Founding Attorney
Public transportation is a big part of New York life. Bus riders trust the drivers and bus companies to safely see them to their destinations each day. When someone’s negligence results in a bus accident leading to injury, you need legal representation to make sure you are properly compensated for your losses. At Michael LoGiudice, LLP, you will get dedicated legal representation that has the specialized legal knowledge regarding bus accident injury law needed to successfully fight for you.
Who Will Compensate Me for Injuries I Sustained in A New York Bus Accident?
Who will compensate you for your bus accident injuries will depend largely on who is found to be at fault for causing the accident. Multiple parties may have contributed to the crash, including:
- The bus driver
- Other drivers on the road
- The bus company
The bus driver may have been driving while distracted or not properly trained. Another motorist on the road may have been violating traffic laws. The bus company could have failed to perform regular maintenance on the bus. Any of these things could have contributed to the accident. If multiple parties are found at fault, they will be assigned a percentage of the fault and will have to pay the corresponding percentage of any damage award.
A bus accident, however, presents some unique insurance issues. Every vehicle in New York is required to carry no-fault insurance coverage and buses are no exception to this rule. The no-fault insurance will provide coverage for basic economic loss which includes medical expenses and lost wages. If you or a member of your household has no-fault motor vehicle insurance, you will go through your own insurance company for these benefits. If you do not have access to this coverage, you will file a claim with the insurance company for the bus. For example, the New York City Transit Authority is self-insured and so you will file a no-fault claim with the Transit Authority.
If you have basic economic losses that extend beyond the no-fault coverage amount, you will have to pursue a liability claim against the at fault party or parties. Additionally, no-fault insurance does not cover non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. You will have to pursue this type of damages in a claim against the at-fault party or his or her insurance company.
Be aware that the majority of buses are government owned and operated. This can effect the deadline for filing a claim. A government agency or insurance company will be looking for any opportunity to escape responsibility for playing a claim. Do not give them an easy out by failing to meet any required deadlines.
Mass Transit Accident Lawyer
Bus accidents can lead to widespread property damage and serious injuries. Time is of the essence in these cases. Contact dedicated New York personal injury attorney Michael LoGiudice. He will immediately begin protecting your legal rights and working towards the monetary compensation you are legally entitled to.