Astoria Queens Bus Accident

Millions of Dollars Recovered for Our Clients

An Astoria Queens Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You Get Back on Your Feet

The priority after being involved in any type of accident is making sure that you get the medical attention that you need. The next is seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury accident attorney who can identify those responsible for the crash, deal with insurance companies and ensure that you are fully compensated.

At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC, we are focused on representing people and families injured in motor vehicle accidents. That includes bus collisions, which can cause severe injuries and raise complicated legal questions about who is to blame. Our track record of significant settlements speaks for itself.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Astoria Queens

Bus accidents are unfortunately common and can be caused by a variety of factors. Our Astoria bus accident attorney commonly sees cases involving:

Speeding: Bus drivers are on strict schedules and may ignore speed limits to catch up when delayed.
Driver fatigue, distraction: Bus drivers spend long shifts behind the wheel, which can result in fatigue and distraction that slow reaction times and increase the risk of a collision.
Driver mistake: Ignoring traffic signs, making improper turns or failing to see other vehicles on the road are some recurring mistakes that put everyone at risk.
Malfunctioning vehicles or equipment: Drivers and bus operators are required to do regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their vehicles and equipment are in good working order.
Inadequate training: These factors pose a particular threat when combined with inadequate training for bus drivers, who are not properly prepared to adapt to real-life situations behind the wheel.

Generally, a bus driver’s employer is liable for any accidents that he or she causes on the job. Our firm has significant experience investigating bus accidents to determine the cause of the crash and identify those responsible.

City vs. Private Bus Crashes

Who owns the bus? This is an important question that can have an impact on your case.

City and state governments that operate buses and other public transportation are shielded from a wide variety of lawsuits, including many personal injury claims. There are some important exceptions, however, for injuries caused by the negligence of a bus driver or other government employee.

The deadline for filing a lawsuit against government entities is also significantly shorter than in other accident cases. That is not to mention that city governments are often self-insured, which can create some bureaucratic red tape for anyone filing a claim. If the MTA, NYC Transit Authority or MABSTOA needs to be named a s defendant, you have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim after the accident happens.

Crashes involving private bus operators give injured people more leeway to hold the bus company liable, including by filing an insurance claim.

What Should You Do in the Days After Being Involved in a Bus Accident?

After a bus accident, you may feel confused and in pain. However, you should contact the police from the accident scene to report how the accident happened. Despite this, be careful about the information you give to the police. Also, you should seek immediate medical attention even if you suffer from minor injuries. If possible, you should document everything by taking photos and videos and the contact information of other bus passengers to create solid evidence.

However, you should avoid giving information to the insurance company. Mostly, the insurance company of the negligent bus driver will deny the accident claim or offer low compensation. Instead, hire a personal injury lawyer to ensure the liable parties pay a fair settlement. Our lawyers consider your lost wages, medical expenses, pain, and emotional suffering when handling your personal injury lawsuit. In addition, our lawyers are experienced and negotiate aggressively to ensure you get compensation, depending on the extent of your injuries.

If you are a driver and experienced a bus accident due to other negligent drivers, you must follow the proper steps to get compensation:

Get a copy of the accident statement from the police
Get a copy of any bus damage from your insurance company
Document all your visits to the doctor, symptoms, medications, and treatments
List all your out-of-pocket financial recovery expenses
Record lost wages due to missed work days
Consult a lawyer for a fair compensation

What Are the Common Bus Accident Injuries?

When involved in a bus accident, you may suffer from bruises or life-changing injuries to your head or neck. In addition, you may suffer severe injuries if the bus collides with a large truck or when it rolls several times. You need to visit a doctor to prevent worse medical conditions despite your injuries. After surviving a bus accident, ignoring small pains may lead to chronic pains, affecting your quality of life.

Some of the most common bus accident injuries include the following:

Broken bones
Whiplash
Brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Lacerations and deep cuts
Paralysis

What Should You Do If the Bus Company Calls After an Accident?

If bus companies call after a bus accident, including private bus companies, avoid providing any information. Instead, let your personal injury lawyer speak to the bus company on your behalf. We are concerned about your medical care and other expenses after your accident. We also advise you on the dos and don’ts after a bus accident. We know that negligent drivers don’t care about the safety of passengers. That is why we ensure you get fair compensation from the at-fault driver bus company.

Speak With an Astoria Queens Bus Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus or other motor vehicle accident, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and options and take action to get compensation.

NEWS: May 17, 2023: An MTA bus struck a young boy in Astoria, Queens leaving the young victim with serious injuries, having been confirmed by MTA sources.

A Q69 southbound bus hit the young child near 21^st Street and 39^th Avenue at about 3:40 pm according to MTA representatives. Although the MTA didn’t provide a statement, or any further information for that matter, sources with knowledge stated that the eleven year old child suffered two broken ankles and also head trauma.

It was further reported that while the situation appeared bad, the victim appeared to be awake, breathing and well oriented. He was subsequently assisted by member of the New York City Fire Department and other Emergency Personnel form under the bus. The victim was then quickly transported to New York Presbyterian Cornell Hospital in serious but stable condition.

Onlookers observed blood from beneath the vehicle’s wheels while responding NYPD officers and MTA officials looked on and furthered the active investigation.