Whether they’re riding on public transit, a school bus, or a sightseeing coach, New York visitors and residents alike appreciate the convenience of buses. But sadly, collisions involving these large vehicles can be especially devastating. As a New York personal injury law firm, we've seen firsthand the impact these accidents can have on bus crash victims and their families.
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, our experienced New City, NY, bus accident lawyers are here to guide you toward the compensation you deserve. With our deep understanding of New York traffic laws and a proven track record of success in litigating bus accident cases, we're the advocates you need in this hard time.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 1,797 people were injured in bus crashes in New York in 2023 alone. The number of people injured the previous year reached nearly 2,000.
Just one bus crash is too many, but these statistics are especially concerning. They underscore the critical need for bus accident lawyers in New York.
Often, bus accidents occur due to negligence on the part of bus drivers, other motorists, or bus companies. These are some of the most frequent causes we encounter in our practice:
Like other motor vehicle accidents, most collisions involving buses are preventable. When you suffer a serious injury due to a preventable cause, the emotional impact is even more devastating.
Many bus crashes result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. As experienced New City and New York bus accident attorneys, we’re aggressive advocates for clients who have suffered a wide range of injuries:
These injuries can affect anyone involved in a bus accident, whether they're a bus passenger, a pedestrian, or an occupant of another vehicle. They may lead to substantial medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation.
New York law imposes strict safety standards on bus companies and drivers. By passing these laws, legislators aim to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety. Here are some key points.
In New York, a bus is defined as a motor vehicle with a seating capacity of 15 or more passengers. These vehicles include:
A driver must have specific qualifications, including a commercial driver’s license (CDL), in order to operate any of these vehicles.
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles oversees and issues licenses for bus drivers throughout the state. To operate most types of buses, the driver must:
Federal regulations further define medical and physical qualifications for commercial drivers.
The FMCSA's hours of service regulations set strict limits on the number of hours a bus driver can be on duty and driving within a given period. This law is aimed at preventing accidents due to driver fatigue.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) requires regular inspections and maintenance of buses and other commercial vehicles. The FMCSA also mandates specific maintenance and inspection procedures to ensure vehicle safety.
Additional safety regulations are covered under New York laws and federal regulations, including requirements for seat belts, emergency exits, passenger capacity, and the use of electronic devices while driving.
Let us take on the legal work so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
If you're involved in a bus accident in New City or anywhere in New York State, take these steps to protect your rights:
Following these steps can strengthen your bus accident case and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
There are several avenues for seeking compensation after a bus accident in New York.
As a no-fault state, New York requires drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If you have a current auto insurance policy, you can file a PIP claim after an accident in your car, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage typically pays for basic losses such as medical expenses and a portion of lost wages up to the policy limits.
However, PIP coverage is limited to injuries and does not pay for repairs to your car. It may not be enough to cover the costs of a serious injury, and it doesn't include pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
When a driver causes an accident, their liability insurance coverage may pay for repairs to other vehicles and for medical costs that exceed PIP coverage limits. New York requires car owners to have this type of insurance coverage.
Finally, drivers in New York must have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the at-fault party lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, your own policy may provide compensation. This is especially relevant in bus accident cases that involve multiple vehicles.
If the costs of your injuries exceed insurance policy limits, you may be able to file a legal claim against the negligent party. This party could include the bus driver, the bus company, or other motorists involved in the crash.
A successful lawsuit can result in both economic and non-economic damages, potentially leading to higher compensation than insurance claims alone. For serious bus accident cases, this may be the only way to seek full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If the bus involved in the accident is operated by a government agency, there are specific notice of claim requirements and shorter statutes of limitations that must be strictly followed. It's crucial to consult with an attorney experienced in handling these types of cases to ensure your rights are protected.
To successfully prove a bus accident claim, you'll need to establish the following elements:
Strong evidence may be crucial to presenting your claim. Key pieces of evidence may include:
Sometimes, the cause of an accident is easy to determine. In other cases, it takes a little investigative work. Count on our team at Fellows Hymowitz Rice to sort through the evidence and get right to the root cause of your injuries.
Determining liability in bus accident cases can be difficult. Potential parties who may be held responsible include:
If your crash involved more than one liable party, your experienced bus accident lawyer can sort out the facts and pursue compensation from the responsible drivers or organizations.
Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
When we take on your insurance claim or injury lawsuit, our goal is to make you whole by recovering compensation for every one of your losses, whether financial or personal.
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a bus accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if the case involves a government entity (such as the MTA), you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.
Time is of the essence when it comes to bus accident cases. Here's why:
Consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Your New City bus accident lawyer can keep track of these deadlines and promptly file your claim.
When it comes to complex personal injury cases like bus accidents, experience matters. Here's why Fellows Hymowitz Rice stands out:
Decades of experience handling bus accident cases in New York.
A team of skilled negotiators and litigators.
In-depth knowledge of New York bus accident laws and regulations.
A track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Personalized attention and communication throughout your case.
No fees unless we win your case.
Extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and government entities.
Access to top expert witnesses to support your case.
A compassionate approach that puts clients' needs first.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a bus accident can take on you and your family. Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional legal representation while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Widely regarded as one of the region’s most successful plaintiff’s attorneys, Rob Fellows is the firm’s managing partner.
Steve Hymowitz is experienced in serving people who need help, but who do not have the resources to fight the big insurance companies on their own.
Regarded as one of the most passionate trial attorneys to litigate complex high-exposure personal injury matters in the tri-state area, Matthew “Matt” Rice possesses an unequaled fire and drive to succeed for his clients.
Joanne concentrates her practice on negligence, personal injuries, construction accidents, and medical malpractice law.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Injured in a car accident in New City? Don't let the stress and uncertainty weigh you down. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers for a free consultation and legal representation.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice proudly represents bus accident victims throughout Rockland County and the surrounding areas, including Westchester County and New York City.
Don't let negligent drivers or bus companies off the hook! It’s time to take the first step toward recovery. Contact Fellows Hymowitz Rice today for a free consultation with experienced New York bus accident lawyers.
