Bus Accident Lawyer in Queens, NY

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Queens, you need a bus accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges of these cases. Bus accidents often result in serious injuries because of the size and weight of buses, combined with the unpredictable movements of passengers inside the vehicle. Parker Waichman LLP represents bus accident victims throughout Queens, including those injured in MTA bus accidents and private bus company collisions. Our team has recovered millions of dollars for clients who suffered injuries due to negligent drivers, poor maintenance, or unsafe conditions. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Queens Bus Accident Claim

When you’re injured in a bus accident, you need an attorney who has handled these cases before and understands the specific rules that apply. Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of experience to bus accident claims in Queens. Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for clients across all practice areas, and we apply that same dedication to every bus accident case we handle.

We maintain a local office in Forest Hills on Queens Boulevard, so we’re accessible to Queens residents. Our team understands the MTA regulations and the strict 90-day Notice of Claim deadline that applies to accidents involving city buses. We also handle accidents involving private bus companies, which operate under different liability rules. Every case receives personalized attention from our experienced attorneys, not just paralegals or case managers. We’ve earned recognition from Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers organization, and our clients rate us 4.8 out of 5 stars based on hundreds of reviews.

Most importantly, we work on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis. You don’t pay us anything upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you through settlement or trial.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Queens

Bus accidents happen for many reasons, and understanding what caused your accident is the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable. Driver negligence is one of the most common causes. Bus drivers may become distracted by phones, passengers, or other vehicles. Fatigue is another major factor—drivers working long shifts without adequate breaks make poor decisions and react slowly to hazards. Speeding and intoxication also contribute to bus accidents, as does failure to follow traffic laws like running red lights or making unsafe turns.

Mechanical failures cause accidents, too. Buses require regular maintenance to keep brakes, steering systems, and tires in safe condition. When bus companies cut corners on maintenance, worn brakes or faulty steering can cause accidents. Poor road conditions in Queens—potholes, debris, or inadequate lighting—can also contribute to accidents, especially if the bus driver fails to adjust speed or take precautions.

Some accidents result from inadequate driver training or hiring practices. Bus companies have a responsibility to hire qualified drivers and train them properly. When they fail to do so, they share liability for accidents that result. Finally, some accidents happen because bus companies fail to follow traffic laws or safety regulations, such as not maintaining safe following distances or ignoring speed limits in school zones.

Types of Injuries from Bus Accidents

Bus accident injuries range from minor to catastrophic. Whiplash and neck injuries are common because passengers are often standing or not braced for sudden stops or collisions. The force of a bus accident can cause the head and neck to snap forward and backward, damaging soft tissues and nerves.

Broken bones and fractures occur frequently in bus accidents. Passengers may fall when the bus stops suddenly, or they may be thrown against seats, windows, or other passengers. Wrists, arms, ribs, and legs are commonly fractured in these accidents.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious concern in bus accidents. Even accidents that don’t seem severe can cause brain injuries if a passenger’s head strikes a hard surface. TBI can result in headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and long-term cognitive impairment. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.

Internal injuries may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening. Psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, is also common after serious accidents. Many bus accident injuries result in long-term disability. Victims may require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or surgery. Some people cannot return to work or must change careers because of their injuries. These long-term impacts affect not just physical health but also financial security and quality of life.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Queens Bus Accident

Determining liability in a bus accident is more complex than in a typical car accident because multiple parties may share responsibility. The bus driver may be liable if their negligence caused the accident. This includes distracted driving, speeding, failing to maintain control of the vehicle, or violating traffic laws.

The bus company or operator may also be liable. Companies have a duty to maintain their buses properly, hire qualified drivers, and implement safety policies. If the company failed in any of these duties, they can be held responsible for accidents that result.

If the accident involved an MTA bus, special rules apply. The MTA has certain immunity protections, but these don’t shield them from all liability. You must file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident to preserve your right to sue the MTA. Unlike a standard car accident where you have three years to sue, missing this short 90-day window is almost always fatal to your case. We handle this filing immediately to ensure your rights are protected. Under New York General Municipal Law § 50-e, the 90-day Notice of Claim requirement is strictly enforced for all MTA-related claims.

Third parties may also be liable. If another vehicle caused the bus accident, that driver’s insurance may cover your injuries. If a property owner’s negligence contributed to the accident—such as a pothole or debris in the road—they may share liability.

New York follows comparative negligence rules, which means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery 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 makes thorough investigation critical—we work to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize the liability of the responsible parties.

