In New York City, taking the bus is an inexpensive way to get to your destination. The Metropolitan Transit Authority operates one of the world’s leading transit systems. The daily record of MTA bus users indicates that there are approximately 1 million passengers during the workweek.
If you ride the bus to work, you do not have 100% control over your safety. You can sue the bus company if you receive injuries from two types of bus accidents: collisions and non-collisions.
Collisions
Like cars, busses have accidents involving other vehicles. Causes of a collision incident may include:
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to observe traffic laws
- Distraction
- Speeding
Neglecting to complete routine maintenance can trigger mechanical failure resulting in a crash. The weather, poor road conditions and irresponsible drivers may also cause collisions. Bus drivers and their companies owe a duty of care to their riders.
Non-collisions
Individuals may receive non-collision injuries because of events other than a road collision. Common causes of these injuries include:
- Sudden stops and starts
- Rapid turns
- Falls while boarding
- Slip and fall on the bus
In cases such as these, you can have some control over your safety by observing your surroundings. Be aware of everything, including other passengers and their personal items.
You must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident. The notice notifies the city that you may sue it for personal injury compensation. After which, unlike other personal injury claims, you have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.