Bus Accident Lawyer in Melville, NY

Bus accidents cause serious injuries that change lives in an instant. When a bus crashes, victims face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and months of pain and recovery. The process of getting fair compensation feels impossible when you’re dealing with injuries and insurance companies. Parker Waichman LLP handles the legal process so you can focus on healing. Our bus accident lawyers in Melville have recovered over $2 billion for injured clients, and we’re ready to fight for you. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Bus Accident Claim

When you’re injured in a bus accident, you need a law firm that understands both the legal complexities and the human impact of your injuries. Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of experience handling transportation accidents and personal injury claims throughout New York.

We’ve recovered over $2 billion for clients across all types of accident cases. Our team handles bus accidents with the same dedication we bring to every case—investigating thoroughly, negotiating aggressively, and preparing to go to trial if necessary. You don’t pay upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. We offer a free case evaluation so you can understand your options without any obligation. Our Melville office is conveniently located to serve accident victims throughout Long Island and New York. We keep you informed every step of the way, answering your questions and explaining what happens next.

What Causes Bus Accidents in Melville

Understanding what caused your accident helps establish who is responsible for your injuries. Bus accidents happen for many reasons, and identifying the cause is critical to your case.

Driver negligence is a common cause. Bus drivers who are fatigued, distracted, or speeding put passengers at serious risk. Mechanical failures also cause accidents—brake problems, tire defects, or steering issues can cause a bus to crash without warning. Poor road conditions and inadequate maintenance by municipalities create hazards that buses cannot avoid. Inadequate safety measures, like missing handrails or poorly maintained seats, increase injury severity when accidents occur. Weather-related factors such as ice, rain, or fog can contribute to accidents when drivers don’t adjust their speed. Third-party vehicle collisions happen when other drivers cause accidents involving buses, leaving passengers injured through no fault of the bus driver.

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Bus accidents cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Understanding the types of injuries that occur helps you recognize the seriousness of your situation.

Whiplash and neck injuries happen when the bus suddenly stops or is hit, causing your head and neck to snap forward and backward. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, changing your life permanently. Traumatic brain injuries occur when your head strikes a hard surface, causing cognitive problems, memory loss, or personality changes. Broken bones and fractures are common in bus accidents, requiring surgery and months of recovery. Internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious, but can be life-threatening. Soft tissue damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons causes chronic pain and limits your mobility. Psychological trauma from the accident itself can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

How Parker Waichman LLP Handles Bus Accident Claims

Our process is straightforward and focused on getting you the compensation you deserve. We start with an initial free consultation and case evaluation where we listen to what happened and explain your legal options. We investigate the accident scene and circumstances thoroughly, gathering all available evidence. Our team obtains police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any video footage from the bus or nearby cameras. We determine liability by identifying all responsible parties—the bus driver, bus company, vehicle manufacturer, or other drivers involved. We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, presenting evidence of liability and the full extent of your damages. If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial and represent you in court. Throughout the process, we keep you informed about developments in your case and answer your questions promptly.

Types of Damages You May Recover

When you win a bus accident case, you may recover compensation for various losses you’ve suffered. New York’s No-Fault rules for bus passengers are unique. If you own a car (or live with a relative who does), you typically must file for medical benefits through your own auto insurance policy first—even though you were on a bus. If you have no household vehicle, the bus company’s insurance may apply. We navigate these complex ‘priority of payment’ rules to ensure your medical bills are paid immediately. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may recover lost earning capacity. Pain and suffering compensation recognizes the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured. Emotional distress damages account for anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma from the accident. Property damage covers any personal belongings damaged in the accident. Rehabilitation costs pay for therapy and treatment needed to regain function and independence. Long-term care needs, if your injuries require ongoing assistance, may be included in your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents

How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in New York?

New York generally gives you three years to file a lawsuit under CPLR § 214 (the personal injury statute). Note: The text originally cited CPLR § 213, which applies to contracts/fraud (6 years). Citing the wrong statute could mislead clients about how much time they have. However, if the bus was operated by a government entity (like Suffolk County Transit, a school district, or the MTA), you generally have only 90 days to file a formal Notice of Claim. Missing this strict deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, even if the three-year window is still open.

Who can be held liable for a bus accident?

Multiple parties may be liable depending on what caused the accident. The bus driver may be liable if they were negligent or reckless. The bus company may be responsible for failing to maintain the vehicle or properly train the driver. The vehicle manufacturer may be liable if a defect caused the accident. If another vehicle caused the accident, that driver’s insurance may be responsible. A municipality may be liable if poor road conditions or inadequate maintenance contributed to the crash.

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

New York follows comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Under CPLR § 1411, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. This rule allows injured people to get compensation even when they share some responsibility for the accident.

How much is my bus accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, how much income you lost, whether your injuries are permanent, and the strength of the evidence showing liability. A minor injury case might be worth $10,000 to $50,000, while a catastrophic injury case could be worth hundreds of thousands or millions. Parker Waichman LLP evaluates each case individually and explains what your case may be worth based on similar cases we’ve handled. Review our verdicts and settlements to see what we’ve recovered for clients.

Do I need to go to trial for my bus accident claim?

Most bus accident cases settle without going to trial. Insurance companies often prefer to settle rather than risk a jury verdict. However, if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, Parker Waichman LLP is prepared to take your case to trial. We have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid to fight for you in court if necessary.

How long does a bus accident case take?

The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and the severity of your injuries. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in a few months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability may take one to two years or longer. We work as quickly as possible while ensuring we get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

What should I do immediately after a bus accident?

Seek medical attention first, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Report the accident to the bus company and local authorities. Gather contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Take photos of the accident scene, the bus, and your injuries if possible. Keep all medical records and receipts related to your treatment. Contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible so we can begin investigating while evidence is fresh and witnesses remember details.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a Free Bus Accident Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Melville or anywhere in New York, don’t wait to get legal help. Parker Waichman LLP offers a free consultation so you can understand your rights and options without any obligation. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call 800-968-7529 today to speak with a bus accident lawyer who cares about your recovery and your future. Our Melville office is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.