An accident involving a New York City bus can be a terrifying and life-altering event. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean that collisions often result in significant, long-lasting injuries, and tragically, are sometimes lethal. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an NYC bus accident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. But you must act quickly. New York law imposes a very short deadline for filing a formal notice of claim to preserve your right to seek damages. This is not a time to wait.

This guide will walk you through the laws governing bus accident liability in NYC, the critical steps you must take after an injury, and the common mistakes that can jeopardize your case. While this information is vital, it cannot replace the experience and strategic insight that comes from years of litigating these complex cases against powerful city agencies.

Understanding Liability in an NYC Bus Accident

Most bus accident cases are built on the legal concept of negligence. Negligence is a legal claim that can be brought under New York common law.[1] To successfully hold a defendant responsible, your attorney must prove that their carelessness directly caused your injuries. In a negligence lawsuit, the injured person鈥攁lso referred to as the plaintiff鈥攎ust prove (a) that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty, (b) that the defendant then breached the duty, and (c) that the breach caused the plaintiff’s injury.[2] However, these cases involve special rules that are critical to understand.

The “Common Carrier” Duty: A Higher Standard of Care

Under New York law, entities that transport the public for a fee, like the MTA and other bus companies, are known as “common carriers.” This designation is important because it holds them to a higher standard of care than a regular driver. Their legal duty is to transport passengers with the utmost care and to keep them safe. This heightened responsibility, established in key New York cases like Adams v. NYC Tr. Auth.,[3] is the legal standard that bus drivers and their employers must meet. When they fail, and a passenger is injured, they can be held liable.

Negligence: Proving Fault

At its core, a negligence claim requires your lawyer to prove four things: 1) that the defendant (e.g., the bus driver) owed you a legal duty of care; 2) that they breached that duty through a careless act or failure to act; 3) that this breach directly caused the accident; and 4) that the accident resulted in your injuries and damages. A breach could be anything from speeding and running a red light to making a sudden, violent stop that throws passengers to the floor.

Comparative Negligence in New York

New York uses a “pure comparative negligence” system to assign fault.[4] This means that even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you were 10% at fault, your award would be reduced to $90,000. Insurance companies often try to use this rule to unfairly shift blame onto victims, which is why having an experienced attorney to fight back against these tactics is so important.

Why You Must Act Quickly After a Bus Accident in 2025

In the aftermath of a traumatic accident, taking legal action may be the last thing on your mind. However, time is not on your side. There are two crucial reasons why immediate action is essential for the success of your claim.

First and foremost is the unforgiving Notice of Claim deadline. The most critical factor in any claim against the MTA is the strictly limited time window to serve a formal Notice of Claim, a requirement mandated by New York General Municipal Law 搂 50-e. This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a rigid rule. Missing this deadline, with very few exceptions, will permanently extinguish your right to sue and recover compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are.

Second, evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses move or their memories fade. Onboard bus surveillance footage, traffic cameras, and videos from nearby businesses are often erased or recorded over within weeks, if not days. The sooner your attorney can send preservation letters and launch an investigation, the better your chances of securing the proof needed to win your case.

A Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After an NYC Bus Accident

While every case is unique, following these steps can help protect your rights and maximize the value of your claim.

Step 1: Get to Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the number one priority. If you can, move away from traffic and danger. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request an ambulance. It is crucial to get a professional medical evaluation, even if you feel you are not seriously hurt. Adrenaline from the trauma can mask pain from significant injuries like concussions or internal damage. A prompt medical visit also creates a critical official record that links your injuries directly to the accident.

Pro-Tip: Never say “I’m fine” or downplay your injuries at the scene. Stick to the facts when speaking with police or medical personnel. What seems like minor soreness can develop into a chronic condition.

Step 2: Gather Critical Evidence at the Scene

If your injuries permit, try to gather as much information as possible before leaving the scene. This evidence is invaluable for your attorney’s investigation. Use your phone to document everything:

• The bus number, route number, and license plate.
• The exact location, including the street, intersection, and nearest address.
• The driver’s name, if possible.
• Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any contributing factors like road hazards.
• The names and phone numbers of any other passengers or eyewitnesses.

