Bus drivers are highly experienced and must complete extensive training, but accidents still happen. At high speeds, a bus collision can be devastating; loose items can become projectiles, and passengers can suffer whiplash or worse.
If you or a loved one was injured on a bus in New York City, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. We can evaluate the crash, gather evidence and help you pursue the maximum compensation.
Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a consultation.
How to Respond to a Bus Accident in New York
America has a shortage of qualified bus drivers. Some companies are putting passengers at risk by relying on overworked and inexperienced drivers.
Bus companies must have insurance coverage to pay for passenger injuries, and they must abide by safety regulations. If you suffer an injury due to the negligence of a bus driver or the driver’s employer, then follow these five steps:
- See a Doctor
Your top priority after any accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries only show symptoms after several hours or days. Your accident attorney may be able to use the doctor’s report to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and tie them to the crash.
- Take Photographs
If you are able, take photographs at the scene. Take pictures of property damage and injuries, as well as wide shots that show the positions of vehicles. Your personal-injury lawyer may be able to use these photos to demonstrate liability.
- Exchange Information
If you were in a bus accident in New York City, then there probably were witnesses. Ask for their phone numbers, email addresses and names. Their testimonies may help support your claim.
Also, record the bus driver’s insurance information, as well as the insurance details of other drivers involved in the crash. Record the license plate numbers of the vehicles, as well.
- Call the Police
It is mandatory for bus drivers or their supervisors to call the police after an accident. However, you do not have to wait for this.
Call the police if nobody has done so. An officer will investigate the wreck and compile a police report, which will be an important piece of evidence if you make a claim.
- Consult an Accident Attorney
Although you can make your claim without legal help, this is often an unwise decision. Bus accidents are complex matters, and the at-fault party or insurance company may deny liability.
The insurance company may also offer a settlement that is less than what you need to pay for health-care costs and other damages. A personal-injury attorney can fight for the maximum compensation and help you avoid mistakes during the claims process.
If you were injured in a bus accident, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. An accident attorney in New York can help you navigate the legal system. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a consultation.