Most people have commuted on a bus at some point, and many New Yorkers rely on public transportation on a daily basis. City buses offer an inexpensive way to skirt traffic, and in a metropolis like New York, the public transportation system is so robust that you really don’t need to purchase a vehicle.
According to the American Public Transportation Administration, our state’s mass transit system is responsible for more than 3 billion bus and subway trips per year, carrying passengers at least 11 billion miles annually.
However, taking the bus is not without its risks. Bus drivers are just as prone to human errors as any other motorist. According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Safety Research, the risk of a bus crash increases when:
- The bus is travelling faster than 65 mph or slower than 20 mph;
- The bus driver is younger than 25 or older than 55;
- Or the driver is inattentive at intersections.
If you were injured in a public transportation accident, then you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. A New York City personal-injury attorney from Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can read more about personal-injury lawsuits by visiting USAttorneys.com.
5 Types of Evidence to Support Your Bus Accident Injury Claim
Buses in New York are classified as common carriers; as such, they must follow strict compliance regulations to ensure passenger safety. If a bus company does not follow set safety criteria and a passenger suffers an injury as a result, then the victim can make a personal-injury claim against the bus company.
You or, preferably, your accident lawyer will have to present evidence to demonstrate that the bus driver or company had a duty toward you, that there was a breach of duty, and that the breach of duty caused your injury or loss. You will also have to show evidence to prove the value of your damages.
There are several types of evidence that your personal-injury attorney may use to support your claim. Examples include:
- Expert Testimony: Your attorney might use expert testimonies to demonstrate that the bus driver was negligent, or to justify the value of your damages;
- Eyewitness Testimony: Your lawyer may use eyewitness testimonies to prove negligence;
- Police Report: Your attorney may reference the police report to prove negligence and link your damages to the breach of duty;
- Photographs from the Scene: Photographs of your injuries and the accident scene may also help your lawyer prove negligence and damages;
- Inspection Records: Your attorney may investigate whether the bus company performed reasonable maintenance to keep passengers safe.
If you were injured in a bus crash, contact a New York City personal-injury attorney from Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. Our accident lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
If your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation.