Bus Accidents in New York

Bus accidents have become all too common on America’s busy streets and highways, causing injuries, property damage, and loss of life.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bus accident in New York, the injury attorneys at Douglas & London are here for you. We can provide you with the aggressive representation needed to secure compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Our team has helped numerous victims of vehicle accidents collect millions in restitution, enabling them to rebuild their lives after a serious injury. Your no-obligation consultation with a bus accident lawyer at our firm is free of charge.

Keep in mind that if you were injured in a crash involving a New York City bus, you may have only a short window of time in which to file a claim for damages. Therefore, do not delay in calling us anytime or by contacting us through our website.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Many bus accidents are the result of negligence or recklessness. The bus driver, other motorists, or pedestrians on the road can all contribute to an accident. Additionally, defective or malfunctioning equipment can lead to a crash, making the manufacturer liable for any resulting injuries and property damage.

Common causes of bus accidents include:

• The influence of drugs or alcohol
• Poor weather conditions and low visibility
• Driving recklessly by speeding and ignoring road and traffic conditions
• Defective equipment or parts on the bus
• Improper or irregular maintenance performed on the bus
• Driving while distracted

Bus accidents often involve multiple parties, making it difficult to determine who is at fault. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine which party is at fault and hold them accountable for your injuries and property damage.

Serious Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accidents often result in extensive property damage and serious, life-changing injuries, including:

• Broken Bones: Fractures are very serious and can result in the need for emergency surgery and fixation with plates, rods, and screws. Some people are never the same after breaking a leg, hip, arm, or ankle.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. Damage to the internal organs can be life-threatening.
• Scarring Cuts and Lacerations: Permanent scarring can result in loss of employment opportunities, anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal cord injuries often result in the need for multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Many with spinal injuries are left partially or fully paralyzed. Most people with spinal cord injuries are unable to go back to work or return to full capacity and enjoy life the way they did before the bus accident.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain injuries affect everyone differently. Some people may exhibit temporary memory loss or excessive drowsiness, while others may endure lifelong changes to their personality or paralysis. TBIs can be fatal, particularly if they are not treated right away.
• Wrongful Death: When a loved one dies in a bus accident, spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents of the decedent may sue for damages. Compensation can be sought for funeral and burial expenses, as well as unpaid medical bills. Loss of inheritance or household income can be listed as a loss in these lawsuits as well.

Where to Get Emergency Treatment After a Bus Accident in NYC

Bus accidents often result in traumatic injuries that require immediate emergency care. New York City has several designated trauma centers equipped to treat critical injuries, including:

• Bellevue Hospital Center: Level I Adult Trauma Center in Manhattan offering advanced emergency surgery and trauma care
• Jacobi Medical Center: Level I Adult & Level II Pediatric Trauma Center serving the Bronx with a full trauma response team
• Maimonides Medical Center: Level I Adult & Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Brooklyn known for orthopedic and neurosurgical care
• Richmond University Medical Center: Level I Adult & Level II Pediatric Trauma Center on Staten Island providing rapid emergency intervention

Seeking treatment right away not only protects your health, but also creates vital medical records that support your injury claim.

Understanding Bus Accident Liability in New York

There’s a lot to consider when filing a bus accident claim, but proving liability is the key to a successful injury case. That’s why it’s so important to have a knowledgeable legal team on your side to research every angle and thoroughly highlight where the fault lies.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident?

Liability in a bus accident depends on proving how the actions of a negligent party contributed to the crash. Several parties may be responsible, and they include:

• Bus Drivers: They can be held liable if they caused the accident by speeding, driving fatigued, driving distracted or impaired, or engaging in other unsafe behavior.
• Bus Companies: These companies may be responsible for negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, overworking drivers, or failure to maintain their fleet.
• Maintenance Crews: These workers can be held liable for worn brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that resulted from inadequate inspection or repair.
• Other Drivers: Anyone who was driving recklessly and triggered the crash can be held liable.

Establishing liability requires stellar investigative legal skills. Obtaining evidence such as accident reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness testimony is critical to establishing fault. A personal injury attorney can help with all of this and more to build a solid case based on the evidence collected.