Bronx Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident because of a negligent driver, you can seek compensation for what happened. At Morelli Law, our Bronx personal injury lawyers understand the trauma caused by bus accidents.

We will fight vigorously to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve so you can focus entirely on your recovery. Our compassionate Bronx bus accident lawyers will work diligently to hold the responsible parties fully accountable. 

Learn how we can help you pursue compensation against bus drivers and their employers, including government agencies like schools and city transit authorities, then contact our office for a free consultation.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident in the Bronx?

If you have been involved in a bus accident, it is important to take the following actions if you can:

• Seek medical attention right away for any injuries sustained, regardless of how minor they may feel. Injuries can worsen over time.
• Do not leave the accident scene until you speak to the police. Ask them to file a report.
• Get the names, contact info, and license numbers of all drivers involved, as well as any witnesses.
• Take photos of damage to vehicles, the accident scene, and your injuries with a time/date stamp.
• Notify your insurance company, but do not provide a recorded statement before consulting an attorney.
• Seek medical treatment to document your injuries and recovery. Follow your doctor’s orders.

Then, reach out to our Bronx bus accident lawyers as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. 

What Damages May I Be Entitled to Receive After a Bus Accident?

Here are some of the typical damages you may be entitled to receive in a personal injury lawsuit after a bus accident:

• Past and future medical expenses: This includes all costs for doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and any other treatment required to address injuries from the accident.
• Lost wages: If the accident prevented you from working or caused a loss of income, compensation for past and future lost pay is available. This could also cover losses from being unable to perform normal household duties.
• Pain and suffering: No monetary amount can fully ease your pain, but financial damages are awarded to compensate for mental and physical suffering.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Serious injuries may limit one’s ability to partake in activities, hobbies, or quality of life experiences enjoyed before the accident. Compensation helps make up for this deficit.
• Property damage: The at-fault party must pay for repairs or replacement costs if your possessions, clothing, or vehicles were damaged in the crash.

Our lawyers will fight to recover all forms of compensation you are legally owed to make you as whole as possible after your accident.

How Will You Help Prove the Bus Company’s Liability?

As your lawyers, we will investigate the incident to prove the bus driver was at fault for your accident. The first step is to carefully review the police report and gather any witness statements. This allows us to understand the sequence of events that led up to the crash.

We will also work to determine if any mechanical defects or maintenance issues with the bus could have been a contributing factor. Our team can inspect the vehicle to find such problems. We can also pursue the discovery of video footage showing the bus in operation.

In addition, we will research if the bus company failed to follow its internal policies and procedures. We will also get the driver’s safety records, certifications, and any history of prior driving faults.

What Are Some Common Defenses Used by Bus Companies?

Here are some common legal defenses used by bus companies and how we can work to overcome them:

• Comparative negligence: They may claim you shared fault by not following safety rules.
• Failure to mitigate damages: Companies may argue you failed to properly treat injuries or undergo rehabilitation.
• Intervening/superseding cause: Claiming that a third party, like another driver, solely caused the accident.
• Waiver of liability: Companies may assert you signed forms releasing them from responsibility.
• Independent contractor: They may claim the driver worked as an independent contractor, so they aren’t liable.

As seasoned litigators, we are well-versed in the tricks companies use to minimize payouts. We will vigorously challenge any defense through meticulous counter-evidence, establishing that the bus line’s negligence led directly to your losses.

How Soon Must I File if the Bus Company Is Government-Owned?

You must act if the bus that hit you is operated by a state or local agency. Government-owned buses are considered “municipal vehicles,” so they have additional legal protections.

For bus accidents in New York City and most counties, injured victims typically have 90 days after the incident date to file a “Notice of Claim” with the relevant transit authority or municipal clerk’s office. This preserves your right to sue the bus driver and their employer.

Miss this 90-day claim filing window and your case may be “time-barred,” even if the normal personal injury statute of limitations hasn’t expired. Government defendants can also claim you failed to properly serve them within the notice timeframe.

Contact a Bronx Bus Accident Lawyer Now

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in the Bronx, you need an advocate on your side. The experienced Bronx bus accident attorneys at Morelli Law have been helping accident victims in New York for decades.

We have the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate your case and build a powerful argument based on evidence. Whether through settlement negotiations or litigation in court, our goal is to obtain maximum financial compensation for you.

Contact the offices of Morelli Law today for a free consultation about your potential bus accident claim. We will review the specifics of your situation and develop a personalized plan. You pay nothing unless we collect compensation on your behalf.