Bus accidents are more common in New York than many people think. Data shows that between 2015 and 2018, MTA buses were involved in 21,823 crashes – resulting in more than 2,500 serious injuries. Apart from this, a number of school buses, tour buses, and charter buses were involved in accidents – resulting in several wrongful deaths and injuries.
Due to their size and weight, buses pose a threat to other passenger vehicles, which are significantly smaller in comparison. When a bus hits a car, the occupants of the car might suffer serious injuries – depending on the circumstances.
Types of Injuries Occurring in Bus Accidents in New York
The nature and severity of the injuries resulting from a bus accident depend on a number of factors including:
- Whether it was a head-on, rear-end, sideswipe, or side-impact collision
- How fast each driver was driving at the time of the collision
- Whether you were wearing your seatbelt at the time of the collision
- What kind of car you have (older, low-end cars have fewer safety features and as a result the risk of serious injuries is higher)
Depending on the aforementioned factors, the injuries can range from herniated discs to ligament tears, dislocations, broken bones, crush injuries, amputation injuries, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Importance of Getting Medical Assistance after a Bus Accident
Following a bus accident, it is important for you to get medical assistance as soon as you possibly can. If you fail to do so, your injuries could worsen and lead to serious complications. Getting timely medical attention can significantly improve your chances of making a full recovery.
Moreover, your medical records are a key piece of evidence that can link the bus accident to your injuries and make it easier for your lawyer to establish the at-fault party’s liability.
Types of Evidence Required for Proving Liability in a Bus Accident Claim in New York
- Photos and videos taken at the accident scene
- Accident report
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records
- Bus black box data
- Footage from bus cameras
- Surveillance camera footage
- Bus repair and maintenance records
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
- The bus driver’s cell phone records
- The bus driver’s employment and training records
- The bus driver’s alcohol and drug test results
Why Legal Representation is Vital in New York Bus Accident Claims?
Following a bus accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company will do everything they can to reduce the value of your claim – including accusing you of causing or contributing to the accident and downplaying the severity of your injuries. You need a competent and experienced New York bus accident lawyer to counter the baseless allegations against you, prove how serious your injuries are, and negotiate aggressively to get the compensation you deserve.
Moreover, only an experienced personal injury lawyer can accurately quantify all the economic and non-economic damages you have suffered as a result of the accident and recover the compensation you are entitled to. It is why the quality of legal representation you get matters so much in a bus accident claim.
Get Legal Help from Our Award-Winning New York Bus Accident Lawyers
Bus accident claims often tend to be more complex than other types of claims and require the expertise of a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we have a team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers with a proven track record of success that few other firms can boast of.
Our lawyers have more than 150 years of combined litigation experience and have handled several private and public bus accident claims over the years. We are aware of the unique issues associated with bus accident claims and know how to maximize your compensation.
To discuss your case with a top-rated New York bus accident attorney, call us today at 212-962-1020 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.
