Millions of people ride New York City buses every year. With this many people riding and countless cars on the streets, accidents are bound to happen. Bus accidents often result in serious, life-changing injuries. The results of a serious bus accident can end up costing a fortune and lead to significant pain and suffering. If you were in a New York City bus accident or elsewhere in the state, you may be entitled to legal compensation for your damages.
Many bus accidents occur on MTA buses. Most people know the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is in charge of the New York City Transit Authority which runs the subway, but the MTA also manages the agencies that run the buses in New York City. These buses are a crucial part of getting around the city for millions of people. Outside of the City, other local municipalities also operate buses. Additionally, there are private bus operators. All bus owners and operators are responsible for the safe operation of their buses. Bus accidents can result in injuries to innocent passengers or even bystanders.
At Roth & Roth, we take the rights of bus accident victims very seriously. We are well-versed in New York City Transit Authority and MTA-related personal injury law and winning compensation for our clients. We also handle cases outside of the City of New York. Our success has been the result of hard work, dedication, and true compassion for the lives of those we represent. A New York City bus accident lawyer from our firm can represent you and seek a favorable resolution of your case.
Roth & Roth has been successfully representing individuals and families throughout the State of New York for over 25 years. If you or someone you know was injured or killed in New York due to someone else's wrongdoing, contact us to discuss your options. Initial consultations are always free and we never get paid unless and until you do.
After an accident, you may not be sure what to do next. You're already dealing with pain, financial loss, and doctor's visits. Your life is disrupted and you need accurate information on how to proceed. A skilled bus accident attorney in NYC can guide you through the personal injury process and help you pursue compensation in your case.
Bus accident cases begin with requesting information through the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). Medical bills and lost earnings are paid through No-Fault insurance which must be filed within the first 30 days. If you are a passenger on a Transit bus and have a household vehicle you must file a No-Fault benefit application with your household vehicle’s insurance carrier, if not, you file with the applicable bus company. If it’s not a Transit Authority bus you file with the bus carrier. The legal case against a Transit Authority bus begins with the filing of a Notice of Claim, and once that is done whether it is an Authority bus or not you file a complaint. A personal injury lawsuit alleges that the actions of the defendant caused your injuries and that you are entitled to compensation to be determined by a jury for those injuries.
Proving negligence is a complicated process that requires following complex filing deadlines, knowledge of the applicable laws and rules, the ability to navigate the court system, and the know-how in obtaining evidence. Without attorneys experienced in this process, you may not have all of your rights protected or receive all of the compensation to which you are entitled. We take great pride in going to battle for our clients against the Transit Authority, MTA, Bus companies, insurance companies, municipalities, and more. Let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.
No matter the cause of your accident, the NYC bus accident attorneys at Roth & Roth have what it takes to analyze your case and create a strategy for success.
Common causes of accidents include:
- Reckless driving by the bus driver
- Closing the bus doors on people
- Failing to pay attention
- Stopping short or suddenly accelerating
- Improper and dangerous turning
- Off tracking on a turn where the back of the bus turns tighter than the front striking people on the corner or the sidewalk
- Speeding
- Unsafe places to alight where the bus lets a passenger out into a broken street or sidewalk.
- Failure to check blind spots
- Improper maintenance
- Worn bus floor and stair surfaces
- Crashes with other motor vehicles
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Crashes into objects or buildings
Whether or not the cause of your accident is on this list, as the victim, you have a right to talk to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who understands how to pursue a Transit Authority, MTA bus, or private bus lawsuit.
What bus companies does the MTA operate in NYC?
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) responsibilities include running the public bus services throughout the City of New York. The MTA is a public-benefit corporation in the State of New York and manages the following bus agencies
- New York City Transit Authority
- MABSTOA
- MTA Bus
The MTA also manages and oversees numerous rail agencies, including
- The New York City Subway: This mass transit system operates in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.
- The Staten Island Railway: A mass transit line that operates on Staten Island.
- Metro-North
- Long Island Rail Road
Many accidents are caused by the MTA's negligence or the negligence of its employees. Roth and Roth, as qualified personal injury attorneys experienced in this specific type of law, can help you bring a successful case against the MTA.
Can I sue the MTA bus agencies for my bus accident injury?
You can sue the subsidiary agencies of the MTA for a bus accident-related injury that was their fault. This may also include actions taken by their employees through a legal concept known as vicarious liability. In most situations, an employer is responsible for the negligent actions of their employees. This can help you seek compensation from a large party with significant assets rather than a single bus driver or another defendant that may not have enough insurance coverage to fully compensate you.
