companies and educational institutions to public corporations or municipal entities, depending on the type of bus involved.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we’re committed to advocating for those who have suffered severe injuries or lost loved ones in bus accidents. Our efforts in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits not only get justice for victims but also contribute to safety enhancements and regulations that protect the community.
Victims of bus accidents, particularly with agencies like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), often face formidable challenges. Despite the vigorous defense these claims might encounter, entities like the MTA can still be held accountable for negligence.
For instance, over five years leading up to 2023, the New York City Transit Authority, which operates the MTA, settled injury lawsuits totaling approximately $431 million, according to the New York Daily News.
An experienced Brooklyn personal injury lawyer is essential to helping you through these difficult cases and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our firm has expertise in taking on the MTA and private bus operators to get our clients fair results.
To accurately determine the value of your claim, our method includes an exhaustive accident investigation, careful evidence collection, in-depth legal research, and cooperation with subject matter experts. We are dedicated to achieving a substantial settlement for you and are prepared to present your case in court if necessary.
Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to arrange a free initial consultation and discuss your case. Let us help you take the first step towards recovery and justice.
Get Legal Advice From Our Brooklyn Bus Accident Law Firm
If you’re involved in a bus accident in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, partnering with an experienced bus accident attorney from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm allows you to focus entirely on your recovery. At the same time, we handle all the complexities of your case.
Our skilled team not only connects you with top-notch local doctors but also dedicately investigates the circumstances of your accident to pinpoint any negligence involved.
Our comprehensive services for bus accident clients include:
- A thorough investigation of the accident.
- Preservation and collection of critical evidence.
- Identification of responsible parties.
- Preparation and submission of all necessary claims documents.
- Enlisting the expertise of qualified specialists and consultants.
- Securing a just and complete insurance settlement.
- Educating you about your rights and assisting in safeguarding them.
- Representing you in court in Kings County, Brooklyn, if required.
At our Brooklyn personal injury law firm, your health, happiness, and overall well-being are our top priorities after a bus accident. We commit to constantly pursuing the compensation you are entitled to while maintaining your peace of mind.
Who May Be Liable for a Bus Accident in Brooklyn?
Determining liability in personal injury claims arising from bus accidents in Brooklyn can be complex, often involving multiple parties. To establish who is at fault, your attorney will gather and analyze evidence, including eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, vehicle maintenance records, and police reports.
Unlike handling car accidents, bus accident cases require a specialized approach due to the unique factors involved. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our Brooklyn bus accident attorneys are well-versed in these distinctions.
We provide personalized legal representation, dedicating significant time and effort to understanding the intricacies of each case.
The following entities could be liable in a bus accident:
- The company responsible for bus maintenance
- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
- Tour bus operators
- The New York City Transit Authority
- Manufacturers of defective vehicle parts
- The bus driver, if their negligence contributed to the accident
- Other negligent motorists
- Various government entities
Before communicating with insurance adjusters or agreeing to a settlement, it’s crucial to consult with the experienced legal team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to discuss your rights and potential compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover for Bus Accident Injuries?
When recovering damages from a bus accident in Brooklyn, compensation typically falls into three categories: economic, general, and potentially punitive.
Economic Damages are the tangible, quantifiable losses resulting from the accident. These include:
- Lost Income: Verified by paycheck records showing earnings before the accident.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: Based on the difference between your potential earnings before and after the accident.
- Medical Expenses: Covers all hospital and doctor bills, including any receipts or invoices for medical care received.
- Medications: Costs for all medications required during hospitalization and ongoing treatment.
- Prosthetics and Mobility Devices: Expenses for necessary devices like artificial limbs, which aid in maintaining quality of life.
- Physical Therapy: Costs associated with rehabilitation and adaptation to new physical conditions.
- Transportation Costs: Includes travel expenses to and from medical appointments and other essential locations.
- Home Care and Services: For those with catastrophic injuries, the ongoing costs of home care are also recoverable.
General Damages address non-economic losses, which are more subjective and harder to quantify:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and distress experienced as a result of the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Covers psychological impacts, such as mood disorders or emotional difficulties due to life changes following the accident.
- Impact on Personal Relationships: Compensation for strain on marital and familial relationships.
- Loss of Bodily Functions: Compensation for the loss of ability to engage in work or leisure activities.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Addresses the emotional and psychological impact of visible injuries.
- Permanent Disabilities: Covers long-term impacts on work, social life, and personal satisfaction.
Punitive Damages may be awarded in cases where the responsible party’s actions were exceptionally negligent or malicious. These are not common and aim to punish the offending party and deter similar future conduct.
Factors that might warrant punitive damages include negligent hiring practices by the bus company or a failure by the bus manufacturer to recall a faulty vehicle.
Consulting with a Brooklyn bus accident attorney is crucial for understanding the specific damages applicable to your case and handling the complexities of legal claims in such situations.
What Qualifies as a Bus?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a bus is defined as a vehicle “designed, constructed, and/or used to transport passengers.” The term “bus” often refers to motor coaches, which are buses featuring an elevated passenger deck over a luggage compartment.
A typical example of a motor coach is a Greyhound bus.
