If you live in New York City, you understand that owning, parking and driving a car isn't economical for most people. Consequently, a lot of individuals like using public transportation, such as buses – the focus of this article. Bus accidents are likely to occur since these buses travel public roadways with other drivers and pedestrians present.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), more than 700 million people board municipal buses annually. Bus accidents result in hundreds of fatalities or severe injuries every year. Tragically, many of these collisions were caused by negligent bus drivers. This may be due to poor driving, such as failing to give the right of way to cars, pedestrians, or bicycles, as well as other traffic infractions. In some cases, the buses were not adequately maintained or furnished with safety harnesses or seat belts. In cities with heavy traffic and large volume, like New York City, commuters are more likely to get in an accident.
What you do after a New York bus accident is critical in the event of a personal injury lawsuit. This article will discuss what steps you should take and what to do to get the compensation you deserve.
Steps To Take Right After A Bus Accident Occurs in New York
No matter how experienced a bus driver is, something can happen. That's why they are called accidents and they happen every day. You have to be prepared if an accident occurs, especially if you or something else is injured. Knowing what you need to do and things to avoid in a NYC bus accident will help you move forward.
- Get Medical Attention
Your primary focus after any accident, especially a bus accident, should be your well-being and physical health. Let a doctor evaluate and treat you as soon as possible. Keep in mind that certain injuries may manifest symptoms hours, days, or even weeks after the collision. Your doctor should be able to determine if you have internal injuries, and you should request records from your doctor to present when seeking compensation. - Filing a Police Report
In case of a bus accident, it is highly recommended that you contact the police immediately. It is imperative to report any accident to avoid potential legal trouble and it is also helpful in documenting the accident for use in a bus accident claim. A bus driver is required to contact the police in the event of an accident. However, you should as well; and if doing so, you want to give specific details to the officer at the scene, but there should be no admission of guilt on your part. - Gather All Information
It is important that you gather as much evidence as possible after being involved in a bus accident. This info can be used as evidence later if you are seeking compensation. Photography is important to providing proof for your case. Taking pictures of the scene of the crash, the injuries you suffered, and any damage to property will be very beneficial. Obtaining the contact information of everyone involved is also very important, including witnesses.
New York's statute of limitations
In a bus accident, you have time limits to file a lawsuit. If the bus involved in the collision is privately owned, you have three years to bring a claim. You only have 90 days to file a lawsuit and request compensation if it involves a public bus. If you wait too long, you can forfeit your entitlement to reimbursement. This is why speaking to a lawyer right away is extremely important.
Should I Contact a New York Bus Accident Attorney?
Hiring legal help is not required to file a claim or lawsuit, but it is not a bad idea to enlist the help of a New York Bus Accident Attorney in a situation like this.
There are rules and complex laws that you may not know or understand, so having a legal expert can be invaluable to your case. There are filing deadlines to think about. Also, without an attorney, the insurance company that covers the bus driver may attempt to give you less money, taking advantage of your lack of experience. Keep in mind that even a small bus accident may result in severe repercussions, expensive medical expenses, and extended recovery times.
To prevent errors like this or getting less compensation, you should consult with a New York bus accident attorney, such as Brandon J. Broderick. You can concentrate on your recuperation with the assurance that you have an experienced lawyer handling your case.