Attorneys You Can Trust
The Lawyers Other Lawyers Call
Our attorneys are renowned throughout New York City as steadfast attorneys who take on even the most complex cases. When other lawyers have a case they don’t think they can win, they call us because they know we’ll give their client the best possible chance at a successful outcome.
75+ Years of Combined Experience
Each of our attorneys at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC has over 25 years of experience. Over our combined 75+ years in practice, we’ve seen it all. We’ve successfully represented clients at trial, on appeal, and in arbitration, mediation, and administrative hearings.
Start Your Injury Claim Today Contact Our NYC Bus Accident Attorneys
The laws governing bus accident cases are complex and confusing to the average person. There are strict deadlines and if you don’t act quickly, you can lose your rights to benefits and the right to sue, no matter how serious your injuries are. Don’t let your opportunity to secure compensation pass you by — put a well-versed team of personal injury lawyers on your side today. New York City trusts our team because:
Our attorneys have won many six- and seven-figure verdicts and settlements in all kinds of vehicle accident cases. We’re committed to fighting for each and every cent you are owed – nothing less.
We’ve won numerous cases against the Bee Line-Liberty Lines, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the New York City Transit Authority, casino shuttle bus companies, and private bus carriers.
Our team offers free consultations so it costs you nothing to meet with an attorney and determine if you have a case.
We can meet you in our New York City law office, your home, the hospital, or virtually.
If you’re a bus accident victim, you don’t have to put your life back together on your own. Consult our New York City bus accident attorneys serving Manhattan, White Plains, and all of NYC to secure just compensation for your injuries.
“Nobody even comes close.”
2024
I Highly Recommend this Law Firm. Michael was Attentive and Explained Every Possible Outcome. Needless to say, He Won and Our Family is Eternally Grateful ! Thank You, Thank You Thank You
2024
Mike Joseph is by far the most detailed, hardworking, no surrender and tenacious attorney I have ever met and worked with. I have been involved with many attorneys in business and personal matters. Nobody, nobody even comes close.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Buses are a convenient way to travel around New York City and New York State, but there are risks involved when choosing this mode of transportation. Many buses do not provide passengers with seat belts or mandate their use, even though an accident can result in severe injury or death. The number of passengers who may be carried while seated or standing inside a crowded vehicle can pose additional hazards.
Buses pose dangers to pedestrians and other vehicles on the road, too. Bus drivers are known to drive aggressively, despite laws requiring that they drive carefully. Many bus accidents are due to:
- Driver negligence
- Driver inattention
- Improperly adjusted mirrors
- Inadequate equipment maintenance
- Lack of training
If you were a pedestrian who was hit by a bus, a car operator who was struck by a bus, or a bus passenger who was hurt in a bus crash, our NYC personal injury attorneys will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Meet Our Lawyers
“Michael has to hands down be the best around. always Keeps you updated you never have to call and ask he’s the guy to go to if you want the best in the business.”—Kristofer
“Cliff at Michael H. Joseph is a legal powerhouse! His expertise and dedication led to an outstanding settlement for my case. I enthusiastically recommend their top-notch service!”—Drew
“John treated me like a friend. He was honest, straightforward and always willing to listen. He is a true professional and with his guidance I was able to have my case settled.”—Stefani
Seeking Compensation After a Bus Accident
Bus accidents can result in serious injuries like contusions, broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. They can also result in wrongful death. Our attorneys will pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, helping you cover expenses like:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
- Physical Therapy
- Modifications to Your Home
- More
Meeting Important Deadlines to Ensure You Receive Compensation
Taking legal action after a crash involving bus companies can be challenging because suing a public entity in New York requires navigating a labyrinth of regulations and procedural hurdles, which can be confusing and overwhelming for the average citizen. Here are some deadlines to keep in mind:
With offices in Manhattan and White Plains, our attorneys are conveniently located for clients throughout New York City and beyond.