Filing a case against the MTA requires special filing procedures similar to that of filing against the City of New York. An MTA bus accident attorney knows this process and how to use it to further your goals
Can I sue the City of New York for my bus accident injuries?
Suing the government is complicated but not impossible. Cities and government agencies are often protected by "sovereign immunity." This is a legal concept that protects government bodies from lawsuits arising from negligence or intentional acts. While many other governments may not be sued under this theory, New York City has waived this protection to permit personal injury lawsuits. This means that you can file a claim against the City when appropriate.
There are a few instances where you can sue the City of New York for your bus accident injuries, one of them is when they allow the sidewalk or roadway to become in disrepair and a person steps down into the defect causing injuries, and another is roadway design. The City of New York does not run New York City busses.
However, there are significant restrictions and procedures that greatly complicate these cases. To file against the City of New York you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline will mean that the case is almost certain to be dismissed—even if you could have been successful. Many self-represented people wait too long to file or assume they have longer to file under the normal filing time limits. Others miss important information in the notice and their case is thrown out.
Let our team of qualified MTA bus accident lawyers work for you to avoid issues like this. Don’t run the risk of accepting less than you’re entitled to by going at it alone.
Do I need a bus accident lawyer in New York?
The legal process is complicated and you are not given any leeway for being self-represented. Personal injury claims for bus accidents are complicated and subject to very specific rules. An experienced Transit Authority bus attorney knows these rules and how to protect their client's rights.
When you sue another party—especially the MTA, NYCTA, MTA bus, The City, or large bus companies—you will be up against powerful lawyers and insurance companies. They will use tactics to lower what they have to pay or even try to avoid payment altogether. With experienced legal counsel by your side, you can avoid the tricks they may try to play and always be informed about your rights and options.
How do I pay for a New York City bus accident attorney?
To best protect your rights we only get paid if you do. We understand that your finances may have already taken a dip after an accident. We work on a contingent fee basis. You owe us nothing unless and until we recover from the defendant.
At Roth & Roth, we actually care about our clients' lives. We want to protect your financial, physical, and emotional health all the way through this process. As the victim, you deserve representation that is always fighting to win you the compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file my MTA bus lawsuit in NYC?
For claims against the agencies of the MTA or the City of New York, the timeline (Statute of Limitations) is much shorter. State law requires that a notice of claim must be served within 90 days of the accident. You and your attorney must file a written notice within this time to initiate a personal injury claim. You then must file the complaint within a year and 90 days from the date of the accident. These requirements are highly specific and those with less experienced attorneys can miss these important dates. Let us protect your rights and ensure your case gets filed properly and on time.
Do I have to go to trial for my NYC bus accident case?
At Roth & Roth, we prepare every case for trial. The level of preparation and willingness of our attorneys to go to trial is what drives settlements. When your attorney is ready for trial that is when most settlement negotiations begin. Not every case goes to trial. Many cases end in a settlement agreement if fair money is offered. This is an agreement between you (the plaintiff) and the responsible party/s (the defendant/s) about how much you should be paid. This agreement is a legally binding contract that protects the victim's rights and ensures they receive the compensation that the parties agree to.
Our attorneys know how to handle settlement negotiations and how to seek fair compensation for your injuries. When a settlement cannot be reached, the case may need to go to trial. In that case, our team is prepared to fight for the monetary damages you are owed.
What compensation could I win in a New York City bus accident lawsuit?
A successful personal injury claim for your bus accident could result in substantial compensation. This compensation can take many forms, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income or earning capacity damages
- Past and future medical costs
- Costs of rehabilitation services
- Loss of consortium damages
- Damages for wrongful death
Recovering for these types of damages and potentially others could help you get back on your feet after an accident. When another party is responsible for your injuries, they should have to pay for them—not you. Let us help you seek the compensation you deserve after an injury by discussing a New York City bus accident claim.
Getting injured in a bus accident in New York City or elsewhere can be devastating. If you've been injured, you may be experiencing pain, financial hardship, and substantial medical bills. You deserve compensation for the negligent acts of another party. Whether the defendant is the MTA or its subsidiary agencies, the City, or even a private bus company, we are here to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Let our team at Roth & Roth help you. We are a family-owned firm that understands the importance of getting your life back on track. You do not have to do this alone. We can fight for your and your family's rights to fair and just compensation. Contact us today.