Residents in Westchester and throughout Orange County rely on many public transportation types, including bus lines. Using New York buses can be risky; every year, bus accidents cause passengers injuries. Unfortunately, many bus accidents are preventable and caused by negligent drivers or poorly maintained buses.
Discuss Bus Accident Case With a Skilled Attorney in Orange County
If you or your loved one have been injured in a bus accident in Orange County, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, knows how to obtain the most compensation possible in Orange County bus accident cases. He will review your case and help you understand your legal options. Contact Michael LoGiudice, LLP today to schedule your free legal consultation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can happen due to a wide range of causes. Some bus accidents result from defective auto parts or negligent maintenance. Bus owners have a legal duty to ensure their buses are well-maintained. When faulty braking systems, lights, or mechanical parts cause an accident, victims can hold the responsible party accountable.
Bus Driver Fatigue and Distracted Driving
Bus drivers work long hours and are responsible for navigating large vehicles through heavy traffic. They may be required to cover long distances in a short amount of time. The pressure and stress of the job can cause bus drivers to become fatigued, negatively affecting their ability to drive the bus and respond safely to traffic and road hazards.
As with other drivers, distracted driving is always a temptation for bus drivers. Eating, using GPS devices, texting, or talking to passengers causes a driver to become distracted. Anytime a bus driver is distracted, he or she will not be able to respond quickly to avoid a preventable accident. Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs while operating a bus also poses a serious risk to everyone on the road.
Bus Accident Injuries
Due to the size and weight of buses and the fact that most buses don’t have safety belts for their passengers, bus accidents can cause devastating consequences. Additionally, buses are prone to tip over or roll over, leading to serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Back, neck, and head injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Wrongful death
Determining Liability After an Orange County Bus Accident
Proving liability after a bus accident is an essential step in obtaining compensation. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, will thoroughly investigate your bus accident case to determine the causes of the accident and identify the at-fault party. Depending on the facts in your bus accident case, you may be able to pursue damages against multiple parties, including the following:
- Bee-Line Bus System
- Metro-North Railroad
- All Orange County buses
- MTA Bus Company
- Liberty Lines Transit
- Greyhound
- Global Transportation Inc.
- Charter rental buses
- Royal Coach
- Greyhound
- Party buses
- School buses
In addition to bus drivers and bus companies, other motorists could be responsible for your bus accident injuries. For example, suppose a drunk driver collided with your bus. In that case, you can pursue damages against the third-party driver. If a bus driver and another third-party driver are distracted and cause an accident, victims could pursue damages from both negligent parties. Finally, if an employer hired the driver who caused your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from the employer directly.
Bringing a Claim Against a Government Agency After a Bus Accident
Many bus accident cases involve buses operated by New York state, Orange County, or another municipality. Pursuing damages against a government agency involves meeting special requirements. There are strict notice requirements when pursuing a claim against a municipality, so time is of the essence. If you miss the deadline for filing a notice of claim, you could lose the ability to pursue compensation and be barred from pursuing a lawsuit.
Holding Orange County Public Transportation Agencies Accountable
When a bus operated by the state of New York caused your injuries, you can pursue a claim against the state in the New York State Court of Claims. You must file a claim with the Clerk of the Court and serve a copy to the Attorney General. In cases involving negligence and wrongful death, victims must file a claim within 90 days after the bus accident.
If you’re bringing a lawsuit against another municipality, you must comply with their notice of claim requirements. After being injured in an accident, 90 days can pass quickly. We recommend discussing your case with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident so you can ensure that you meet all of the filing deadlines. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, is committed to holding negligent bus drivers accountable for their actions.
Pursuing Compensation Through an Insurance Claim
New York is a no-fault insurance state and requires insurance companies to provide coverage for first-party benefits such as medical bills, lost wages, and other healthcare expenses. If you were injured in a bus accident and you or someone in your home who owns an automobile, you will be required to file a claim with your insurance company.
You can still pursue a lawsuit if you suffered a serious injury, which will allow you to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. If you do not have auto insurance, you can pursue an insurance claim through the bus company’s insurance policy. Pursuing an insurance claim can be complicated, and working with an experienced attorney can help you significantly.
Contact an Orange County Bus Accident Attorney
Becoming injured in a bus accident can be painful, overwhelming, and frustrating. You do not have to go through the process of obtaining compensation for your injuries alone. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, is ready to fight for your right to compensation. He will investigate your case and identify the liable parties, including government entities. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP has the resources, experience, and professional network to provide you with the skilled representation you need and deserve. Reach out to Michael LoGiudice, LLP, today to schedule your free consultation.