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Buses make up a significant part of the New York City public transportation system. They can offer a convenient way of getting to where you need to go, but like other motor vehicles, they can pose dangers.  

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Bus Accidents 

What should I do immediately after a bus accident in New York City?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Then speak with law enforcement, gather evidence if possible, and contact a NYC bus accident lawyer to protect your rights. 

Do I need medical care if my injuries seem minor after a bus crash?
Yes. Some injuries, including concussions and internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records also help document your injuries for any future insurance or legal claims. 

Who can be held liable for a bus accident in NYC?
Liability may fall on the bus driver, the bus company, a maintenance provider, or the City of New York if the bus is publicly owned. Determining fault often requires a thorough investigation by an experienced attorney. 

How long do I have to file a claim after a NYC bus accident?
In most negligence cases, New York allows three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a city-owned bus is involved, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within a much shorter deadline. 

Can I file a lawsuit if New York is a no-fault state?
Yes. If your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault party. 

If you’ve been in a bus accident in NYC and sustained injuries, knowing what steps to take after the crash is essential. You can protect your well-being and any future claims you choose to pursue with a few crucial steps.  

Get Medical Assistance 

A bus accident can be severe enough to result in catastrophic injuries, but all too often, you may not realize that you have been hurt because of the adrenaline that could be coursing through you. Some injuries, such as head trauma or internal damage, may not even be apparent until hours later.  

By ensuring you get medical assistance right at the scene of the crash, you’ll receive the exact support you need immediately. Not only is this important for your overall health, but it can also help establish the types of injuries you suffered.  

Speak With Law Enforcement 

Unless you need to go to the hospital immediately to address your injuries, give your overview of how the accident occurred to the officers who come to the scene. Every detail counts, so try to paint a clear picture of what you experienced. Don’t mention fault or worry about any legal aspects of the case.  

It’s also important to know how you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will need it to file a claim with your insurer or with the other party. 

Gather Evidence From the Scene 

Collecting as much evidence as possible from the scene is essential. It’s not always possible to do so if you sustained injuries that require going to the hospital, but having someone take pictures or videos of the vehicles involved can make a significant difference.  

It can be particularly helpful to get statements from eyewitnesses. In these kinds of crashes, there will typically be numerous people who can provide insight into how it occurred.  

But what happens if you need to go to the hospital and can’t remain behind to speak with witnesses? The police report will have all of their names and contact information, which your lawyer can use later to get statements.  

Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Speak with an attorney as soon as possible. These are highly complex cases that can involve numerous parties and significant injuries, so you should never attempt to pursue them on your own. 

Your lawyer will investigate the bus accident to establish how it occurred and who may be liable.  

The bus driver is typically responsible, but the company that employs them could also be to blame. This could complicate matters, especially if the city is the employer. In those cases, you will have a narrow window of time to submit a notice that you’ll be filing a claim.  

With an attorney, you will not run the risk of missing the filing deadline. Typically, New York gives you three years to file a claim based on negligence or wrongful conduct, but there could be exceptions.  

Your attorney will calculate your full damages, too. This is not as simple as it may first appear. Economic damages will often involve addressing the medical expenses you incurred, along with the wages and other income you have lost.  

Non-economic damages are more complex, however. These deal with less tangible losses, including pain and suffering. To calculate them, your lawyer will consider the severity of your injuries, how long your recovery will take, what the impact will be on the rest of your life, and a number of other factors.  

Filing a Claim After a NYC Bus Accident 

After sustaining injuries in a bus accident caused by another party’s misconduct, you may be entitled to receive compensation. In instances when the injuries are so severe that you can step outside of the state’s no-fault laws, you can begin a claim against the other party.  

To do so, you will need assistance from experienced attorneys. At Silberstein & Miklos, P.C., our team provides the compassionate and comprehensive representation you deserve.  

With decades of experience offering our services to New York residents, we can tackle even the most complex cases. You shouldn’t have to go through this process alone.  

If you were injured in a bus accident, Ask4Sam. Contact our lawyers to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.