Long Island Bus Accident Lawyer

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A bus performing a left turn on a wide intersection of a city road.You might face substantial medical expenses and other losses if you’ve been involved in a bus accident in Long Island or NYC. To address these challenges, consider getting legal representation to potentially recover damages.

The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers specialized bus accident lawyers in Long Island committed to effectively representing your case. The purpose of our firm is to take up your claims strongly, using our in-depth knowledge of federal and New York law and our analysis of prior cases to create a strong case for your compensation.

Understanding your rights and the best approaches to assert them is essential. Speaking with an experienced Long Island bus accident attorney who can explain your legal options is free. After this free initial consultation, you are under no obligation to proceed with your case to enable you to make an informed choice.

Contact us now to arrange your free consultation, or fill out our online form for an immediate response.

How Can Our Long Island Bus Accident Attorneys Help You?

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident on Long Island, it’s important to prioritize your recovery. Documenting your injuries is the first step, and engaging a Long Island personal injury attorney can significantly ease the proper legal burdens.

An expert attorney can assist you by:

  • Gathering critical evidence, including traffic camera surveillance footage.
  • Reaching out to witnesses and fellow passengers for statements that support your claim.
  • Handling communications with insurance companies to protect your interests.
  • Negotiating with the involved parties to secure fair compensation.
  • Consult medical specialists or accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case.
  • We will represent you in court should your claim proceed to trial.

By leaving these legal duties to an experienced attorney, you can remove any extra burden from your healing process and concentrate fully on your recuperation.

Do You Need to Hire Our Long Island Bus Accident Law Firm?

Considering whether to hire a lawyer after a bus accident can be a significant decision. Although it is not mandatory, enlisting the assistance of a Long Island bus accident lawyer could be beneficial.

These cases often involve complicated legal issues, and an experienced attorney can guide you through the process and advocate for your rightful compensation.

Our bus accident attorneys can comprehensively investigate the incident, including interviewing witnesses and analyzing police reports. We may also engage expert witnesses to support your case.

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they may hesitate to offer fair settlements. However, an expert lawyer will have the strategies to negotiate effectively with these companies and aim to secure the maximum compensation allowed by law.

If you have suffered injuries in a bus accident, consider consulting with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for expert legal representation in Long Island.

Who Is Responsible for a Bus Accident?

In Long Island, NY, various parties may be held financially responsible for injuries or deaths caused by negligence in a bus accident. Establishing liability begins with a Long Island bus accident lawyer who identifies the negligent parties and gathers evidence such as medical records, eyewitness reports, and maintenance logs to support the claim.

The following parties could potentially be liable:

  • Drivers: Bus drivers may be held accountable for accidents due to negligent driving, inadequate maintenance, improper inspections, or violations of driving regulations. Since drivers and maintenance teams are considered agents of the bus company, the company itself can also be held liable for its actions under agency law.
  • Employers: Organizations such as common carriers, school systems, or independent transportation companies are responsible for drivers’ actions and any damage caused by vehicles they own and control. If an employer knew of a driver’s adverse driving history or safety issues, it could be liable for negligent hiring and entrustment. Additionally, as the principal to the driver’s agent, the employer may be liable for the driver’s actions.
  • Bus Owners: If a bus is leased from another entity, the owner may share liability for any maintenance failures or vehicle defects. Owners are accountable for accidents stemming from inadequate maintenance or unaddressed vehicle defects.
  • Maintenance Contractors: Maintenance companies must uphold their duty to properly maintain the fleet. Failure to do so that results in injuries makes the maintenance contractor financially liable.
  • Bus Manufacturers: Manufacturers bear legal responsibility for accidents caused by defects in their buses. If a manufacturer fails to correct or disclose a defect, it could be held accountable for any injuries that result from such defects.
  • Contractual Liability: Sometimes, liability is transferred through contractual terms like hold harmless clauses, indemnification agreements, or duty-to-defend contracts. The effectiveness of these agreements can vary, and a skilled Long Island bus accident lawyer can help determine their applicability in a specific case.

Establishing liability involves careful investigation and legal analysis to pinpoint the responsible parties and prove negligence in all these scenarios.

What Is the Legal Process of a Bus Accident Case?

In cases where the defendant is a private bus company, there is a three-year statute of limitations from the accident to file a lawsuit, according to NY CPLR § 214. A Personal Injury Claim Form must be submitted for an accident involving city buses within 90 days following the accident.

Most personal injury claims related to bus accidents are filed under the legal framework of negligence. This framework holds that the bus driver and the bus company had a duty to ensure the plaintiff’s safety.

A breach of this duty, leading to the plaintiff’s injury, establishes the defendants’ legal responsibility for resulting damages. This duty extends to other bus drivers, pedestrians, and passengers.

For example, suppose an injured party and their Long Island lawyer can demonstrate that the defendants violated the duty of care by driving recklessly, speeding, or disobeying red lights, resulting in an accident that resulted in injuries. In that case, the defendants may be found liable for the injuries.

Compensation Available for Long Island Bus Accident Victims

If you or a loved one were injured or your personal property was damaged in a charter bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for negligent actions that led to the accident. Under New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR) §701.1, all contract carriers operating motor vehicles must ensure they are hazard-free and provide safe and adequate facilities and equipment for passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.