1. Statute of Limitations
In New York, there’s a statute of limitations of three years for bus accidents, meaning you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the bus was operated by a government agency, you have to file a Notice of Claim first.
2. Notice of Claim
Most buses are owned by a government agency, such as the New York City Transit Authority, the New York Bus Company, or the Board of Education. To file a lawsuit against a public entity, you need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. If you do not file the Notice of Claim, you will not be able to file a lawsuit, unless you get permission from the New York Supreme Court. If you were seriously injured and missed this deadline, call our NYC attorneys.
3. Call an Attorney
You only have a year and 90 days to start a lawsuit against a public entity for a bus accident. Delaying could cost you your lawsuit and cause you to miss out on much-needed compensation, so calling our New York bus accident attorneys now is paramount.
Types of Bus Accident Cases Our Attorneys Regularly Handle
Bus Pulling Away From a Stop
If you were driving straight in your lane and were hit by a bus that was pulling away from a bus stop, then the bus was at fault for your accident. You can call our attorneys in New York City to file a bus accident claim.
Buses Hitting Vehicles
If you were injured as a passenger on a bus that hit another vehicle, both the bus and the vehicle could share some fault, and both the bus company and the vehicle operator could be sued. These accidents occur most frequently when a bus is changing lanes and the bus driver does not see the vehicle in the lane. In these cases, our NYC bus accident lawyers review the post-accident inspection reports to see if the mirrors were in the proper position and more.
Passenger Falls
If you were a passenger on a bus and fell because the bus pulled away before you got past the white line and had an opportunity to secure yourself, then you may have a case. Bus drivers are required to provide their passengers with a reasonable opportunity to get to a location where they can sit or hold onto something. The motion of a bus generates significant force that can cause an elderly or frail person to lose their balance. If your bus driver was careless or impatient and didn’t let you get to a seat, then you could sue for your injuries.
Pedestrians Hit by Turning Buses
Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way over a turning vehicle, including a bus. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop buses from carelessly hitting pedestrians. When pedestrians are hit, bus drivers often claim that the person walked into the bus. Our attorneys have experience in exposing the bus driver’s lies and know that if their mirrors are properly adjusted they can see pedestrians while they turn.
FAQ About Bus Accidents and Compensation
I got injured in a bus accident. Who’s going to pay my medical bills?
It depends. If you own a car, your own car insurance company will pay your no-fault benefits. If you don’t own a car, but someone in your household owns a car, then their car insurance company has to pay your no-fault benefits. If no one in your household owns a car, then the owner of the bus must pay your no-fault benefits. The exception is if you were hit by a bus, then the bus company pays your lost wages and medical benefits and it does not matter if you own a car or have a car in your household.
How much am I entitled to?
Under New York No-Fault law, you are entitled to benefits up to $50,000 worth of medical expenses and lost wages, subject to certain limitations. Additionally, a statutory death benefit of $2,000 is also available to people who lost a loved one in a bus accident.
Can I recover compensation for pain and suffering?
No-fault insurance coverage does not account for damages related to pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and wrongful death. To recover damages for pain and suffering, you need to prove that the bus driver was negligent and that is why you got hurt. If another car or truck was careless and hit the bus you were a passenger on, you can sue the driver of the car or truck.
“I would highly recommend Michael Joseph for legal matters involving injuries. Michael took my case without hesitation and gave me great advice. Michael was wonderful the whole time and kept in touch during the entire process. I never had to contact him for updates. The whole process moved a lot faster than I expected and Michael won my case. I’m grateful for everything he has done.”—Serguey
Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC
The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, has been helping injured victims recover compensation for their injuries for over 25 years. Our attorneys are members of several prestigious organizations, including:
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association
- American Association for Justice
- New York County Bar Association
- Westchester County Bar Association
To request your free initial consultation with our team, call our New York City office at (212) 858-0503 or our White Plains office at (914) 354-3809. You can also request a case review online
New York City and White Plains
Personal Injury Lawyers
We have 2 locations New York