At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we've handled bus accident cases throughout Rockland County for over 40 years, recovering millions for victims injured by preventable crashes involving Transport of Rockland buses, school district vehicles, and private transit companies.
Our Rockland County bus accident lawyers understand the unique challenges these cases present, from navigating TOR's 90-day notice requirements to proving liability against school districts and government entities.
With over 100 years of combined experience and settlements, including our recent $8,365,000 municipal liability recovery, we’re equipped to fight for the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
We represent bus accident victims throughout Rockland County, including New City, Nyack, Pearl River, Spring Valley, Suffern, and surrounding communities, as well as the broader NYC metropolitan area.
Bus accidents in Rockland County often involve multiple parties with different insurance requirements and legal protections. Unlike standard car accidents, these cases may include government entities, school districts, private bus companies, and individual drivers, each with distinct liability rules and claim deadlines.
Government bus claims require notice within 90 days and involve specific procedural requirements that can bar your claim if missed. School district accidents fall under Education Law protections but remain subject to negligence standards. Private bus companies may attempt to limit liability through passenger agreements, but New York law provides strong protection for injured passengers.
Our Rockland County bus accident attorneys have successfully handled claims against:
Transport of Rockland (TOR) operates 10 bus routes across Rockland County's 199 square miles, carrying millions of passengers annually. TOR accidents involve unique legal considerations that distinguish them from typical motor vehicle claims.
When TOR buses cause injuries, victims must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. This deadline is significantly shorter than the standard three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This notice must include:
Missing this 90-day deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of how severe your injuries or clear the bus driver's fault.
Route 91 connects Nyack to Spring Valley via the Palisades Center, with frequent stops along busy Route 59. Accidents on this route often involve:
Route 92 connects Spring Valley to Nyack, passing through Orangeburg and Blauvelt with stops at critical transit hubs. Common accident scenarios include:
Route 93 provides north-south service through central Rockland County, with stops near Good Samaritan Hospital and other key destinations. This route sees frequent accidents involving:
Transportation Rockland Individuals with Disabilities Passenger Services (TRIPS) provides specialized transportation for disabled residents. Accidents involving this service require additional consideration for:
Hudson Link connects Rockland County to Westchester County via the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Cross-county accidents involve:
School bus accidents in Rockland County fall under both Education Law and Vehicle & Traffic Law, creating layered liability considerations. Each district operates under specific safety protocols, and accidents may involve district employees, contractors, or third-party transportation companies.
The East Ramapo Central School District serves Spring Valley, Monsey, and surrounding communities with both district-owned buses and contracted transportation. Recent safety concerns in this district have led to increased scrutiny of:
Clarkstown Central operates one of the largest transportation fleets in Rockland County, serving New City, Pearl River, Congers, and surrounding areas. Common accident scenarios include:
Nanuet schools serve a compact but busy district with significant Route 59 corridor traffic. Accidents often involve:
Route 9W presents unique challenges for bus operators due to its mountainous terrain, sharp curves, and limited sight distances. This north-south corridor through Rockland County sees frequent accidents involving:
Route 59 serves as Rockland County's primary east-west corridor, connecting the Palisades Center to Suffern and beyond. High-traffic areas prone to bus accidents include:
Palisades Interstate Parkway connections create additional hazards where buses must navigate between local roads and highway access points. Common accident causes include:
Route 304 through Pearl River and Nanuet handles significant bus traffic from multiple districts and private operators. Accident patterns include:
Bus accidents in Rockland County often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight differential between buses and other vehicles, as well as the lack of seat belts on many public transit buses.
Traumatic brain injuries are common when bus passengers are thrown forward during sudden stops or impacts. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have life-altering consequences requiring long-term care and rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis can result from the violent forces in bus accidents. Whether partial or complete, these injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may necessitate home modifications and ongoing care.
Broken bones and fractures frequently occur when passengers are thrown against seats, windows, or other hard surfaces. Multiple fractures may require surgical intervention and extended recovery periods.
Internal organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. The force of bus accidents can cause damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other serious complications.
Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern serves as a primary emergency destination for serious bus accident victims throughout western Rockland County. The hospital's trauma services handle:
Bus-related head injuries often occur when passengers strike windows, seats, or other surfaces during impact. Signs may include:
These injuries may not be immediately apparent, making prompt medical evaluation crucial after any bus accident.
Spinal cord injuries from bus accidents can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring:
Emotional and psychological injuries are real and compensable damages in bus accident cases. Passengers and bystanders may experience:
Let us take on the legal work so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Immediate safety and medical attention should be your priority. Even if you feel uninjured, adrenaline and shock can mask serious conditions that require professional evaluation.
Document the accident scene if you are physically able:
Avoid giving statements to insurance representatives or signing any documents without legal counsel. Bus companies and government entities often have teams ready to minimize liability immediately after accidents.
Preserve evidence, including:
Report the accident to the appropriate authorities:
Contact experienced Rockland County bus accident attorneys immediately to protect your rights and ensure compliance with short notice deadlines.
Our track record includes substantial recoveries for bus accident victims throughout Rockland County and the surrounding region:
A 45-year-old Pearl River resident suffered multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury when a TOR bus failed to yield at the intersection of Route 9W and Piermont Road. The bus driver, distracted by passenger questions, ran a red light and struck our client's vehicle.
Challenges in this case:
Our approach:
Result: $1,850,000 settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
A 7-year-old child was seriously injured when improperly secured in a wheelchair on an East Ramapo school bus. During a sudden stop, the wheelchair broke free from defective restraints, causing spinal injuries.
Legal issues addressed:
Settlement: $2,300,000 to cover lifetime medical needs and educational support.
Different types of bus operators in Rockland County have different insurance requirements, liability protections, and claim procedures:
90-day notice of claim requirement applies to:
Procedural requirements include:
Liability limitations may apply, but they can often be overcome with a legal strategy.
Coach USA, Short Line, and Rockland Coaches operate as private companies with commercial insurance coverage. These claims typically involve:
Private tour operators frequently travel through Rockland County, especially during fall foliage and tourist seasons. These accidents may involve:
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.
Jake is a dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate attorney with a unique perspective shaped by his experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice proudly represents bus accident victims throughout Rockland County and the surrounding areas, including Westchester County and New York City.
Yes, but you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of your accident. Missing this deadline will permanently bar your claim, regardless of how clearly the TOR bus driver was at fault or how severely you were injured.
The notice must be served on Rockland County and include specific information about your accident and injuries. Our attorneys handle this process and ensure compliance with all procedural requirements.
Bus accidents often involve multiple parties. Even if the bus driver followed all traffic laws, you may still have claims against:
Our investigation examines all potential sources of compensation for your injuries.
Government claims (TOR, school districts) often take longer due to bureaucratic procedures and political considerations. Most resolve within 12-18 months after filing suit.
Private bus company claims may settle more quickly, often within 6-12 months if liability is clear and insurance coverage is adequate.
Complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take two to three years to fully resolve through trial if necessary.
Bus accident settlements vary widely based on:
Cases involving permanent disability, brain injuries, or spinal cord damage often result in settlements of several hundred thousand to millions of dollars.
Insurance companies typically offer quick, low settlements to unrepresented accident victims. These initial offers rarely reflect the full value of your claim and may not account for:
Government entities like TOR have teams of attorneys and investigators working to minimize their liability from the moment an accident occurs. You need experienced legal representation to level the playing field.
New York follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. Bus companies often argue that passenger negligence occurred to reduce their liability, making skilled legal representation crucial.
Psychological injuries are compensable in New York bus accident cases. You may recover damages for:
These damages require proper medical documentation and expert testimony to prove their extent and impact on your life.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
No recovery, no fee. If we don't win your case, you owe us nothing for attorney fees.
Bus accidents in Rockland County involve complex legal and procedural requirements that can trap the unwary. The 90-day notice deadline alone eliminates many valid claims from people who waited too long to seek legal help.
Contact Fellows Hymowitz Rice immediately after any bus accident in Rockland County. Our experienced bus accident attorneys are available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
