When a bus accident occurs in Queens, the consequences can be devastating for everyone involved. Victims may face serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. That's where Mashriqi Law comes in. Our experienced Queens bus accident lawyers specialize in helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.
At Mashriqi Law, we understand the complexities of bus accident cases in Queens. We understand that bus accident injuries can be serious, but bus accident lawsuits can protect your rights and help you recover compensation. Our Queens bus accident attorney knows how to prove driver negligence. Learn more below, and let our Queens bus accident attorneys fight for you.
Working with a seasoned Queens bus accident lawyer means that you protect your rights. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with bus companies and insurance providers, often securing settlements that fully cover our client's losses. This includes liable parties related to school bus accidents.
Bus accidents are more common in New York than many people realize. While the number of bus accidents dropped during the pandemic, they are rising again. In 2022, New York had the most bus accidents of any state, showcasing just how dangerous these streets can be. In Queens, the bustling streets and heavy traffic contribute to the risk of bus accidents.
In Queens, NY, bus accident victims have specific legal rights and responsibilities. The law grants victims the opportunity to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and other losses resulting from a bus accident. This compensation can be pursued through insurance claims or, if necessary, a personal injury lawsuit. This includes accidents involving school buses.
Bus accident victims in Queens are entitled to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Victims also have the right to hire an attorney to represent them in negotiations with insurance companies and in court. It's important for victims to understand their rights and to act quickly to preserve their ability to recover compensation.
Bus operators and companies in Queens are imposed with a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers and other road users. This includes properly maintaining buses, hiring qualified drivers, and following all traffic laws. When bus companies or drivers fail in these responsibilities, and accidents occur, they can be held liable for damages.
The insurance coverage for a bus accident in Queens can be complex, as it may involve multiple insurance policies, including those of the bus company, the bus driver, and other involved parties. Navigating the claims process requires an understanding of these policies and how they apply to your case. Our attorneys can help decipher the coverage details and ensure the pursuit of every potential source of compensation.
A. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of bus accidents in Queens. Whether it's using a cell phone, eating, or other distractions, when bus drivers take their attention off the road, the risk of an accident increases significantly.
B. Aggressive Driving
Reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, changing lanes without signaling, and tailgating, can be especially dangerous when performed by large vehicles like buses. These actions can result in serious accidents involving multiple vehicles.
C. Bus Driver Fatigue
Bus drivers often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue. Tired drivers are less alert and have slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
D. Driving Under the Influence
Driving with alcohol or drugs in one's system is considered a criminal offense and a significant risk factor for accidents. Bus drivers under the influence put all road users at risk.
E. Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Poorly maintained buses may encounter failures that result in accidents. This includes issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, and engine problems.
F. Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to road conditions and increases the severity of accidents when they occur. Bus accidents caused by speeding can result in catastrophic injuries.
A. Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in bus accidents due to the force of collisions. These injuries can range from hairline fractures to complex breaks requiring surgery.
B. Cuts and Lacerations
Glass from shattered windows and sharp metal edges can cause severe cuts and lacerations in a bus accident.
C. Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding is not unusual after a bus crash. This could mean damage to internal organs, which requires surgery.
D. Head, Neck, and Spine Injuries
Injuries involving the spine, neck, and head can have lasting effects, including concussions, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities.
E. Psychological Injuries
The trauma of a bus collision can result in psychological injuries. These injuries can be as debilitating as physical injuries and require professional treatment.
A. Call 911 and Report the Accident
Immediately after a bus accident, call 911 to report the incident. This ensures that police and emergency medical services arrive at the scene to provide assistance and document the accident.
B. Start Gathering Evidence
If you are able, start gathering evidence at the scene. Take photographs of the accident, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signs. This evidence can be crucial for your case.
C. Keep Detailed Records of the Bus Crash
Keep all documentation related to the accident, including police reports, medical documents, and receipts for any costs incurred due to your injuries. These documents will be important for your bus accident claim.
D. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact a Queens bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can give valuable guidance and begin working on your case right away.
E. Start Building Your Bus Accident Case
Your attorney will start building your bus accident case by investigating the accident, gathering additional evidence, and consulting with experts. This preparation is key to pursuing a successful claim.
A. Duty of Care
The first step in negligence is to show that the defendant had a duty of care toward the plaintiff. In the context of a bus accident, bus drivers and companies have a duty to make sure other drivers and passengers are safe.
B. Breach of Duty
Next, you have to demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty of care. This could be through actions like distracted driving, failing to maintain the vehicle, or violating traffic laws.
C. Causation
You must then prove that the defendant's breach of duty directly caused the bus accident and your injuries. This link between the breach and the accident is crucial for a successful claim.
D. Damages
Finally, you must show that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost wages.
A. Bus Driver
The bus driver could be responsible if their negligence or reckless behavior caused the accident. This can include actions like distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
B. Bus Company
The bus company can be held responsible for the negligence of its drivers, especially if the company failed to properly train or supervise them. The company is also responsible for maintaining its fleet of buses.
C. Other Motorists
Other motorists involved in the accident may be liable if they contributed to the crash. This includes drivers who were speeding, driving recklessly, or failing to yield.
D. Government Entities
If the accident was caused by poor road conditions or inadequate signage, government entities responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
E. Manufacturer or Maintenance Providers
Manufacturers of buses or bus parts may be liable if a mechanical failure caused by a defect led to the accident. Similarly, companies responsible for maintaining the bus may be liable if their failure to do so caused the crash.
F. Contributory Negligence
In some cases, the victim's actions may have contributed to the accident. However, under New York's comparative negligence law, victims can still recover compensation, though it may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Insurance providers often attempt to minimize their payouts by disputing claims or offering low settlements. It's important not to accept any offers or make statements to insurance adjusters without consulting your attorney.
Insurance claims for bus accidents often involve multiple parties and complex policy details. Our Queens bus accident lawyers are skilled in navigating these complexities to identify all potential sources of compensation. We work diligently to gather evidence that supports your claim, from medical records to expert testimony, to build a strong case against the insurance companies.
In Queens, the statute of limitations for commencing a bus accident claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if the claim is against a government entity, such as when a city bus is involved, the timeframe to file a notice of claim is much shorter, typically within 90 days of the accident.
Economic damages include tangible losses such as medical bills for treating your injuries, lost wages if you're unable to work, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. This includes future medical care and loss of income.
These damages compensate for intangible losses. These damages acknowledge the personal impact of the accident and injuries on your life, which are not easily quantified in monetary terms.
A. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
At Mashriqi Law, we offer a free initial consultation to review your bus accident case. During this meeting, we'll evaluate the details of your accident, discuss your injuries and losses, and explain your legal options. This consultation is an important step in understanding your rights and how we can help.
B. Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We will thoroughly investigate your bus accident, gathering all necessary evidence to build a strong case. This includes obtaining accident reports, talking with witnesses, and working with experts to understand every aspect of your case.
C. Negotiation With Insurance Companies
We have unparalleled experience negotiating with insurance providers to secure fair settlements for our clients. Our Queens bus accident lawyers will handle all communications with insurance adjusters, fighting for a fair settlement.
D. Litigation and Court Representation, if Necessary
If we cannot come to a fair settlement, we can advocate for you in the courtroom. We fight vigorously for our clients to achieve favorable verdicts.
After a bus accident in Queens, don't face the aftermath alone. The experienced Queens bus accident lawyers at Mashriqi Law are here to help. We understand the challenges you're facing and are committed to guiding you through the legal process with compassion and expertise. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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