Bus Accidents

New York Bus Accidents Attorneys

Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or the driver of another vehicle, a collision with a bus is a life-altering event. Buses are massive, heavy vehicles that cause catastrophic damage upon impact. The aftermath brings severe injuries, complex insurance claims, and legal battles against powerful government entities or large transportation corporations. You need an advocate who understands the immense scale of these cases. Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group has the experience and resources to stand up to the biggest opponents and fight for the compensation you truly need. Call us now at 516 888 1234 for a free, immediate consultation.

Understanding the Different Types of Bus Accidents in New York

Not all bus accidents are the same, and the entity you sue depends entirely on the type of bus involved. We have experience with all of them:

• Public Transit Buses (MTA Buses, NYC Transit): These are operated by government authorities. Suing them involves strict, short deadlines for filing a “Notice of Claim” and navigating special legal immunities.
• School Buses: Accidents involving children or other vehicles with school buses. These often involve municipal school districts or private bus companies.
• Private Charter and Tour Buses: Used for group trips, weddings, or tours. These are operated by private companies, but they are often under intense federal regulation.
• Intercity and Long-Distance Buses (Greyhound, Trailways, Megabus): Accidents occurring on highways, often involving serious injuries to many passengers.
• Shuttle Buses (Airport, Hotel, Corporate): Operated by private companies or subcontractors.

Why Bus Accidents Cause Such Severe Harm

Physics is not on your side in a bus crash. The sheer size and weight difference means passengers in cars, cyclists, and pedestrians absorb incredible force. Common causes of bus accidents include:

• Driver Negligence: Fatigue, distraction, speeding, aggressive lane changes, or driving under the influence.
• Improper Training: Bus companies failing to properly train drivers on safety protocols, blind spots, or passenger management.
• Poor Maintenance: Neglecting brake repairs, tire wear, steering systems, or other critical mechanical failures. Buses require rigorous federal (DOT) inspection standards.
• Unsafe Boarding/Exiting: Passengers falling while getting on or off a moving bus, or a bus pulling away from a curb unsafely.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: Potholes, lack of signage, or poorly designed intersections that contribute to a crash.
• Negligent Hiring: A bus company hiring a driver with a poor driving record or without proper licensing.

The Special Challenge: Suing Government Agencies and Large Corporations

This is the biggest hurdle in bus accident cases. If a public bus (like an MTA bus) caused your injury, you are not just filing a lawsuit. You are bringing a claim against a government entity. This requires filing a formal “Notice of Claim” within 90 days of the accident. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to sue forever.

Furthermore, these agencies have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize or deny your claim. Private bus companies are often heavily insured and will aggressively defend themselves. Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group knows these procedures inside and out. We ensure every deadline is met, every form is filed correctly, and we are prepared to fight their legal teams every step of the way.

Catastrophic Injuries Common in Bus Accidents

The force involved leads to some of the most serious injuries we see:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Head Trauma
• Spinal Cord Injuries, Herniated Discs, and Paralysis
• Multiple Broken Bones and Fractures (hips, pelvis, ribs, legs)
• Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
• Severe Lacerations, Scarring, and Disfigurement
• Amputations and Crush Injuries
• Wrongful Death

What You Must Do Immediately After a Bus Accident

The steps you take in the first hours and days are critical to protecting your health and your legal rights.

1. Seek Medical Care Immediately. Your health is the absolute priority. Get a full medical evaluation. Symptoms of serious injuries like internal bleeding or concussion can be delayed.
2. Call the Police. A formal police report is essential evidence. It documents the scene, the parties involved, and often the officer’s initial opinion on fault.
3. Gather Evidence, If You Are Able.
   • Take photos of the bus (number, license plate, company name), the damage, the accident scene, and your visible injuries.
   • Get the bus driver’s name and identification number.
   • Collect contact information from any witnesses on the bus or at the scene.
   • If you are a passenger, keep your bus ticket or MetroCard.
4. Report the Incident. If you are a passenger on a public or private bus, report the accident to the bus company or transit authority. Get a copy of any report they generate.
5. Do NOT Give a Statement to Insurance Adjusters. The bus company’s insurer will contact you quickly. They are trained to get you to say something that minimizes your claim. Do not give a recorded statement. Politely say you are represented by Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group and have them call us.
6. Preserve Physical Evidence. Do not wash or discard the clothing you were wearing. It may contain important evidence.
7. Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer Immediately. Time is your enemy, especially with public buses.The 90-day clock for a Notice of Claim starts ticking the day of your accident. Call Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group at 516 888 1234 so we can start the legal process immediately. 

Trust Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group

• We Know the Deadlines and Procedures. We have successfully filed countless Notices of Claim against the MTA, NYC Transit, and other municipalities. We protect your right to sue from day one.
• We Are Prepared for a Fight. We are not intimidated by government lawyers or large corporate legal departments. We build strong, evidence-based cases designed to win at trial if a fair settlement is not offered.
• We Understand the True Cost of Catastrophic Injury. We work with life-care planners and economists to calculate not just your current bills, but your future medical needs, lost earning potential, and lifelong impact.
• You Pay Nothing Unless We Win. We work on a contingency fee basis. You owe us no legal fees unless we successfully recover money for you. Your initial consultation is completely free.

A bus accident is not a simple fender bender. It is a major collision that demands a major legal response.

Contact Us Now:

Do not let bureaucracy and legal complexity prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. Call Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group right now at 516 888 1234. We will listen to your story, explain your rights clearly, and take immediate action to protect your future. We represent injured passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers across New York, including all five boroughs of NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and throughout the state.