Bus Accident Lawyer in Port Washington, NY

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident in Port Washington, you have the right to pursue compensation from the responsible parties. Bus accidents can cause serious injuries—from broken bones and spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding. Parker Waichman LLP helps accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys understands the complexities of bus accident claims and works tirelessly to hold negligent drivers, bus companies, and other liable parties accountable. Our bus accident lawyer in Port Washington can handle your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your claim.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Bus Accident Claim

When you suffer injuries in a bus accident, you need an attorney who understands both the legal system and the medical realities of your injuries. Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of experience handling personal injury cases throughout New York and beyond. Our firm was founded by Jerrold S. Parker and Herbert L. Waichman, two attorneys with over 40 years of combined experience in personal injury law. Today, our team includes more than 20 attorneys across seven office locations, with our main office located right here in Port Washington at 6 Harbor Park Drive.

We have recovered over $2 billion for our clients in personal injury and mass tort cases. This track record reflects our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation on behalf of injured victims. Our attorneys have earned recognition from legal organizations, including Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Preeminent rating and selection to Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation. We also maintain a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 549 satisfied clients. When you work with Parker Waichman LLP, you receive personalized attention from experienced attorneys who understand your injuries and your needs.

We investigate your accident thoroughly, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and take your case to trial if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve. You work with us at no upfront cost—we only collect a fee if we recover money for you.

Types of Bus Accidents We Handle

Public Transit Bus Accidents

In Port Washington and Nassau County, most public transit is operated by the Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) or the MTA. Accidents involving these entities are legally distinct from private bus crashes. You generally have only 90 days to file a formal Notice of Claim against NICE or the MTA. Missing this short window can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. These cases can be complex because government agencies have special immunity rules and notice requirements. Parker Waichman LLP understands how to navigate these requirements and pursue claims against public transit authorities effectively.

Charter and Tour Bus Accidents

Charter buses and tour buses transport groups of passengers on longer routes. Accidents involving these vehicles often result in multiple injured passengers, which creates complex litigation involving numerous claims. We represent individual passengers in charter and tour bus accidents, pursuing compensation from the bus company, the charter operator, and any third-party drivers whose negligence contributed to the crash.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Port Washington

Bus accidents happen for many reasons, and identifying the cause is essential to establishing liability. Common causes include:

• Driver negligence and fatigue—bus drivers work long hours and sometimes fall asleep at the wheel
• Mechanical failures and poor maintenance—defective brakes, steering systems, or tires cause accidents
• Unsafe road conditions and weather—icy roads, potholes, and poor visibility contribute to crashes
• Reckless driving and traffic violations—speeding, running red lights, and aggressive driving cause collisions
• Overcrowding and safety violations—buses operating beyond capacity create dangerous conditions

Understanding what caused your accident helps us identify all responsible parties and build a strong claim for compensation. Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene and determine fault.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Bus Accident Injury

Multiple parties may bear responsibility for your bus accident injuries. The bus driver bears liability if their negligence caused the crash—whether through distracted driving, speeding, or failure to maintain control of the vehicle. The bus company itself may be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failure to maintain the bus properly.

If a defective part caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier may be liable. If another driver’s negligence caused the collision, that driver and their insurance company bear responsibility. In some cases, property owners bear liability if an unsafe condition on their property contributed to the accident. For accidents involving public transit buses operated by the city, county, or state, you may pursue claims against the government agency. These claims require following specific notice procedures and meeting strict deadlines, which is why experienced legal representation is critical.

Compensation You Can Recover in a Bus Accident Case

Bus accident victims recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. New York’s No-Fault laws 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.

Non-economic damages compensate you for pain and suffering—the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. If your injuries cause permanent disability or disfigurement, you recover compensation for these permanent changes to your life. In cases where a bus accident causes death, surviving family members recover wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and the loss of financial support and companionship.

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the insurance coverage available. Parker Waichman LLP evaluates all these factors to determine the full value of your case and pursues maximum compensation on your behalf.

How Parker Waichman LLP Handles Your Bus Accident Claim

Your case begins with a free consultation where we listen to your story, review your medical records, and explain your legal options. We investigate your accident thoroughly, gathering police reports, witness statements, surveillance video, and expert analysis of how the accident occurred. We obtain your medical records and work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries.

We then negotiate with the bus company’s insurance company and any other liable parties’ insurers. Many cases settle during this negotiation phase when we present strong evidence of liability and damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. Throughout this process, we keep you informed and answer your questions.

We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. If we win your case through settlement or verdict, we collect our fee from the recovery. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we only succeed when you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents

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

In New York, you generally have three years from the date of your bus accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your claim involves a public transit authority, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can eliminate your right to recover compensation. This is why you should contact an attorney immediately after a bus accident. Under New York CPLR 214(5), the statute of limitations is strictly enforced.

What should I do immediately after a bus accident?

Seek medical attention first, even if you feel fine—some injuries develop over hours or days. Call the police and report the accident. Collect contact information from witnesses and take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries if possible. Do not discuss the accident with the bus company’s insurance company without an attorney present. Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a free consultation as soon as possible. Our Port Washington office is available 24/7.

How much is my bus accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, the insurance coverage available, and the impact of your injuries on your life. A minor injury with clear liability might be worth $10,000 to $50,000, while a serious injury with permanent disability could be worth hundreds of thousands or more. Parker Waichman LLP evaluates all these factors and provides you with an honest assessment of your case’s value. Review our case results and settlements to see what we’ve recovered for clients.

Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident claim?

While you can file a claim without a lawyer, having experienced legal representation can help you navigate the claims process effectively. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize what they pay. An experienced bus accident attorney investigates your accident thoroughly and negotiates on your behalf to help secure fair compensation. Our personal injury team has the expertise to handle complex bus accident cases.

What if the bus company denies liability?

If the bus company denies responsibility for the accident, we gather evidence to prove their liability. This might include police reports showing the bus driver violated traffic laws, witness testimony, surveillance video, accident reconstruction analysis, or evidence of mechanical failure. If we cannot reach a settlement, we take your case to trial and present this evidence to a jury. Our litigation experience ensures your case is presented effectively.

Can I sue a public transit authority like the MTA?

Yes, you can sue public transit authorities like the MTA, but the process differs from suing private bus companies. You must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident, and you must follow specific procedures. Public transit authorities have special procedural protections under New York General Municipal Law § 50-e and Public Authorities Law § 1212. While these laws require strict adherence to deadlines (like the 90-day Notice of Claim), they do not shield the agency from liability if negligence—such as a driver running a red light—caused your injury. Parker Waichman LLP understands these special rules and pursues claims against public transit authorities effectively.

What evidence do I need for my bus accident case?

Strong evidence includes the police accident report, witness statements, surveillance video from nearby cameras, photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, your medical records documenting your injuries, and expert analysis of how the accident occurred. We gather this evidence for you through our investigation. Preserve any evidence you have—do not discard damaged clothing or other items related to the accident. Accident investigation is critical to building a strong case.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Consultation

If you suffered injuries in a bus accident in Port Washington or anywhere in New York, contact Parker Waichman LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 800-968-7529 to speak with an experienced bus accident attorney who will listen to your story and explain your legal options. We are available 24/7 to help accident victims. Our Port Washington office is located at 6 Harbor Park Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.