If you were riding a bus in NYC and were injured, you may be facing medical bills and questions about your options. Whether you were hurt by a sudden stop or tripped while moving between seats, a personal injury attorney in New York may be able to explain your options.
In the following guide, the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC explains how a bus accident lawyer in NYC assesses passenger injuries that happen without a collision.
How Can a Bus Passenger Be Injured Without a Collision?
You can suffer injuries on a bus in many ways, and not all of them involve collisions. The bus could brake suddenly, throwing you off balance or causing whiplash.
You might trip on an unmarked hazard, slip on water, or be struck by debris in the cabin as the bus is moving. Even something as simple as sitting on a sharp object hidden between seat cracks could have serious consequences.
What Should You Do After Being Hurt on a Bus?
If you can do so safely, take the following steps:
- Tell the driver what happened and ask how to submit an incident report.
- Note the route and bus number, and keep any witness contact information.
- Have a medical professional assess your symptoms.
For bus accident injury claims, the evidence must show who was responsible and how you were injured.
Who Could Be Responsible for Your Injury?
Public transportation liability depends on the accident details. Responsible parties may include the bus driver, the transit agency or company that operates the fleet, other motorists, and any companies responsible for maintaining the bus. A bus accident lawyer in NYC can assess potential liability for your claim.
What Deadlines Could Apply to Your Claim?
Deadlines depend on which entity operated the bus. For a personal injury claim against the New York City Transit Authority, you generally must serve a notice of claim within 90 days and begin a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Other claims may follow different rules.
Discuss Your Claim With a Bus Accident Law Firm in NYC
At the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC, we can identify the bus operator and review the evidence surrounding your injury. Our guide to the legal steps after an MTA bus accident explains how a transit claim begins.
Call us at (718) 474-9100 to speak with a bus accident lawyer in NYC about your injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions, keep reading below or give us a call.
Can You Bring a Claim if You Were Standing?
Yes. Standing does not bar a claim, but you still need evidence that negligence caused your injury.
What if You Fell While Getting Off the Bus?
A fall while getting off may support a claim if the bus’s position or doors contributed to your injury.
When Should a Bus Accident Lawyer in NYC Review Your Claim?
Seek a review promptly to identify liability and the applicable deadlines.
