Many New York residents rely on buses for transportation every day. The drivers of these massive vehicles owe a duty of care to all passengers on board as well as fellow drivers and pedestrians on the road.
Since New York City has one of the largest public transportation departments in the nation—and even in the world—it is imperative that these buses operate safely. However, no matter how safe a bus driver is, bus accidents can and do occur.
When that happens, serious injuries can follow. If you were hurt in a bus accident, you may be wondering who is liable for your injuries.
Determining Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident in the Big Apple
Since bus accidents tend to involve many victims, it can make determining liability more complicated. There may be more than one at-fault party responsible for the damages to the passengers on the bus, other drivers, and pedestrians who were involved.
Some bus accidents are caused by drivers in other vehicles. Perhaps that driver crashed into the bus or maneuvered in such a way that the bus driver couldn’t stop in time to avoid an accident. In examples like these, the other driver would be liable for the accident.
If the bus driver caused the accident, the case becomes far more complex. Buses that are owned and operated by a private company should have insurance coverage in place. However, it’s likely that this coverage won’t be enough to fully compensate every victim in the accident.
For city bus drivers involved in accidents, the driver, the bus company, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as well as the city itself could be found responsible. It will all come down to what the evidence reveals to determine liability.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Bus Accident
If you were in a bus accident, you may think it will be rather cut and dry in terms of receiving compensation for your losses. However, the process of filing insurance claims or lawsuits can be complicated.
Speaking with an attorney allows you to access expertise that will be beneficial to you in seeking recovery after your accident. All too often, accident victims take the first settlement offer before realizing it isn’t enough to compensate them for their damages.
Additionally, civil court procedures are complex—which adds another burden to you while you try to heal from your injuries. With an experienced bus accident lawyer, you can accurately assess the damages you can claim. You will have someone who can handle all the administrative requirements and file them on time while you focus on recovery.
Even when it may seem obvious who caused the bus accident, there are still hurdles to overcome. If you were involved in a bus accident, you should speak with a New York City bus accident lawyer to help you work through the complexities of your case.
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