If you travel on the streets of Long Island or New York City at any given day or time, you will inevitably cross paths with a bus. If you are in the unfortunate situation where you have gotten into an accident with a bus and have been injured, there are some important details you will need a skilled personal injury attorney to help you handle. Across New York State, there were 1463 bus accidents in 2022, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in A Bus Accident?
As with any accident there are basic steps you want to take immediately following the accident if you can do so and do not need serious medical attention. If you do need immediate medical attention, a passenger in your car or a witness should follow these steps.
Call the police. You want to get emergency responders at the scene as quickly as possible.
Get the license, registration, and license plate of the driver and bus you have been in accident with.
Gather any witnesses and ask them to stay until the police arrive or get all their information so they can be contacted.
Take pictures of the accident scene, traffic signs, traffic lights, and road conditions.
What Type of Compensation Can I Expect If I Am Injured in A Bus Accident?
If you are injured in a bus accident, you will file a no-fault claim with your automobile insurance company to cover medical expenses and property damage up to the limits of your policy. If your injuries are severe enough to meet New York State’s requirements to go outside your insurance company to collect damages, you may be able to do file a Tort Claim against the driver and/or the responsible party. This claim would allow you to seek damages for non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident?
Bus accidents are more complex than a typical car accident. There are several parties who may carry responsibility if they are found at fault. Your lawyer will investigate your claim and know who to seek compensation from, but some of the possible liable parties could be; the driver, their employer, the company that maintains the bus, the bus manufacturer, and depending on the conditions of the road – the municipality that maintains them.
Who Should I Call If I Have Been Injured in A Bus Accident?
You should always consult with a personal injury attorney after you have been involved in an automobile accident. Speaking with a personal injury attorney will cost you nothing upfront. Personal injury attorneys are only paid if you recover a settlement. If you have questions, my office is here to help.