Public transportation is a vital part of life in New York City, with millions of residents relying on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus system to navigate the bustling streets of Manhattan. While buses are a generally safe and affordable mode of travel, accidents can and do happen – and when they do, the consequences for passengers and others on the road can be severe.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges faced by victims of Manhattan bus accidents. Unlike car occupants protected by airbags and seatbelts, bus riders lack these crucial safety features.
The sudden force of a collision, even at slower speeds common in Manhattan traffic, can cause passengers to be thrown from their seats or slam into the bus interior. These incidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Head Injuries: Bus accidents can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head trauma, even if the bus itself sustains minimal damage. The impact of a sudden stop or collision with another vehicle can throw riders off balance, leading to falls and head strikes.
- Broken Bones: The forceful impact of a crash can cause fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. The severity of these fractures can vary depending on the location and force of the impact.
- Back and Neck Injuries: The sudden jerking motion during a bus accident can strain muscles, ligaments, and discs in the back and neck. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even long-term disability.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, sprains, and strains are common soft tissue injuries sustained in bus accidents. While these injuries may seem minor initially, they can cause significant pain and discomfort, impacting daily activities.
Despite operating at slower speeds due to congested city traffic, bus accidents are a very real threat in New York and Manhattan. With over 5,700 buses in its fleet, the MTA is one of the largest public transportation systems globally.
While ridership numbers reflect the popularity and convenience of buses, they also highlight the potential for accidents. Millions of New Yorkers rely on buses daily, making them a popular choice due to affordability and extended operating hours.
Unfortunately, this popularity translates into a high number of accidents, some with tragic consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Manhattan bus accident, you are not alone. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced Manhattan Bus Accident Lawyers will fight tirelessly to investigate the cause of the accident, determine all liable parties, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact us today at (516) 689-1132 or visit our website for a free consultation to discuss your legal options
A Manhattan Bus Accident Attorney Helps You Understand Your Legal Options
Being injured in a Manhattan bus accident can be a life-altering experience. In addition to the physical pain and emotional trauma you endure, you may also face significant financial burdens due to medical expenses and lost wages.
Understanding your legal options during this challenging time is crucial.
A Manhattan personal injury attorney can play a vital role in helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Here at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our experienced bus attorneys have a proven track record of success in securing maximum compensation for victims of bus accidents.
We will work diligently to:
- Investigate the Cause of the Accident: Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including reviewing police reports, witness statements, and bus maintenance records. We will determine the cause of the accident and identify all potentially liable parties.
- Determine Your Damages: We will carefully assess the full extent of your injuries, both present and future. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you’ve incurred.
- Fight for Maximum Compensation: Our experienced attorneys will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Here are some of the common causes of Manhattan bus accidents:
- Bus Driver Negligence: This can include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, fatigued driving, or failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians or other vehicles.
- Bus Maintenance Issues: Poorly maintained brakes, faulty tires, or malfunctioning doors can all contribute to bus accidents.
- Roadway Defects: Poor road conditions, potholes, or inadequate signage can also play a role in causing bus accidents.
- Third-Party Driver Negligence: In some cases, accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road, such as car drivers who fail to yield to buses or who run red lights.
The legal process surrounding bus accidents can be complex. Having a skilled Manhattan Bus Accident Attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Our Manhattan personal injury lawyers will handle all the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today for a free consultation.
We will review your case and discuss your legal options. Call us at (516) 689-1132 or visit our website to schedule your consultation.
New York Bus Accident Damages
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. In most injury cases, damages are awarded to cover any financial losses or physical injuries suffered by the victim.
These damages typically fall into three main categories, with additional potential compensation available:
- Medical Expenses: This includes coverage for emergency medical care immediately following the accident, as well as ongoing medical care such as physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your bus accident injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you missed. This can also include compensation for lost future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to address the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured due to your injuries. The severity of your injuries is typically a major factor in determining the amount of compensation awarded for pain and suffering.
For more information on personal injury damages in New York, you can visit the New York State Bar Association website.
New York Bus Accident Statistics
The bustling streets of New York City are navigated by various types of buses, including tour buses, school buses, public buses, and private buses. Despite the MTA’s mandate to ensure passenger safety, bus accidents unfortunately do occur.