Pro-Tip: Use your phone to take a short video, slowly panning the entire scene. This can capture important details about traffic flow, weather conditions, and vehicle positions that still photos might miss.

Step 3: Ensure a Police Report is Filed

Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police have arrived and completed their report (unless you are taken by ambulance). The official police report is a cornerstone of your case. It serves as the first official record of the incident and often contains the names and contact information of all parties and witnesses, diagrams of the scene, and the officer’s initial observations. Be sure to get the report number so your attorney can obtain a copy.

Pro-Tip: When speaking to the police, state the facts clearly and concisely. Do not guess, speculate, or admit any fault. Let the investigation play out.

Step 4: Understand the Formal Claim Process

As mentioned, suing the MTA involves a rigid, multi-step process. First, New York City’s local laws require a notice of claim to be submitted to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) and the Office of the Comptroller if the action is filed against the City of New York.[5] This notice must be submitted before any lawsuit can be filed against the MTA or the City for personal injuries arising from a bus accident, and it must be filed within the timeframe set by law.

After the Notice of Claim is filed on time, the city may demand a 鈥�50-h hearing.”[6] This is a pre-lawsuit deposition where you must give sworn testimony about the accident and your injuries. You will be questioned by an attorney for the city. Failing to appear for this hearing or providing damaging testimony can ruin your case before it even begins.

Pro-Tip: The 50-h hearing is a critical, high-stakes event. Never attend one without an experienced attorney who can prepare you for the questions, object to improper inquiries, and protect your rights throughout the proceeding.

Step 5: Consult a Specialized NYC Bus Accident Attorney

Proving fault against a powerful, well-defended city agency like the MTA is inherently complex. The procedural rules are a minefield for the inexperienced. The single most effective step you can take to protect yourself is to contact a lawyer who specializes in NYC bus accident claims as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can immediately take over, ensure all deadlines are met, preserve crucial evidence, and build a powerful case while you focus on healing.

Pro-Tip: When choosing a lawyer, ask about their specific track record with MTA cases. General personal injury experience is not enough; you need a firm that knows the specific laws, procedures, and defense tactics used in these unique claims.

Critical Mistakes That Can Devalue Your Bus Accident Claim

In addition to the proactive steps above, avoiding these common pitfalls is essential to protecting the value of your claim.

Expert Insights from a Multi-Million-Dollar Case Study

The power of a skilled legal strategy is best illustrated by example. The bus-accident team at 91原创视频amp; Aspromonte Associates secured a recovery of more than three million dollars after a New York City bus struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The victim, a 21-year-old man with significant developmental disabilities, sustained catastrophic injuries and tragically passed away months later.

At trial, the defense argued that the young man was at fault for stepping into the crosswalk against the light, which would normally reduce the damages significantly under New York’s comparative-fault rule. However, our legal team presented compelling testimony from the client’s school guidance counselor, who established that he had the mental capacity of a seven-year-old child. The team successfully argued that he could not be held to the same standard of care as an adult. The jury agreed, concluded he could not be held responsible for his actions, and awarded the full measure of damages鈥攁pproximately $3.5 million鈥攖o his family.

While every case is unique and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, this case demonstrates how a deep investigation and creative legal strategy can overcome significant challenges and achieve justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Bus Accidents

How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in NYC?
You have only a short period after the accident to file a Notice of Claim with the MTA. The lawsuit itself must also be filed within a relatively brief limitations period, but meeting the initial claim deadline is the most critical step.

What if I was a passenger on the bus that crashed?
As a passenger, you have a strong claim. The bus company owes you the highest duty of care. You should follow the same steps: seek medical attention, document everything, and contact an attorney to file a timely claim.

Can I still sue if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Under New York’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault as determined by a jury.

What is my bus accident case worth?
The value of a case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills and lost wages, your future medical needs, and the strength of the evidence. An experienced attorney can evaluate these factors to estimate your claim’s potential value.

Do I have to pay a lawyer upfront?
No. Reputable firms like 91原创视频amp; Aspromonte Associates handle all bus accident cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no legal fees unless and until we win a financial recovery for you.

Take the First Step to Protect Your Rights

As you have seen, bus accident cases are legally complex and fraught with procedural traps and strict deadlines. After suffering an injury in one of these accidents, your focus should be on your recovery. Let an experienced legal team handle the fight for justice. Make sure you get to safety, document what you can, and most importantly, contact a specialized attorney before you accept any offer or make any statement to an insurer.