The legal team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm specializes in representing individuals involved in accidents with various types of buses, including:
- Greyhound buses
- School buses
- MTA city buses
- Charter tour buses
- Casino buses
- Church buses
- Airport shuttle and rental car shuttle buses
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our New York City bus accident lawyers are ready to initiate legal action against any relevant parties following a bus accident. We understand statutes of limitations, the filing requirements for cases against public benefit companies like the MTA, and the claims procedures.
What Are Some Different Types of Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents are unique and complex, each influenced by critical factors in seeking fair financial compensation. Learning the type of bus involved is important as it helps determine the owner and the responsible party in the event of an accident.
Our experienced bus accident lawyers consider various types of collisions, including:
- Public and city buses
- School buses, both public and private
- Airport shuttle services
- Party and tour buses
- Long-distance service buses like Greyhound
- Charter buses
- Incidents involving New York City Transit
- Accidents impacting bicyclists or pedestrians
- Cases of bus driver negligence
- Mechanical failure-related incidents
- Accidents due to drowsy or distracted driving
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Fatal accidents, including wrongful death claims
- Bus rollover incidents
Whether poor road conditions, driver error, or something else entirely caused the bus accident, our legal team is prepared to handle any case involving a bus accident in New York. We carefully construct your injury claim by returning to the accident scene, speaking with witnesses, obtaining expert testimony, and obtaining proof to prove fault.
Our two main objectives are determining guilt and receiving the funds you are due from all responsible parties.
Types of Bus Accident
Bus accidents in Brooklyn, NY, arise from various causes, not merely coincidental events. Understanding the root causes is crucial for legal claims, as it establishes who is responsible and liable for damages.
Here, we outline typical causes, although other factors not listed might also be involved.
Negligent Bus Drivers
A frequent cause of bus accidents is the bus driver’s negligence. Negligence implies carelessness that leads to injury.
Establishing a bus driver’s negligence is necessary to claim damages. Negligence could manifest as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or distractions.
Additionally, overworked drivers might experience fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents.
Other Drivers’ Negligence
Accidents can also occur due to negligence from other road users. The actions of these drivers might not directly impact the bus but cause the bus driver to react, potentially leading to an accident.
For example, a vehicle speeding through traffic might force a bus driver to maneuver unexpectedly, leading to an accident.
Vehicle Defects
Defects in the bus itself can lead to accidents. These defects might stem from issues during manufacturing or inadequate maintenance.
For instance, a faulty axle due to poor-quality materials or maintenance shortcuts can cause serious accidents. Legal action in such cases would be directed at the manufacturer or the maintenance provider.
Poor Road Conditions
Inadequate road maintenance, such as potholes or unclear road markings, can cause accidents.
Typically, government entities are responsible for maintaining roads. However, suing a government body involves specific legal considerations and procedures, and sometimes, it might be more practical to target contracted companies responsible for maintenance.
Statute of Limitations for Brooklyn Bus Accident Lawsuits
The statute of limitations is a legal framework that dictates the duration within which plaintiffs must initiate certain types of lawsuits. According to C.V.P. Law § 214, individuals involved in a bus accident typically have three years from the incident date to file a lawsuit.
Missing this deadline can result in the forfeiture of the opportunity to claim monetary damages.
Over time, gathering and preserving evidence can become challenging. Delaying legal action can complicate your case, as physical evidence may deteriorate, and eyewitnesses might forget important details about the accident.
It is advisable to contact experienced Brooklyn bus accident lawyers promptly after an accident. This allows your legal team to efficiently collect the necessary evidence to support your claim and secure monetary damages.
There are exceptions to the three-year statute of limitations. For example, parents can file lawsuits on behalf of their minor children at any time before they reach 18.
Once they become adults, these individuals have three years to file claims regarding bus accidents during their childhood.
Elements of a Brooklyn Bus Accident Lawsuit
Addressing a Brooklyn bus accident case requires a sophisticated knowledge of certain legal doctrines. Even if every case is different, a successful claim requires the establishment of many essential components:
- Duty of Care: Establish that the defendant had a responsibility to act with a certain level of care toward you.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the defendant did not uphold their duty of care.
- Causation: Show that your injuries were directly caused by the defendant’s failure to adhere to their duty.
- Damages: Prove that you suffered losses or damages due to the injuries incurred.
Although these elements seem simple, applying them to your case requires a thorough understanding of the law. There are many rules and aspects to consider.
Our experienced Brooklyn bus accident attorneys are ready to thoroughly evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of your case during a free case evaluation.
Get in Touch With Our Brooklyn Bus Accident Lawyers Today!
Choosing the right attorney after a Brooklyn bus accident is essential. Our lawyers bring a wealth of knowledge, extensive experience, and unwavering confidence to tackle complex cases against formidable opponents.
Hiring a powerful advocate from our team won’t cost you upfront – we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.
Schedule a free consultation today with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm’s top Brooklyn personal injury attorneys. We’re keen to hear about your situation and dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries.
For a complimentary case evaluation with an expert Brooklyn bus accident lawyer, call us at (516) 689-1132 or contact us online. We offer legal support anytime, including evenings and weekends, and are ready to assist you at your home or hospital if needed.
