Like the operators of other modes of public transportation, bus operators in New York municipalities and towns have the responsibility to take care of their passengers. They also have a duty of care toward other motorists and pedestrians.
If you have a personal injury claim for injuries and other damages obtained from a bus accident, turn to Olivier E. Roche, Esq. for professional representation with a personal touch.
Factors that Result in Bus Accidents
A negligent bus driver is a common cause of bus accidents. He or she is responsible for the safety of passengers from the moment they get on the vehicle, but where these responsibilities stop is unclear to some.
Court guidance indicates that a driver is accountable for passenger safety until they get off the vehicle in a safe area. The driver is also accountable for the safety of surrounding motorists and pedestrians, so he or she has to observe the New York Transportation Law to prevent any avoidable injuries.
New York bus drivers also need to make sure their vehicle features safe and adequate facilities to avoid complications during the trip.
As such, these factors commonly result in bus accidents:
- Driver negligence
- Lack of operator training
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
It is the bus service owner’s or administrator’s responsibility to report bus collisions and accidents to the Department of Transportation as soon as possible.
Consequences of a Bus Accident
A bus accident caused by any of the previously mentioned factors may result in injuries, such as contusions, concussions, broken bones, and injuries to the head or the spinal cord.
If you obtain a personal injury while on government-operated public transportation, you may file a no-fault claim within 90 days of the injury and get a maximum of $50,000 in return for medical expenses and lost wages. If you lost a loved one in a government-operated bus accident, you may claim a statutory death benefit of $2,000.
On another note, you are eligible to file a negligence claim against a government entity or a private bus company for any serious injury you may have incurred because of their vehicle or their vehicle operator. The New York statute of limitation enables you to file a personal injury case within three years of a related accident.
I can offer professional legal services with a professional touch to help you get the compensation you deserve from a bus accident.
Call today for a consultation.