When you are ready, contact our dedicated bus accident attorneys at 91原创视频amp; Aspromonte. Our lawyers demonstrate excellence both in and out of the courtroom, and that excellence is proven by the results we achieve for our clients. Call us today at (212) 732-2929 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, or reach out through our online portal.

Footnotes

[1] Solomon by Solomon v. City of New York, 66 N.Y.2d 1026 (1985).

[2] Solomon by Solomon v. City of New York, 66 N.Y.2d 1026 (1985).

[3] Adams v. NYC Tr. Auth., 88 N.Y.2d 116 (1996)

[4] NY CPLR 搂 1411.

[5] NYC Admin. Code 搂 7-201.

[6] NY Gen. Mun. Law 搂 50-h.

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The National Transportation Safety Board is also expected to recommend improved safety procedures for bus operators.

Some of the likely findings by the NTSB about the聽New York City bus accident聽are already known. Accident investigators have determined that the bus was speeding when it crashed. It is also well documented that the driver, Ophadell Williams, had a problematic work history and driving record involving numerous license suspensions.

There is also ample evidence that Williams was driving the bus while fatigued at the time it crashed. The NTSB has released records showing that Williams was using his cellphone and a rental car during a time when he asserted he was sleeping.

Driver fatigue is of course a problem in all types of transportation. Recent research evidence indicates that it has nearly as much negative impact on driver performance as drunk driving.

The New York bus crash last year was not the only fatal crash involving the motorcoach industry. There were also fatal accidents in New Jersey and Virginia.

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Federal authorities are trying to respond. Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration took action against numerous curbside bus operations that shuttle passengers between New York and Florida on I-95. Authorities closed over 25 companies for safety violations in the largest crackdown on unsafe bus operators in years.

Source: 鈥�NTSB to Decide Cause of Deadly Tour Bus Crash,鈥� NBC New York, Joan Lowy, 6-5-12

We provide dedicated representation for victims of personal injury cases, from car and construction accidents to serious injuries, wrongful death, and beyond.

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For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

The top聽NY personal injury attorneys聽know best how to understand the myriad laws of New York State and New York City, and are well experienced in navigating the many documents and legal procedures that can seem quite stressful and incomprehensible to those who have not dealt with such things before.

Because it is important that you receive the compensation you are entitled to, in order to cover any current and future medical expenses, as well as monetary compensation for lost wages and any other damages, it is recommended that you allow an experienced auto聽accident lawyer in NYC聽to handle your case for you, so that you don鈥檛 wind up with much less than you deserve. Attempting to handle things on your own may leave you with very little recourse as to how much compensation you will receive, and if your injuries are extensive or require future treatment, you may find your settlement sorely lacking in proper funds without the aid of an attorney.

We have helped clients obtain justice and compensation in a variety of personal injury cases, such as car accidents, construction accidents, wrongful death, and severe injuries.

Call or text聽(212) 732-2929聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

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School Bus Accident Fatality Statistics

Despite the large number of school bus passengers and the fact that most states鈥� laws, including New York鈥檚, do not require the use of seatbelts on buses, most of those killed in school bus accidents are not students. Rather, drivers or occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians and others suffer the majority of fatal injuries. Between 2003 and 2012, just 8% of the 1,222 school transportation-related fatalities were occupants of the school bus or other school transportation vehicle. Of that number, nearly as many drivers are killed as passengers.

71% of those killed in school bus accidents were occupants of other vehicles; this figure includes both drivers and passengers. Another 21% were bicyclists, pedestrians and others not in the school bus or another vehicle involved in the accident.

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

Liability for School Bus Accidents

Determining who is responsible for a school bus accident can be complicated. Some school districts own school buses and hire bus drivers, while others contract with an outside school bus company to provide student transportation services. When an outside provider owns the buses and employs the drivers, that company may carry some or all of the liability for an accident. In part, this depends on the terms of the contract between the school district and the bus company, but the analysis is much more complex. For example, if the bus company has a poor safety record, licensing is not up to date or otherwise is not an appropriate choice, the school district may be liable for negligence in entrusting students to that provider.