Here’s a breakdown of bus accident statistics in New York:
- School Buses: Approximately 25 million New York children rely on school buses for transportation. While safety measures are in place, school bus accidents do happen. In 2018, there were 117 school bus accidents resulting in fatalities. Sadly, 70% of these fatalities involved drivers of other vehicles, while 5% were school bus passengers, 17% were pedestrians, and 4% were school bus drivers or cyclists.
- Public Transportation Buses: The MTA manages a network of public transportation buses, including city buses, intercity buses, tour buses, and suburban buses. Data from the New York Post indicates that in August of 2019, there were 494 reported passenger injuries from non-collision bus accidents, compared to 442 injuries in 2018. The MTA attributes the increase in injuries to factors related to bus drivers and traffic congestion. Bus driver fatigue due to long work hours can also be a contributing factor in accidents.
- Tour Buses: While less common than accidents involving school buses or public transportation buses, tour bus accidents have caused injuries and fatalities. Passengers who sit on the top deck of double-decker buses are at a higher risk of serious injuries if ejected during an accident. Tour companies have a legal responsibility to ensure their drivers are qualified and experienced to operate these large vehicles safely.
Bus accident injuries can stem from collisions with other vehicles, non-collision incidents, or slip and fall accidents while boarding or exiting the bus. In 2019, there were 160 reported slip and fall accidents on buses compared to 163 in 2018.
However, bus collisions also saw a slight increase of 1.2% in 2019, with a 1.8% increase in those resulting in injuries.
Why You Need a Manhattan Bus Accident Attorney
The statistics above highlight the potential dangers of bus travel. Understanding these risks is crucial for staying safe on the road.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. A Manhattan Bus Accident Attorney at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can help you navigate the legal complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced attorneys will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties.
- Carefully assess the full extent of your injuries and related damages.
- Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- If necessary, take your case to trial to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Manhattan Bus Accident?
Determining who is liable for your injuries after a Manhattan bus accident can be complex. Here’s a breakdown of the potentially responsible parties:
- Bus Driver: The bus driver is directly responsible for any injuries they cause due to negligent operation of the bus. Negligence can encompass a wide range of actions or inactions, including:
- Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, eating)
- Drowsy driving (fatigued from long hours)
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Disregarding traffic signals (stop signs, red lights)
- Speeding
- Improper lane changes without signaling
- Pulling into traffic without checking blind spots
- Bus Company: The bus company can also be held liable for your injuries under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees while performing job duties. However, to hold the bus company liable, you must first prove the bus driver’s negligence was a contributing factor in the accident. Additionally, the bus company can be directly liable for:
- Negligent Hiring: If the bus company fails to conduct thorough background checks and hires a driver with a history of reckless driving or safety violations.
- Negligent Retention: If the bus company knew or should have known about a driver’s history of safety issues and failed to take appropriate action, such as termination.
- Improper Bus Maintenance: If the bus company puts a bus with known mechanical problems into service, and those problems contribute to an accident.
- Third-Party Drivers: In some cases, accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road. For instance, if a car driver runs a red light and collides with a bus, they may be liable for the injuries of bus passengers.
Manhattan Bus Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Being injured in a Manhattan bus accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. You likely have many questions about your legal rights and options.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you get started:
What should I do after a Manhattan bus accident?
- Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries you sustained.
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report.
- If possible, gather information from any witnesses to the accident.
- Avoid discussing the accident with anyone except the police and your attorney.
- Contact a Manhattan Bus Accident Attorney at CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to discuss your legal options.
Do I need a lawyer after a Manhattan bus accident?
Bus accident cases can be complex, involving multiple potentially liable parties and insurance companies. An experienced Manhattan Bus Accident Attorney can protect your rights, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What damages can I recover after a Manhattan bus accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical care.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a Manhattan bus accident?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
These are just a few of the many questions you may have after a Manhattan bus accident. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help. Contact our Manhattan personal injury law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your specific case.
Our Manhattan Bus Accident Law Firm Is Here for You When You Need Us Most
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden a bus accident can cause. Our dedicated team of Manhattan Bus Accident Attorneys has a proven track record of success in securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Ali Awad, also known as the CEO Lawyer, is the founder and managing attorney of one of the fastest-growing law firms in the United States. He has over one million followers on social media who come to him for personal injury advice of all types.
The CEO Lawyer’s team of experienced attorneys has handled cases just like yours and boasts a success rate of over 99.5%.
We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to every client. We will work tirelessly to investigate your accident, determine all liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today for a free consultation.
We will review your case and discuss your legal options. Call us at (516) 689-1132 or visit our website to schedule your consultation.
