New York is a city of mass transit, with millions of people riding buses each year. With so many riders and buses to carry them, bus accidents and injuries are widespread. If you have been injured in a bus accident, it is important to consult experienced legal counsel.

For your FREE initial consultation, complete the online contact form or dial 718-441-5050 today.

Although bus travel is considered one of the safer modes of transportation, more people are at risk of injury or death in a bus accident because of the high number of passengers carried by each vehicle. In 2009, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, 20,000 people were injured and 250 were killed in bus-related accidents. City buses used for commuting as well as those used for commercial sightseeing can be a source of significant injuries if something goes wrong.

New York buses must abide by a variety of Department of Transportation Bus and Passenger Safety Rules and Regulations. Among these regulations are:

• Certification and regular inspection by authorities
• Safety requirements regarding raised flooring, passenger load size, and fire and water resistance
• Clearance and disability access requirements
• Special classification and restrictions for school buses

Many factors can lead to a bus crash. These include distracted or inexperienced drivers who are unfamiliar with New York roads, who are preoccupied with their navigation system, who don’t see smaller vehicles nearby, or who are intoxicated. In crowded urban areas, bus drivers must be especially attentive and make sure to exercise proper care in protecting their passengers.

Some accidents are unforeseeable, but unfortunately there are many that could have been prevented by the exercise of due care. Negligence is often an issue in bus collisions as well as car accidents and motorcycle accidents.

To establish a claim for negligence, the injured party must show that:

• The negligent party breached its duty of care to the victim;
• That breach caused injury to the victim; and
• The victim suffered damages as a result.

Bus drivers owe a duty of care to their passengers, as well as others on the road, to act as any ordinary and prudent driver would act under similar circumstances. For instance, an ordinary and prudent bus driver carrying passengers during a snowstorm would be expected to reduce his or her speed to adjust for decreased visibility and dangerous icy roads. While drivers themselves are accountable for their negligent actions, their employers, such as a busing company, also can be vicariously liable for failing to oversee employees and ensure that they are following the proper rules and regulations.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or died because of a bus accident, we can evaluate and pursue your claim. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney is an important step in preserving your rights and assisting you in receiving the compensation you deserve, such as damages for past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of future earnings.

If you have been in a bus accident and suffered an injury, contact the Queens City bus accident lawyers at The Cassisi Law Firm at 718-441-5050 or use the online form to set up a free consultation.