Bus Accident Lawyer in NYC

Residents of metropolitan NYC rely heavily on public transportation systems. Personally owned vehicles are the minority, as public transit provides a more efficient and affordable means of getting around. The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) operates 230 bus lines and 25 subway lines, with 4,525 busses and 6,344 subway cars in active use.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) boasts a daily ridership of around seven million trips. With such an extensive system, it’s no surprise that multiple subway and bus accidents occur annually. If you’ve become the victim of such an accident, don’t wait. Call on Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. for help.

Can You Sue a Public Transit Authority?

NYC subways and trains are part of public transit. The carriers in charge of these transportation units are the NYCTA and the MTA, both governmental entities. It is a transit authority’s duty to care for and properly maintain its subway cars, buses, and trains. Lack of unit maintenance is one of the most common causes of accidents. Poor maintenance can lead to breakdowns, malfunctions, and collisions. The MTA may also be liable if an accident stems from a negligent operator. If a city bus driver was intoxicated, for example, the MTA may be vicariously liable for the actions of its employees.

It is possible to sue a transit authority. However, these claims abide by stricter rules and deadlines than typical personal injury cases. Suing the government falls under the New York Court of Claims Act, which bars the government from immunity from liability and legal actions. This means that someone can sue the NY government under the same rules used to sue a non-governmental party. To sue the NYCTA or MTA for a subway or bus crash, you must file your claim within 90 days of the accident. Failure to do so could make you lose the chance to sue.

Keep in mind that, in a bus accident, it’s possible that some entity privately owns the vehicle. This is typically the case on tour buses, charter buses, or party buses. You may be able to bring a claim against the private bus company. In the State of New York, all private bus companies must carry no-fault vehicle insurance. Pursuing a claim through the company’s insurer may lead to compensation for your medical bills. However, a personal injury lawsuit will generally result in greater financial recovery, such as compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering.

Call (212) 227-1212 After an NYC Subway or Bus Wreck

Subway, bus, and train accidents can be especially frightening and traumatic. We trust our public transportation systems to get us to our destinations safely. Part defects, poor maintenance, and negligent operators put riders’ lives in danger. If you’ve been the victim of a bus or subway crash in New York City, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer. You may be able to sue the Transit Authority, the City of New York or another party for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C., we know how best to go about filing these types of claims. Let us help you protect your rights. Submit our intake form or call (212) 227-1212, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.