Bus Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn, NY

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident in Brooklyn, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Parker Waichman LLP has helped countless victims recover the compensation they deserve after bus accidents. Our team understands the serious injuries that bus accidents cause. We recognize the financial burden they place on families. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (718) 554-8055 today for your free consultation with a Brooklyn bus accident lawyer.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Brooklyn Bus Accident Case

When you choose Parker Waichman LLP, you get a team with over 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases. Our founding partner, Jerrold S. Parker, has dedicated his career to helping injured people recover compensation. The firm has recovered more than $2 billion for clients across all practice areas. We have 20 experienced attorneys who understand New York’s personal injury laws. Our team knows how to handle complex bus accident cases.

Our attorneys have earned recognition from leading legal organizations. Jerrold S. Parker holds an AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has been named to Best Lawyers in America since 2010. Our team includes attorneys recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as Top 100 Trial Lawyers. We maintain offices throughout the New York area, including a Brooklyn location at 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor.

What sets us apart is our commitment to our clients. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. We also provide free consultations so you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney at no cost. Our Brooklyn-based attorneys, including Senior Litigation Counsel Alex Tovstolug, have deep roots in the community. They understand local courts and procedures.

Types of Bus Accidents We Handle

Bus accidents come in many forms, and each type presents unique legal challenges. We handle cases involving MTA buses, which are operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. These cases require knowledge of specific rules that apply to public entities. We also represent victims injured in accidents involving private bus companies. Private companies operate under different liability rules than public transit systems.

School bus accidents represent another category we handle. Children riding school buses deserve protection. We fight to hold responsible parties accountable when children suffer injuries. We also handle cases involving tour buses and shuttle buses. Whether the accident involved a large commercial bus or a smaller shuttle vehicle, our attorneys have the experience to evaluate your case. We pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

The type of bus operator matters in your case. Public entities like the MTA have different liability rules and shorter deadlines for filing claims. Private bus companies face different legal standards. Our attorneys understand these differences. We know how to handle the specific requirements for each type of case.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accidents cause serious injuries because of the size and weight of buses. When a bus stops suddenly or collides with another vehicle, passengers can suffer severe harm. Passengers may hit their heads during the accident and suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can cause long-term cognitive problems, memory loss, and personality changes.

Spinal cord injuries represent another serious consequence of bus accidents. Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis. Victims may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. Broken bones and fractures are common in bus accidents. Passengers may break arms, legs, ribs, or other bones when thrown around inside the bus.

Soft tissue damage includes whiplash, sprains, and strains. The body is suddenly jerked or twisted during the accident. While they may seem less serious than broken bones, soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain. They can limit a person’s ability to work. Bus accidents can also cause internal injuries. Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent. These injuries can be life-threatening.

Some bus accident victims suffer permanent disabilities. They may lose the ability to work or perform daily activities. Wrongful death claims arise when a bus accident causes a fatality. Family members can pursue compensation for their loss. They can recover for the financial impact of losing a loved one.

How Bus Accident Liability Works in New York

In New York, bus accident victims must prove that the bus operator or company was negligent. Negligence means the operator failed to exercise reasonable care. Bus operators have a duty to drive safely, maintain their vehicles, and follow traffic laws. When they breach this duty and cause an accident, they are liable for injuries.

Common causes of bus accidents include driver error, mechanical failures, and poor road conditions. Driver error might involve speeding, distracted driving, or failing to check blind spots. Mechanical failures can include brake problems, tire blowouts, or steering issues. Poor road conditions, like potholes or debris, can contribute to accidents. The bus operator may still be liable for failing to avoid hazards.

The liability rules differ depending on whether the bus is operated by a public entity like the MTA or a private company. Public entities have sovereign immunity protections, which limit liability in certain situations. However, you can still sue the MTA if you follow specific procedures. Private bus companies do not have these same protections. They face standard negligence liability.

New York follows comparative negligence rules. You can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

The statute of limitations is critical in bus accident cases. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years. If the bus is operated by a public entity like the MTA, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. You then have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Bus accident victims can recover several types of compensation. Medical expenses include all costs related to treating your injuries. This covers emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. If your injuries require ongoing treatment, you can recover future medical expenses as well.

Lost wages compensate you for income you lost while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can recover lost earning capacity. This represents the income you would have earned over your lifetime if the accident had not occurred. For serious injuries, lost earning capacity can represent substantial compensation.

Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. These non-economic damages recognize that injuries cause more than just financial losses. They affect your quality of life, relationships, and mental health.

Permanent disability damages apply when injuries prevent you from working or performing daily activities. These damages account for the long-term impact of your injuries on your life. Wrongful death damages go to family members when a bus accident causes a death. These damages include funeral expenses and the financial support the deceased would have provided.

New York’s No-Fault rules for bus passengers are complex. If you are on a private bus, the bus’s insurance typically covers your medical bills. However, if you are on a city bus (MTA), the bus company usually does not provide No-Fault coverage to passengers unless they have no other options. In those cases, you often must claim benefits through your own household auto policy first. We navigate these confusing ‘priority of payment’ rules for you. However, you can still pursue a claim against the at-fault party for additional compensation beyond no-fault coverage.