Compensation Available for Bus Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to recover several types of compensation. Medical bills are handled differently depending on the bus type. On a private bus, the bus company’s insurance typically pays your bills under No-Fault. However, on an MTA bus, you are generally required to file a No-Fault claim with your own household auto insurance first (if you or a relative own a car), even though you were a passenger. We navigate these confusing ‘Priority of Payment’ rules to ensure your bills get paid immediately. We also recover compensation for future medical expenses if your injuries require long-term treatment.

Lost wages compensate you for income you lost while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, we pursue compensation for lost earning capacity—the difference between what you would have earned and what you can now earn given your limitations.

Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This is a non-economic damage, meaning there’s no receipt or bill to prove it. Instead, we use factors like the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the impact on your daily life to calculate a fair amount.

Disability and disfigurement compensation applies if your injuries result in permanent scarring, loss of limb, or reduced physical function. Emotional distress damages cover anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress resulting from the accident. In rare cases, punitive damages may be available if the bus company’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.

Settlement amounts vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, the clarity of liability, the defendant’s insurance coverage, and other factors. We evaluate each case individually and pursue the maximum compensation available.

The Bus Accident Claim Process in Queens

Understanding the process helps you know what to expect. It begins with an initial consultation where we evaluate your case. We review the accident details, your injuries, medical records, and insurance information. We explain your legal options and answer your questions.

Next, we conduct a thorough investigation. We obtain police reports, interview witnesses, collect photographs and video evidence, and preserve evidence like bus camera footage. We also review medical records and consult with medical experts if needed to establish the extent of your injuries.

For MTA bus accidents, we file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This is a formal notice to the MTA that you intend to pursue a claim. Missing this deadline eliminates your right to sue the MTA, so we prioritize this step immediately. Our experienced legal team handles all aspects of this critical filing.

We then negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company. We present evidence of liability and damages, and we make a demand for compensation. Many cases settle during this phase without going to trial.

If settlement negotiations don’t produce a fair result, we prepare for trial. This includes filing a lawsuit, conducting discovery (exchanging information with the other side), and preparing witnesses and evidence for court. Our trial attorneys have extensive courtroom experience.

The statute of limitations for bus accident lawsuits in New York varies depending on the defendant. For MTA bus accidents, you have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (after filing the 90-day Notice of Claim). For private bus company accidents, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under New York CPLR § 214. However, for MTA buses, the 90-day Notice of Claim deadline comes first and is strictly enforced. Acting quickly protects your rights and allows us to preserve evidence while it’s fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents in Queens

What should I do immediately after a bus accident?

First, seek medical attention if you’re injured. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Report the accident to the bus driver and request that they document it. Get the names and contact information of witnesses. Take photographs of the accident scene, the bus, and any visible injuries. If possible, note the bus number and route. Don’t discuss fault or accept any settlement offers at the scene. Contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible so we can begin investigating your case.

How long do I have to file a claim?

For MTA bus accidents, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This is a strict deadline—there are very few exceptions. For private bus company accidents, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, we recommend contacting us immediately because evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade.

What is the 90-day Notice of Claim?

The 90-day Notice of Claim is a formal notice to the MTA that you intend to pursue a claim for your injuries. It must be filed within 90 days of the accident. This notice preserves your right to sue the MTA. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to recover compensation from the MTA, even if you have a strong case. We handle this filing for you to ensure it’s done correctly and on time.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. New York’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 25% at fault, you recover 75% of your damages. We work to minimize your percentage of fault through investigation and evidence.

How much is my bus accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, your medical expenses, lost wages, and the defendant’s insurance coverage. We evaluate each case individually and provide an estimate after reviewing all relevant information. We never guarantee a specific outcome, but we pursue the maximum compensation available. See our verdicts and settlements for examples of cases we’ve handled.

Do I need to go to trial?

Most bus accident cases settle without trial. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid to fight for you in court.

How long does a bus accident case take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within a few months. More complex cases may take a year or longer. If your case goes to trial, add several months for court scheduling. We keep you informed throughout the process and work as efficiently as possible to resolve your case.

Get Help from a Queens Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Queens, Parker Waichman LLP is ready to help. We understand the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial burden that come with serious injuries. We’re committed to holding the responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.

The 90-day Notice of Claim deadline for MTA bus accidents makes it critical to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner we begin investigating your case, the stronger your claim becomes.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case. There’s no obligation, and you don’t pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Call (718) 469-6900 today to schedule your free consultation. Our team is ready to fight for you.