New York City Bus Accident Lawyers
Legal Counsel for the Injured in New York City & Statewide
With one of the world's busiest and most complex transportation systems, New York City sees a staggering amount of daily bus traffic. The MTA operates over 5,800 buses across over 300 routes in all five boroughs. In addition to city buses, NYC roads are packed with school buses, private charter buses, tour buses, airport shuttles, and interstate carriers. This constant flow of large vehicles in congested urban areas creates a high risk of accidents and serious injuries.
At Godosky & Gentile, our seasoned personal injury team has represented New Yorkers in traffic accident claims and lawsuits since 1995, earning record-breaking settlements and verdicts. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, we can provide the representation you need to pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, income loss, and pain and suffering.
Many bus accident occur on heavily traveled routes like those serving Manhattan’s central business districts, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, or bridges and tunnels connecting boroughs. When a serious collision happens, injured people are often transported to major trauma centers such as Bellevue Hospital, Kings County Hospital, or Jacobi Medical Center, and they may not realize that critical evidence can be lost quickly unless someone investigates on their behalf.
Schedule a free consultation with a New York City bus accident attorney at Godosky & Gentile by phone at (212) 742-9706 or by email on our contact form. Available 24/7. Hablamos español.
Bus Accidents in New York City
Bus accidents can occur for many reasons, including operator negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, dangerous road conditions, and reckless driving by other motorists. Due to their size and weight, buses have wide blind spots and limited maneuverability. When accidents happen, the consequences can be severe for everyone involved.
These accidents can injure a wide range of individuals, including:
- Bus passengers
- Pedestrians and bicyclists
- Other drivers and vehicle occupants
- Motorcyclists
- Bus operators and transit workers
Injuries can range from soft tissue trauma and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. In the most tragic cases, bus accidents can result in permanent disability or death.
Steps To Take After a New York Bus Accident
The moments and days after a bus crash can feel overwhelming, but certain practical steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights. Your priority should be getting medical care, even if you think your injuries are minor, because symptoms from head, neck, or back trauma may not appear until hours or days later. If you are able, try to note the bus route or number, the location of the collision, and the responding police precinct, as this information can later help connect your medical records to the correct incident report.
When it is safe to do so, gathering contact details for witnesses, taking photographs of the scene, and preserving items like damaged clothing or personal belongings can provide important evidence about what happened. You should also avoid discussing fault with bus company representatives or insurance adjusters before you understand the full scope of your injuries and your options, because statements you make early on may be used to limit your recovery. Speaking with a bus accident lawyer New York residents rely on for serious injury cases can give you guidance on how to report the crash to city agencies, deal with claim forms, and avoid common mistakes that could weaken your case.
Who May Be Liable in a New York City Bus Accident?
Identifying the person responsible for a bus accident is often more complex than other traffic collisions.
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- The bus driver, if the crash resulted from negligence or a traffic violation
- The bus company or MTA, for inadequate training, supervision, or maintenance
- A third-party driver whose actions caused or contributed to the accident
- Contracted maintenance companies are responsible for vehicle safety
- Manufacturers of defective bus components or safety systems
Holding the appropriate parties accountable requires thorough investigation, timely evidence collection, and familiarity with state and municipal regulations, which can complicate bus accidents.
Why Choose Godosky & Gentile?
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Comprehensive Legal SupportFrom initial consultation to final resolution, delivering top-tier representation with skill, diligence, and a results-driven approach.
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Recognized ExpertiseRespected trial attorneys with a reputation for winning complex cases through precision, strategy, and an unwavering pursuit of justice.
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Client-Centered AdvocacyFiercely committed to securing justice and maximum compensation—because every client deserves a powerful voice in the legal system.
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Decades of Proven ResultsA legacy of success in high-stakes personal injury and catastrophic accident cases, built on relentless advocacy and exceptional legal strategy.
Why Bus Accident Claims Are Complex
Bus accident claims often involve layers of bureaucracy and legal protections, especially when public entities like the MTA are involved. Shortened deadlines apply to claims against city agencies, and specific procedures must be followed to preserve your right to recover damages.
The complexity of these claims can stem from factors such as:
- Multiple potentially liable parties who may point fingers at one another to avoid paying damages
- Government notice requirements that impose earlier deadlines and special claim procedures when public entities are involved
- Extensive documentation needs to prove medical treatment, lost income, and the long-term impact on your daily life
- Disputes over causation where insurers argue that preexisting conditions, not the crash, are responsible for your symptoms
Beyond dealing with insurers and city agencies, many injured people must coordinate treatment with several providers, keep track of medical bills, and document missed time from work while they recover. A New York bus accident lawyer can help organize these details, communicate with adjusters, and position your claim for negotiation or litigation in courts such as the New York County Supreme Court, Queens County Supreme Court, or other local venues where these cases are often heard.
Turn to Proven Advocates for Injured New Yorkers
At Godosky & Gentile, we provide personalized legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of your case. Our meticulous trial preparation puts you in the strongest legal position for optimum results. Whether through negotiation or court litigation, we take on opposing parties with professional proficiency built over three decades of practice, allowing you to focus on healing.
When you choose our firm to handle your bus accident claim, you can expect:
- Close attention to your story so we understand how the crash has affected your health, work, and family life
- Thorough case evaluation that considers past, current, and future losses before any settlement decisions are made
- Preparedness for trial if a fair agreement cannot be reached through negotiation with the bus company, insurers, or government entities
When you work with us, we take time to understand how the bus crash has affected your daily life, future earning ability, and long-term medical needs so we can pursue a result that reflects the full scope of your losses. We draw on our experience handling significant transportation and municipal liability cases in New York City to evaluate settlement offers realistically and, when appropriate, prepare your case for trial to seek the maximum compensation available under the law.
Call (212) 742-9706 or reach us online to book a free case review with a New York City bus accident attorney.