Our Process for Bus Accident Cases

When you contact Parker Waichman LLP, we start with a free consultation. During this meeting, we listen to your story and evaluate your case. We explain your legal options and answer your questions. There is no obligation to hire us after the consultation.

If you decide to work with us, we begin a thorough investigation. We gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements. We may hire accident reconstruction experts to determine how the accident occurred. We collect evidence like photographs of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. We also obtain maintenance records for the bus. We check for mechanical problems.

We then negotiate with the insurance companies involved. We present the evidence we have gathered and demand fair compensation. Many cases settle during this negotiation phase. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed. You will know what is happening with your case. You will understand the decisions we are making. We answer your questions and address your concerns. We believe in working closely with our clients. We work to achieve the best possible outcome.

If your case goes to trial, we present your case to a jury. We use the evidence we have gathered to prove the defendant’s negligence. We demonstrate the extent of your injuries. We fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience. We are prepared to take your case all the way to trial if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklyn Bus Accidents

What should I do immediately after a bus accident?

Your first priority is getting medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Seek emergency care if you have severe injuries. Report the accident to the police and request a copy of the police report. Document the scene by taking photographs if you are able to do so safely. Get the names and contact information of witnesses who saw the accident. Write down details about what happened while they are fresh in your memory. Do not discuss the accident with the bus company or insurance company without an attorney present. Contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights.

How much is my bus accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors. The severity of your injuries is the most important factor. More serious injuries result in higher compensation. The cost of your medical treatment matters. Cases with high medical bills are worth more than cases with lower medical costs. Your lost wages and lost earning capacity affect the value. If you missed work or cannot work in the future, your case is worth more. The strength of the liability evidence matters. If the defendant is clearly at fault, your case is worth more. The insurance coverage available also affects the value. We evaluate all these factors to determine what your case is worth. We can discuss a range based on similar cases, but every case is unique.

Can I sue the MTA for a bus accident?

Yes, you can sue the MTA for a bus accident. However, the process is different from suing a private bus company. You must file a notice of claim with the MTA within 90 days of the accident. This notice informs the MTA that you intend to sue. You must follow specific procedures and include certain information in the notice. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against the MTA is one year and 90 days from the date of the accident. This is shorter than the three-year deadline for private defendants. The MTA may claim sovereign immunity, which limits liability in certain situations. However, you can still recover compensation if you prove the MTA was negligent. Our attorneys have experience handling MTA cases and understand the specific requirements.

What if I was partially at fault for the bus accident?

New York follows a Pure Comparative Negligence rule (CPLR § 1411). Unlike many other states that bar recovery if you are mostly to blame, in New York, you can recover compensation even if you were more than 50% at fault. Your award is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Never assume you have no case just because you contributed to the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 25 percent at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $75,000. The defendant will likely argue that you were partially at fault to reduce their liability. We defend against these arguments and fight for fair compensation. We gather evidence showing that the bus operator was primarily responsible for the accident.

How long does a bus accident case take?

Most bus accident cases settle within six to 18 months. The settlement process involves investigation, negotiation, and sometimes mediation. If your case goes to trial, it may take one to three years or longer. The complexity of your case affects the timeline. Cases with serious injuries and serious damages may take longer to resolve. The defendant’s willingness to settle also affects the timeline. Some defendants settle quickly, while others fight the case. We work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Do I need to go to trial?

Most bus accident cases settle without going to trial. Settlement allows you to receive compensation without the uncertainty of a jury verdict. However, we are prepared to take your case to trial if the defendant refuses to offer fair compensation. Going to trial means a jury decides the outcome. We present evidence and arguments supporting your case. The defendant presents their defense. The jury then decides whether the defendant is liable and how much compensation you should receive. We discuss the pros and cons of settlement versus trial with you. You make the final decision about whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial.

What if the bus accident caused permanent injuries?

Permanent injuries significantly increase the value of your case. If you suffer permanent disability, you cannot work or perform daily activities as you did before. We calculate the cost of long-term medical care and rehabilitation. We determine your lost earning capacity over your lifetime. We also account for the impact on your quality of life. Cases involving permanent injuries often result in substantial compensation. We have experience handling catastrophic injury cases. We understand how to present the long-term impact of permanent injuries to insurance companies and juries. We fight to ensure you receive compensation that reflects the serious impact of your injuries.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Consultation

If you suffered injuries in a bus accident in Brooklyn, contact Parker Waichman LLP today. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Time is critical in bus accident cases because of the statute of limitations. You have limited time to file a claim, especially if the bus is operated by the MTA.

Call 800-968-7529 to schedule your free consultation. Our Brooklyn office is located at 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor. We also have offices throughout the New York area for your convenience. We are available to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Do not delay. Contact us today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.