Safety Standards for School Buses

The standard of care for safe operation of a school bus may include multiple sets of regulations and policies. For example:

• Federal safety standards
• State safety regulations
• District policies
• Contractual representations of a private school bus company

These regulations and policies address a variety of aspects of maintenance and operation of school buses, including driver and other staff training, supervision and equipment maintenance.聽 An experienced in school bus accident attorney will be equipped to assess all relevant standards and the circumstances of the accident to determine whether the school district, a private bus company, a third party such as the driver of another vehicle, or multiple parties may be liable for the accident.

Click to contact聽our personal injury lawyers today

Talk to a School Bus Accident Attorney Right Away

Whether your child was injured while riding the bus to school, you were injured when a school bus collided with your vehicle or a loved one was killed when struck by a school bus, an experienced school bus accident attorney may be your best resource. If you need help pursuing compensation for your injuries, injuries to your child or the loss of a loved one, schedule a free consultation right now. Just call 212-540-2987 or fill out the contact form on this page to get started.

Featured Image credit:聽EvelynGiggles聽/聽Flickr

We鈥檙e committed to helping personal injury victims in cases ranging from car and construction accidents to severe injuries, wrongful death, and a variety of other claims.

Call or text聽(212) 732-2929聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

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Types of New York Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accident injuries can occur in many different ways. Some of the most common bus accident cases arise when:

• A pedestrian is struck by a bus
• A bicyclist is struck by a bus
• A bus collides with a car or other motor vehicle
• A passenger on a bus is injured due to driver negligence
• A passenger on a bus is injured due to faulty maintenance

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 540-2984

Complications Associated with Bus Accident Cases

Determining Liability in a Bus Accident Case

The party or parties responsible for a bus accident may be private companies, individuals, governmental entities, or some combination.聽 For example, you might assume that if a public school child is injured in a school bus accident, the school district or local government would be responsible. However, school districts often contract with outside providers to transport children, meaning that the bus company may be partially or wholly responsible.

Similar issues may arise with regard to buses rented or chartered by individuals, private companies, or non-profit organizations.

Safety Regulations May Vary Depending on the Type of Bus Involved

The standard of care and specific safety regulations for maintenance, driver training and operation may vary depending on whether the bus is privately owned and operated, part of the New York public transportation system or a school bus or bus serving a school district. An experienced bus accident lawyer can determine which party or parties may be liable for the accident, and the applicable legal responsibilities.

Short Deadlines May Apply in Bus Accident Cases

When you鈥檝e suffered any type of injury due to someone else鈥檚 negligence, recklessness or disregard of the law, it鈥檚 smart to seek advice from a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Although the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in New York is measured in years, when a governmental entity such as a school district or the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is involved,聽the time limit for filing a notice of claim聽may be measured in days. A delay in consulting with a bus accident lawyer could mean that you are unable to recover for some or all of your damages.

Dansker and Aspromonte Helps Bus Accident Victims

Our attorneys are experienced in representing people who have been injured in bus accidents or have lost loved ones in bus accidents. For example:

• Paul Dansker tried a case involving the death of a developmentally disabled young man who was聽hit by a city bus, ultimately settling the claim for $3.5 million.
• Attorney Dansker also used accident reconstruction and old-fashioned door-to-door investigative techniques to recover $2.8 million for a woman severely聽injured by a private transportation company vehicle.

If you鈥檝e been injured, your child has been injured or you鈥檝e lost a loved one in a bus accident, don鈥檛 delay. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced bus accident lawyer, call our office at聽(212) 540-2984聽or fill out the contact form on the right-hand side of this page.

Whether you鈥檙e dealing with injuries from a car accident, construction accidents, or a wrongful death case, our attorneys are here to provide compassionate support.

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School bus accidents are dangerous, but the nature of that danger may come as a surprise. It turns out that the children on the bus are among those least at risk in a school bus crash.

School Bus Accident Fatalities

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), 1,353 people were killed in school transportation accidents between 2003 and 2012. Of those, only 174 (12.8%) were school-aged children, and just 55 (4%) were occupants of the school bus or other school transportation vehicle. The remaining 119 school-aged children were pedestrians.

