Nassau County Bus Accident Lawyer

One of the common forms of transportation for many Nassau County residents is a bus. It can be the NICE bus system for commuters, private chargers, or even school buses where kids are transported to and from school. However, accidents involving buses tend to happen and the results can be devastating. If you have been injured in a bus crash, you may want to consider seeking assistance from a qualified Nassau County bus accident lawyer.

Pursuing potential legal action can help you get the compensation you need for any expenses ranging from medical care to losing income due to missed work. Our personal injury attorneys will help you navigate the process of what actions you need to take in the event of being injured in a bus accident.

What To Know About Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents can involve numerous passengers, pedestrians, and even multiple vehicles. Such incidents can occur on busy roads and intersections. Unlike car crashes, bus crashes are more complex because of certain factors, such as:

• The number of parties involved
• The insurance and liability coverage between parties is complex to navigate
• Public or government entities could be liable

Whether you are a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver who was involved in a bus crash, the idea of pursuing legal options is never out of the question. You’ll want to consider consulting with a bus accident lawyer in Nassau County who can help investigate the incident, identify the parties who may be considered liable, and advocate on your behalf in negotiations and in a court of law.

What Are The Common Causes of Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents can be caused by several different factors. These are typically associated with human error, equipment failure, or environmental conditions. Here’s a look at the common causes of bus accidents:

• Driver negligence: This pertains to third party drivers or the bus drivers themselves. Such behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and failure to obey traffic laws are considered acts of negligent driving. A bus driver may also be undertrained or poorly supervised.
• Mechanical failures: Buses require regular maintenance to catch potential issues that may lead to dangerous situations like bus crashes. This includes break failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems.
• Dangerous road conditions: Roads that are poorly maintained, inadequate signage, and inclement weather can contribute to an increased risk of bus crashes.
• Third-party drivers: A bus accident can be caused by negligent motorists that forces a bus off the road or collides with it. The driver of the other vehicle may also exhibit behaviors of distracted driving, speeding, or even be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Improper loading: Overcrowding or improperly secured passengers or luggage can be a detriment to the stability and safety of the bus.

Whatever the cause of the bus crash may be, it is essential to consult a public transportation injury lawyer in Nassau County if you are injured. They will look to see who could be at fault and pursue a claim on your behalf. With a bus crash resulting in personal injuries, this means you’ll have three years to pursue legal action in accordance with New York’s statute of limitation on personal injuries.

Who Can File A Bus Accident Claim?

Many people can be eligible to file a claim following a bus accident. These will include:

• Passengers on the bus
• Pedestrians hit by a bus
• Occupants of other vehicles
• Cyclists who were struck by a bus
• Family members of those killed in a bus crash

A bus accident lawyer in Nassau County can make sure that your legal rights are protected in the event of an injury or death in the incident. Duffy & Duffy has experienced lawyers that have worked with accident victims and their families knowing full well how painful a process recovery (or even the grieving process) can be.

Who Could Be Liable In Bus Crashes?

Bus accidents may involve several parties that may share the blame. Thus, it may not be just the drivers involved. This can include but not be limited to the following parties:

• Bus driver: If a driver was negligent, reckless, or impaired, they may be liable. In cases where the driver may have been impaired due to drugs or alcohol, punitive damages may be included in a claim.
• Bus company or operator: The operator of the bus, whether it’s a private coach company or NICE, may be liable for numerous reasons. This can include failing to properly maintain a vehicle, poor training, or even poor hiring practices.
• Government agencies: If a bus was owned by a public entity, you’ll need to be aware about the special rules that may apply. You’ll want to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days, which will be required in the event if you decide to pursue legal action as soon as possible.
• Other motorists: A negligent third-party driver may either be partially or fully liable for the accident. Especially if it involves multiple vehicles including a bus.
• Manufacturers: A defective part could be a contributing factor to the accident. This means that the liability could fall on the bus or parts manufacturer.

Identifying the liable parties can be complex. However, a Long Island attorney has experience in investigating bus accidents and identifying the liable parties. From there, they can pursue compensation on your behalf by negotiating with the liable parties and the insurance companies involved.

What Compensation is Available For Bus Accident Claims?

There are different types of compensation that is available for those who file a bus accident claim. As such, an attorney can be able to negotiate fair compensation on your behalf. These are the forms that are typical in bus crash cases:

• Medical expenses: This includes expenses for ambulance rides, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and other medical care needs in the future.
• Lost wages: If you miss work or are unable to return to your job, the compensation will cover lost income as well as diminished future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological effects are covered under this type of compensation.
• Property damage: This covers damage to personal belongings or even vehicles at the time of the accident.
• Wrongful death damages: Surviving family members of deceased bus crash victims can pursue compensation that covers funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of parental guidance.

These compensation types can be pursued aggressively by an experienced bus crash lawyer in Nassau County. They are tireless advocates who ensure that your case will be heard and you may get the compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries.

What Actions Should I Take After A Bus Crash?

The sooner you take action, the better after a bus crash. If you are able to do so safely, please take the necessary steps below:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Whether your injuries are minor or not immediate, seeking medical attention through a healthcare professional is highly recommended. This will also ensure documentation that can be used for your claim.
• Report the accident: Call 911 to notify law enforcement of the accident. They will file an official accident report.
• Gather evidence: This includes taking photos of the accident scene, injuries, the bus, any other damaged vehicles, and the surrounding area.
• Get contact information: Gather contact information from witnesses, the bus driver, and any other parties involved.
• Contact a Nassau County Bus Accident Attorney: This will be your legal contact whenever you wish to pursue a claim.
• Allow your bus accident lawyer to handle insurance companies: Before contacting an attorney, you must not make statements to insurance companies as it could inadvertently put you at fault. Instead, let an experienced Nassau County bus accident lawyer handle negotiations with the insurance companies.

Injured in a Nassau County Bus Crash? Let a Duffy & Duffy Attorney Handle Your Claim

Bus crashes can be devastating. If you have been injured or have had a loved one die in a bus accident, Duffy & Duffy is available to assist you in determining if you have a solid case. Our experienced Nassau County bus accident lawyers can work with you from beginning to end for fair compensation that covers your medical expenses and more. Call our office today to set up a free consultation.