This is particularly crucial for vehicles that could cause significant harm in an accident.

In the event of a charter bus accident, the responsible parties may be required to cover:

  • Medical expenses necessary for full or partial recovery
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Lost wages

Multiple parties could potentially be liable for a charter bus accident, including:

  • The charter bus company
  • The employer of the bus driver
  • The bus manufacturer

Any parties responsible for maintenance, whether conducted in-house or by a third-party service

Given the severe nature of charter bus accidents, there is a high likelihood that investigators will uncover evidence indicating the causes of the accident. This evidence can be crucial in court to establish the liability of the defendant(s) for the damages incurred. Helpful documentation in such cases includes:

  • Reports from first responders like police and emergency transport teams, as well as news footage of the accident
  • Surveillance footage from the Department of Transportation or nearby businesses
  • Dashcam recordings from the charter bus or other vehicles involved, including those of first responders
  • Medical records documenting the injuries sustained
  • Statements from eyewitnesses

These documents can be instrumental in building a strong case for compensation.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents occur for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Distracted Driving: A significant factor in many accidents, distracted driving occurs when bus drivers engage in activities like texting, adjusting GPS devices, eating, or even daydreaming, diverting their attention from the road.
  • Driver Fatigue: Bus drivers often work long, grueling hours, mostly spent stationary behind the wheel. Exceeding legal work hours can lead to fatigue, impair judgment, reduce concentration, delay reactions, and even cause brief episodes of sleep, known as microsleep.
  • Improper Road Conditions: In places like New York, adverse weather conditions such as snow and rain can make roads treacherous. Accidents can occur, particularly if drivers do not adjust their speed and driving style appropriately to these conditions.
  • Inexperienced Drivers: Although we expect bus drivers to be highly skilled, sometimes, due to negligent hiring practices, drivers with insufficient training or a history of unsafe driving are employed, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Improper Weight Distribution: Buses, especially double-decker ones, have a higher center of gravity than cars. Overloading a bus with passengers or baggage can heighten the risk of a rollover accident.
  • Mechanical Defects: Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for bus safety. Mechanical failures due to defective parts or poor maintenance can lead to accidents.
  • External Factors: It’s also important to acknowledge that some bus accidents are caused by the actions of other road users and not directly by the bus driver or the bus company.

Common Long Island Bus Lines

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) oversees public transportation throughout Long Island, New York City, New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA Bus Company, a division of the MTA, operates a substantial fleet of approximately 6,000 buses, serving commuters across these regions.

In addition to the MTA, Long Island features a variety of other public and private bus services, which include:

  • MTA Long Island Bus
  • Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE)
  • Suffolk County Transit (SCT)
  • Hampton Jitney
  • Huntington Area Rapid Transit (HART)
  • City of Long Beach Bus Transportation
  • Various private charter and coach bus companies

If you are involved in a bus accident, obtaining compensation can be complex, depending on who is at fault. Although the cause of the accident might appear simple, the legal aspects often require a thorough investigation.

An experienced bus accident attorney from our Long Island personal injury law firm can help identify all parties responsible and advocate for full compensation on your behalf.

What to Do After Being Injured in a Long Island Bus Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident on Long Island, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and safeguard your legal rights with the following steps:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Always prioritize your health first. If paramedics are on the scene and recommend taking an ambulance, follow their advice. If your injuries do not require immediate emergency care, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Delaying medical evaluation not only risks your health but may also weaken your legal case, as the at-fault party could argue that the injuries were not a result of the accident.
  • Document the Accident Scene: Capture as many photos and videos as you can of both your injuries and the crash site. Try to get a variety of angles to provide a comprehensive view of the accident scene, which will be valuable for illustrating how the incident occurred.
  • Collect Relevant Documentation: Save all relevant documents related to the accident. This includes medical records, hospital bills, receipts for any related expenses, the police accident report, and any photos or videos you collected at the scene.
  • Maintain a Pain Journal: Start a daily log to record your physical pain and emotional state. This pain journal can be instrumental in helping your attorney assess and quantify your suffering and emotional distress during a personal injury lawsuit.
  • Consult with a Bus Accident Attorney: Engage with an expert Long Island bus accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can dramatically enhance your likelihood of obtaining the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Taking these steps will help protect your health and strengthen your position in any legal actions you might pursue.

Statute of Limitations for Long Island Bus Accident Claims

If you sustain injuries in an accident involving a bus owned by a private entity, you are subject to a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York. This means you must file a claim against the responsible party within three years from the accident date.

Failure to file within this period could result in the court dismissing your case, thereby stripping you of the opportunity to seek compensation.

The statute of limitations for accidents involving public buses is considerably shorter. You are required to file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident.

This notice informs the government of your intention to file a lawsuit. Missing this 90-day deadline could forfeit your right to sue. Therefore, you must consult a Long Island personal injury lawyer promptly to safeguard your rights and potential compensation.

Contact Our Long Island Bus Accident Attorneys Now!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, securing expert legal representation is crucial for your recovery and return to everyday life. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our team of experienced bus accident attorneys is dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

We understand the immense pressure and burden such incidents can impose, and we’re committed to supporting you and advocating for your rights. Call us at (516) 689-1132 for a free case evaluation.

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