Most school bus accident fatalities occur in crashes between the school transportation vehicle and another motor vehicle. More than 70% of those killed in school transportation accidents are drivers and passengers of other cars. 18% of casualties of all ages were pedestrians, most of whom were killed when they were struck by a school vehicle. About 20% of pedestrians killed in school transportation accidents were struck by another vehicle involved in the accident.

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

The Most Dangerous Type of School Bus Accident

Pedestrian Casualties

More than 46% of school bus accidents that kill school-aged children occur when the bus is moving straight forward. That number is even higher鈥�66.7%鈥揻or school transportation vehicles other than school buses. Another 20% of fatalities to minor child pedestrians occur when the school bus is starting in a lane of traffic. Surprisingly, a relatively small percentage of fatal pedestrian accidents occur when a bus or other school transportation vehicle is turning.

School Bus Occupant Fatalities

About 41% of school transportation accidents in which at least one occupant of the vehicle is killed are single-vehicle crashes. These accidents account for just under 37% of occupant fatalities. Just over 58% of crashes fatal to school bus occupants and 63% of occupant fatalities occur in multi-vehicle accidents.

The front end of the bus is the most frequent point of initial contact in both single-vehicle and multiple-vehicle accidents that prove fatal to school bus occupants.

Liability for School Bus Accident Injuries and Fatalities

If you were a pedestrian hit by a school bus or the driver or occupant of another vehicle involved in an accident with a school bus, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, establishing liability in a school bus accident case can be complicated. Often, the school district does not actually own the buses or directly employ the drivers. In that case, the school district will typically initially deny any responsibility for the accident.

While the outside bus owner and/or driver may be liable for the accident, that does not necessarily mean that the school district is not also liable. A school district may be held responsible for negligence of an outside contractor under certain circumstances, such as when the school failed to thoroughly vet the company to ensure that equipment was well-maintained and drivers were qualified.

If you鈥檝e been the victim of a school bus accident,聽schedule a free consultation聽with one of our聽New York bus accident lawyers聽to learn more about how you can identify and pursue compensation from the responsible party.

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Recently, a two-vehicle crash in Harlem resulted in several injuries and one death. A car attempted to make a left turn at an intersection, and crashed with a van. The accident caused both the car and the van to collide with a 44-year-old pedestrian, who was on the sidewalk. The passenger in the front seat of the car was pronounced dead at the hospital; the driver of the car and the two infant passengers, who were in the backseat, were hospitalized for minor injuries.

For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

Those who have been seriously injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver may be able to bring a lawsuit and get damages for those injuries. In New York, a vehicle collision case generally has three parts: a no-fault insurance portion, liability, and damages. The no-fault portion ensures that injured parties can have their reasonable and necessary medical expenses paid, up to a certain amount. Liability is governed by the legal theory of negligence, and in New York, negligence can be apportioned to both drivers, including the plaintiff in the suit. A plaintiff will not be barred from bringing suit unless he was 100 percent negligent.

In the tragic Harlem accident, authorities have charged the driver of the van with operating a motor vehicle without a license and aggravated unlicensed operator. Bus accidents are another type of accident that happens frequently in New York, but D & A law are here to help and they are some of the best聽New York Bus Accident lawyers聽in the entire metro area.

Source:聽NBCNewYork.com, 鈥淢an Arrested in Deadly 2-Car Accident in Harlem,鈥� Ida Siegal, Feb. 7, 2013

Whether you鈥檙e dealing with injuries from a car accident, construction accidents, or a wrongful death case, our attorneys are here to provide compassionate support.

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Not only are people riding these buses subject to injury from accidents, but pedestrians are also often injured. In the example above, several of the 14 people were injured when the bus jumped the sidewalk curb and felled a light post, striking pedestrians. In another double-decker bus accident which occurred on June 18, 2014, an elderly woman was severely injured when she was struck and run over while in a crosswalk.

Tourists are often clueless to such incidents even if they check accident records of bus lines because NYC does not require such companies to report accidents to licensing agencies. In the case of the August 5 bus accident, the driver at fault had had his license suspended 11 previous times.

