The Bronx Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are abundant in numbers throughout New York City, including the Bronx. However, an accident involving one can be an event that is life-changing and traumatic. You might be a passenger on a bus, a pedestrian who was hit while crossing the intersection, or a driver who was involved in a collision. Handling the aftermath is a challenge like any other.

If you have been injured in a bus accident in the Bronx, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue a personal injury case. However, it’s important to make sure you have an experienced The Bronx bus accident attorney to help you navigate through the complexities of the case. This guide will show you what you need to do after a bus crash in the Bronx occurs. Let’s begin with what to know.

Who Is Considered Liable in a Bus Accident?

Our Bronx bus accident attorney knows that liability is key in an accident case. While a complex process, this determines who is responsible for the accident. One or multiple parties may even be at fault, including:

• The Bus Company or Transit Authority (i.e – MTA): This can be due to issues such as hiring unqualified drivers, improper training, and poor maintenance.
• The bus driver themselves: The driver may engage in activities such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield among other negligent driving infractions.
• Third-party drivers: Other vehicles or drivers may have caused or contributed to the crash.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If defected parts or failed safety systems are found in buses or vehicles, the manufacturer may be at fault. This can also lead to other incidents not just in the Bronx, but also throughout New York City and the rest of the country.
• City or municipal entities: Lack of proper signage and even dangerous road conditions may be the fault of city or municipal officials for failing to address such issues in a timely manner.

Whether multiple parties were involved or not, contacting an attorney will be a critical step in making sure you have a strong case. At Duffy & Duffy, we have experienced attorneys who have worked tirelessly with clients involved in bus accidents. This gives us a deep understanding of the legal process while possessing the knowledge of securing maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering among others.

What Are Common Injuries in Bus Accidents?

Bus accidents can lead to serious or even catastrophic injuries. Many buses won’t have proper restraints or seatbelts. Even if you are driving a vehicle that has collided with a bus, these injuries can still occur. They include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Burns and lacerations
• Psychological disorders (PTSD, Anxiety, etc.)
• Internal bleeding or damage to organs

Even if you have no visible injuries at the moment, receiving medical attention will be critical after an accident. Some may appear a few days after the fact. A medical exam will also provide you with documentation that you’ll need in case you decide to pursue legal options. A knowledgeable and experienced Bronx lawyer will use this documentation provided by medical professionals to help build a strong bus collision case on your behalf.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Bus Crash?

There are different types of compensation that victims of Bronx bus crashes may be entitled to. However, it will depend on factors such as the nature and extent of their injuries. Compensation that is awarded to victims will cover the following:

• Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and other ongoing treatment (if necessary).
• Lost wages: If you have been injured to the point where you miss work, there is a likelihood that you’ll lose your income due to time away. This also includes missing out on future earnings if you are unable to work for a lengthy period of time.
• Pain and suffering: Experiencing physical pain and emotional distress is common after an accident. This is also a typical compensation type that is often seen in bus crash lawsuits.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Your injuries may limit your ability to enjoy the things you normally participate in life. This includes your normal activities and hobbies. 
• Wrongful death: Surviving family members of a victim killed in a bus crash can receive compensation for damages.

Whatever compensation is available for your case, Duffy & Duffy’s compassionate and hard-working attorneys commit themselves to be your legal advocate for fair justice. Whether we’re going up against insurance companies, transit authorities, or other parties involved, we are ready to represent you and make sure you’re eligible for the compensation you deserve.

What Should You Do If You Are In a Bus Accident?

In the event of a Bronx bus accident, you’ll want to take action as soon as you are able to. Taking these steps will be critical for building a case should you decide to take legal action. A Bronx bus crash lawyer recommends that you perform the following tasks:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Do not refuse medical attention, even if you feel fine. Documenting your medical examination after an accident will provide you with crucial evidence needed in your legal case. Even if the injuries are minimal, documentation will be available whenever a bus accident attorney near the Bronx needs it.

Report The Accident

Regardless if you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you will need to report the accident to law enforcement. If the accident involves an MTA bus, you’ll want to notify the Transit Authority as well. 

Gather Evidence

This includes taking photographs, collecting witness information, and keeping documents for expenses and medical records. It will be key to any legal case should you pursue one.

File a Notice of Claims

The State of New York requires that you file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of an accident if the accident involves a public entity. For example, if the bus was property of the MTA, this will fall under the purview of a Notice of Claim.

Consult a Skilled Attorney

Next, you’ll want to determine if there is a potential legal case in the aftermath of an accident. At Duffy & Duffy, we have attorneys who have worked in numerous accident cases. We are familiar with what such legal cases entail and will work with you to see if we can move forward with potential legal action. We might also assist you in working with the insurance company and others to ensure compensation before the case ever moves forward in a court of law.

Please note that if negotiations fail, the potential for a personal injury lawsuit is possible. In the State of New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. However, if the victim died in the accident, surviving family members have a two year statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim. Either way, Duffy & Duffy’s hardworking attorneys could take the case and fight for you on your behalf for the justice they believe you deserve.

What If You Were Partially At Fault?

While it is complex in these situations to determine fault, there is a chance that you might be partially at fault yourself. The State of New York has a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you are partially at fault, you can still collect damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by a percentage based on how much at fault you were (e.g – 20 percent at fault equals to losing 20 percent of the compensation).

With this in mind, a Bronx bus crash attorney can help minimize your share of the blame. You could end up getting maximum compensation to cover the expenses resulting from the accident.

Let a Bronx Duffy & Duffy Attorney Help With Your Bus Accident Case

If you have been involved in a bus accident in the Bronx or anywhere in New York City or Long Island, Duffy & Duffy might be able to help. Our Bronx bus crash attorneys are ready to assist you with whatever questions you might have. We offer a free consultation to help determine if you have a legal case that allows us to advocate on your behalf. For more information or to schedule a consultation with us, call 516-969-5874 today.