If you were injured in a bus accident in New York, you have the right to seek compensation. However, you should be willing to undertake specific things in order to receive remuneration.
An accident can overwhelm the victim and other family members, but you need to move quickly to safeguard your own interests. Personal injury lawyers can battle to ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Bus Accident?
Unfortunately, America is short of certified and experienced drivers. Many of those who use our roads are overworked and unskilled. In the event of a New York bus accident, you should follow certain procedures.
Seek medical attention
Your health and well-being should be your number one priority. Call 911 and allow a doctor to examine and treat you. Remember that some injuries cause symptoms hours, days, or weeks after the accident. Your doctor should be able to determine the presence of inside damage, and the doctor’s report should be utilized to seek compensation.
Inform the police
Bus drivers are required to notify the police about bus accidents. However, you should also do it on your own. Give the police all the information without admitting culpability.
Gather any evidence from the scene
You could photograph your injuries, the scene, car positions, property damage, and so on. These pieces of evidence will help explain how the crash occurred.
Exchange contact information
Obtain the contact information of any eyewitnesses and exchange it with the bus driver. Record the license plate numbers and insurance details for all involved vehicles.
Should I Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer in New York?
Although the law does not prohibit you from filing a claim without legal representation, it would be a bad idea. A bus accident entails numerous issues that may be difficult to manage on your own. Similarly, the bus driver’s insurance company may try to shortchange you by offering you a far lower amount than you deserve.
You need a public transit accident attorney to help you avoid making mistakes and collecting inadequate compensation. Remember that even a little bus accident can have terrible repercussions, resulting in costly medical expenditures and time to rehabilitate. A bus accident attorney gives you the peace of mind you need to focus on your rehabilitation.
Statute of Limitation in New York
There are deadlines for bringing a lawsuit against culpable parties in a bus accident. If the bus involved in the accident was privately owned, you must file a claim within three years. If it was a public bus, you only have 90 days to sue and recover damages. This is a small period of time, and if you procrastinate, you risk losing your right to reimbursement. To get started, contact your Bronx public transportation accident attorney right away.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?
Anyone who caused your injury should be able to recompense you and help you recover. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, multiple parties may be held accountable. This includes:
- Bus driver;
- Bus company;
- Bus manufacturers;
- Bus maintenance company.
How Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries?
You can seek compensation by filing a third-party claim against the driver’s insurer. This is only one way to accomplish things. You can also file a bus accident case in New York if you were critically wounded or did not receive adequate compensation from the insurer.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenditures, past and future lost income, and pain and suffering. Because the government owns the majority of buses, things may become a little complex. For expert advice, consult with an experienced New York public transit accident lawyer.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid During A Bus Accident?
You should not leave the accident area until the police come. When they arrive, you must inform them that you have suffered an injury. Most individuals leave and return home. However, you should stay and make sure you are well-documented. When the investigating authority collects the names of those who were on the bus, your name should be recorded.
You should not avoid obtaining medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you should consult a doctor who can adequately evaluate you. Don’t worry about the prices; the insurance will cover the bills.
Avoid chatting with insurance representatives. Insurance firms are for-profit entities. Instead, contact your Bronx personal injury attorney, who will represent you in negotiations with insurance providers.
The bottom line
A bus accident can be very upsetting. You may even choose to accept the first offer from the insurance provider that comes your way. However, this may not be a wise decision. Medical bills tend to grow over time, which will harm your family. You need a lawyer who can accurately determine reasonable compensation throughout the recovery process.