If you’ve been involved in a bus accident on Staten Island, New York, you need a reliable, skilled legal team to help you navigate the aftermath. Based out of New York and serving all five boroughs, the award-winning lawyers at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., understand New York City public transportation. When we work on your case, we already know about the infamous intersections, the dangerous underpasses, and all the other features that make bus travel in New York City an adventure.
Our experienced Staten Island bus accident lawyer team is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle motor vehicle and transit authority cases with an approach that is compassionate, yet aggressive. We focus on achieving the best results for you, whether through settlement negotiations or by taking your case to court.
Finding a Dedicated Bus Accident Attorney Near Me
When you are looking for a reliable bus accident attorney near me, you need a reputable firm with decades of combined experience. Proving liability in a complex transit collision isn’t always easy, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or take advantage of individuals who are not represented by an attorney.
Our established firm is dedicated to representing local residents and ensuring that victims receive fair treatment. We take the time to thoroughly investigate the accident, working to gather evidence, including medical records, accident reconstruction analysis, and expert witness testimony, and maximize your compensation. We understand that clients want prompt resolutions, which is why we focus on fast, effective legal strategies. Furthermore, we offer no-win, no-fee arrangements (contingency fees) that ease your financial burdens. Meaning you face no fees unless we win your case.
More Than Just a Big Car Case: Why These Claims Are Different
We work with clients who have been injured in bus accidents arising out of a wide variety of circumstances, including:
- Negligent operation
- Poor hiring practices
- Defective vehicle parts
- Driver fatigue
- Improper maintenance
We understand what to look for in these challenging injury cases. Those cases are not your normal motor vehicle accident cases. It is not just a really big car case. An MTA accident or bus injury case can involve not just people, but also major corporations that might even own other corporations solely for the purpose of avoiding liability. Our car crash lawyers know how to navigate this complex territory, identify the liable parties, and fight to maximize the compensation available to you under the law.
Bus Inspections, Improper Maintenance, and Bus Safety
New York residents expect that the buses in the city are safe. After all, these vehicles should be held to a higher standard than other passenger vehicles, considering the fact that they carry significantly more people. Yet, far too often, buses are involved in serious motor vehicle accidents that leave unsuspecting victims with catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and whiplash.
To increase the chances of success in a legal claim or lawsuit, it is worth examining a bus operator’s inspection history and maintenance records. Under New York law, certain buses must be inspected every six months. These buses include those that transport individuals under the age of 21 to and from school, as well as licensed city, state, and double-decker buses. After undergoing inspection, a bus may be given a rated defect:
Class A Defects: These defects render a bus inherently unsafe and therefore inoperable under the law. Vehicles with these defects cannot carry passengers until the defect is fixed, at which time the vehicle needs to pass another inspection. Until that second inspection, these vehicles do not receive an inspection certificate.
Class B Defects: These are defects that must be corrected before the bus can carry passengers, but the vehicle is still given an inspection certificate.
Class C Defects: The least serious defect type, which only requires correction within 15 days. During this time, passengers can still be carried, and an inspection certificate is obtained.
In an ideal world, bus operators would follow the inspection rules and correct these issues before allowing passengers to ride. Unfortunately, far too often, bus operators try to cut corners at the expense of riders’ safety and violate safety and DOT compliance standards. When this happens, and an accident and injuries result, our legal team can help you understand your options and pursue full damages.
Common Causes of Bus and Motor Vehicle Accidents
Many accidents on our busy roads are caused by factors entirely beyond your control. Our firm has extensive local knowledge regarding the common causes of vehicle crashes, including:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are preoccupied or unfocused while operating a vehicle.
- Speeding: Exceeding safe limits on high-congestion roads and local streets.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals at busy intersections.
- Reckless Driving: Impatient and hazardous behaviors on the road.
- Poor Road Conditions: Defective or poorly maintained roadway environments.
Compensation and Types of Cases We Handle
Whether you were a passenger in the vehicle, a motorist sharing the road, or a pedestrian, we handle all types of related injury claims, including rear-end collisions, hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, Uber/Lyft accidents, and pedestrian or motorcycle accidents. We also represent families in wrongful death cases and clients with permanent, life-changing injuries.
Our firm fights to secure maximum compensation to cover your major financial burdens, including:
- Medical bills and healthcare expenses, including future medical costs and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earnings plus diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and mental anguish
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium and disfigurement compensation
We pursue both economic damages and non-economic damages to ensure you receive comprehensive compensation. In cases involving severe negligence, we may also seek punitive damages.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
The steps you take immediately following an incident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your personal injury case:
Ensure Safety First: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible.
Call the Authorities: Dial 911 to report the accident and request immediate medical assistance. Police will file an official report, which can be essential for your case.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and any other relevant details. Collect contact information from witnesses. If available, obtain surveillance footage and driver logs from the scene.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor is crucial for both your health and your legal claim. Some severe injuries may not appear immediately, and medical documentation is essential for proving damages.
Contact Cohen & Cohen Law Group: Speak with our lawyers to receive expert legal advice before dealing with opposing insurance companies. Do not sign anything from the bus company or provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
Staten Island Bus Accident FAQ
Does your firm offer free consultations?
Yes. Many attorneys offer free consultations, and you can contact Cohen & Cohen Law Group to schedule an initial consultation where we will review your case, answer your questions, provide a candid assessment of your situation, and explain your legal options. We offer same-day consultations for urgent cases and provide personalized attention to every client.
What is a contingency fee arrangement?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we offer reliable and professional legal services with a no-win, no-fee arrangement that eases your financial burdens. You do not pay any legal fees unless we win your case. We also advance costs for expert witnesses, medical experts, and trial preparation, so you have no upfront costs.
Why is hiring a lawyer with local knowledge important?
A lawyer brings extensive local knowledge to ensure they understand how local court systems, local traffic patterns, local police departments, and accident reports affect your case. This helps us build a stronger defense and fight aggressively against insurance companies specific to New York drivers. Our proven track record of success in New York courts and our understanding of the state’s no-fault insurance system and serious injury threshold give our clients a significant advantage.
How long do I have to file a claim?
New York has specific statute of limitations deadlines for bus accident claims. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against private bus companies. However, claims against the MTA or other government entities require filing a notice of claim within 90 days. Missing these deadlines can bar your case entirely, which is why immediate legal consultation is critical.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Our attorneys will work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.
Who pays for my medical bills while my case is pending?
In New York, your own auto insurance policy’s PIP coverage (Personal Injury Protection) or no-fault insurance typically covers initial medical expenses up to $50,000, regardless of who caused the accident. If you don’t have auto insurance, you may use health insurance. For severe injuries that exceed the serious injury threshold, you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party. We can help coordinate payment for physical therapy and ongoing medical treatment while your case proceeds.
What types of buses do you handle cases for?
We handle accidents involving all types of buses, including MTA buses, charter buses, commuter buses, shuttle buses, school buses, and tour buses. Each type of bus may involve different liable parties, insurance policies, and regulatory requirements. Our experienced team knows how to navigate these differences to build the strongest case possible.
Contact a Staten Island Bus Accident Attorney Near You Today
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait to get legal help. Our qualified, trusted attorneys are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance. We can provide you with a candid assessment of your situation, including identifying next steps as well as discussing your chances for success in the legal process. Contact our leading personal injury firm today for a comprehensive case evaluation and learn how our trial experience and client-focused approach can help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Our Staten Island Bus Accident Lawyer Location
Staten Island
1855 Victory Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: (718) 568-5708
Open 24 Hours
Nosotros hablamos español (we speak Spanish) and мы говорим по русски (We speak Russian).