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Companies involved in this type of negligence should be held accountable for the suffering and damages caused by their drivers.聽New York personal injury attorneys聽ensure that if you, or a loved one, are involved in a bus accident while in the city, you will receive compensation for medical expenses, time off of work and other monetary judgments. Our attorneys are ready to provide you with a聽free consultation聽concerning your case.

We鈥檙e proud to have helped clients navigate personal injury cases of all kinds, from car and construction accidents to cases involving wrongful death and serious injuries.

Call or text聽(212) 732-2929聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

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For a free legal consultation, call聽(212) 732-2929

聽have experience will all sorts of auto accidents, as well as accidents in which children are injured while on school grounds or property, including school buses. Familiarization with proper rules and regulations regarding school responsibility for the care of a child, as well as bus safety, is critical in order to ensure that you win your case and get help for your child. Hopefully, if your child was in a bus accident, his or her injuries are not too severe. However, you can still receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering that your child might have endured, and other related damages. And, if the unfortunate does occur and your child鈥檚 injuries are extensive, you can receive compensation for future treatment that may be needed and lifestyle changes that may have to be made.

Contact a聽bus accident lawyer in NYC聽today, and they will help you prove negligence on the part of the bus driver or other responsible party, and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for causing your child鈥檚 injuries.

With expertise in personal injury law, we help clients navigate cases involving auto accidents, construction accidents, and severe injuries.

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Unfortunately, those bus rides are not always as safe as they should be. Over the last several years, a string of high-profile聽bus accidents聽have resulted in catastrophic injuries and deaths in New York and all along the Eastern Seaboard.

Take, for example, a March 2011 crash on Interstate 95 in the Bronx that killed 15 bus passengers and left others gravely injured. The bus was returning to New York City from the Mohegan Sun casino when the driver lost control. The bus hit a guardrail, then tipped and crashed into a signpost. The force of the accident was sufficient to shear the roof off the bus.

An investigation after the accident showed that the crash was likely caused by the driver鈥檚 high rate of speed. National Transportation Safety Board investigators say the driver鈥檚 speed reached 78 miles per hour, which was the vehicle鈥檚 maximum possible speed.

In addition, the evidence showed that the driver was likely sleep-deprived at the time of the accident. Making matters worse, he had been dismissed from at least two previous bus driving jobs and had his license suspended on eight occasions.

In the wake of the accident, the driver has been charged with a number of criminal offenses, including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. His trial began in late September 2012. As of late October, a verdict had not yet been reached.

New York Bus Accident Lawsuits

In crashes as severe as this one, criminal charges are often brought by the government. However, it is important to recognize that the goal of criminal prosecutions is to punish crimes, not to compensate accident victims for what they have lost.

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All commercial bus drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. They are expected to drive at safe speeds and use a degree of care commensurate with the large size and inherent dangerousness of their vehicles. Part of this duty includes being well-rested, sober and free from distraction.

In addition, bus companies have a duty to make sure their fleets are safe. Companies have to maintain their buses to make sure that they don鈥檛 malfunction on the road. In addition, bus companies have a duty to supervise their drivers and ensure that they are not allowed to drive if they are at risk of putting passengers in harm鈥檚 way.

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When accidents are caused because drivers and bus companies do not uphold these duties, injured passengers can seek financial compensation in聽personal injury聽lawsuits. Although nothing can make the accident go away, a personal injury recovery can give victims the resources they need to recover from their injuries. Some of losses that victims can seek compensation for in a personal injury lawsuit include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and loss of future earning capacity, as well as loss of enjoyment of life and any disabilities they may be left with.

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State and local law limits the time bus accident victims have to bring a lawsuit. In New York City, not only are you limited in any suit against a municipal bus owner such as the New York City Transit Authority to one year and 90 days, but in order to protect your rights to bring that lawsuit, you must first serve a Notice of Claim within 90 days from the date of the accident or you can lose your right to sue. This also holds true for most city- and state-run trains as well. New York state law limits actions against private bus companies to three years.

It is imperative that a person who is seriously injured in a bus accident consult an experienced, knowledgeable personal injury attorney. The quality of their future may depend on it.

Whether you鈥檙e dealing with injuries from a car accident, construction accidents, or a wrongful death case, our attorneys are here to provide compassionate support.

Call or text聽(212) 540-2987聽or complete a聽Free Case Evaluation form

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