Trusted Manhattan Bus Accident Lawyer

A bus accident in Manhattan can instantly turn your life upside down. The severe injuries, emotional distress, and mounting bills create an overwhelming path to recovery for everyone involved, from bus passengers to pedestrians and other motorists.

At Raphaelson & Levine, our dedicated Manhattan bus accident lawyers are on your side. Recognized as the ‘Best Law Firm in New York City’ by Best Lawyers® and top-rated “Super Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters, we bring decades of experience to each case.

With 97% client satisfaction across 823 verified Google reviews, we are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand the profound impact a bus accident can have on your life, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

Known as "the voice of the injured," our in-depth knowledge of bus accident cases, industry-leading resources, and five-star reputation has secured our clients up to 35 times more compensation than their initial settlement offer.

Don't let serious injury determine your future.

Contact us today for a no-risk free consultation, and join the many others in who have trusted the Manhattan bus accident attorneys Raphaelson & Levine to advocate for them — you pay $0 until we win.

NEXT STEP: Call (212) 268-3222 today or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

Why Hire A Manhattan Bus Crash Lawyer At Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm?

When you choose Raphaelson & Levine, you’re partnering with a local law firm that understands the overwhelming challenges you face after a bus accident.

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting—they often make lowball settlement offers, expecting you to accept less than you deserve.

Our Manhattan bus accident lawyers significantly increase the likelihood and amount of your personal injury settlement, with our clients receiving, on average, 10 times higher payouts.

With over 34 years of experience, our team leverages advanced technology and extensive resources to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

When you hire our firm, you'll get immediate access to a bus accident attorney who will:

• Investigate the bus crash to find out what happened
• Gather evidence to identify who is responsible
• File your claim with the insurance companies
• Protect you if the insurance company tries to blame you
• Calculate the value of your case, looking at both current and future losses
• Provide access to respected medical experts, accident reconstruction, and other professionals to strengthen your case
• Negotiate with all insurance companies and parties involved to get you a full personal injury settlement
• Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement
• Fight to get you the maximum compensation
• Guide you through the legal process so you can focus on getting better

Life-Changing Bus Accident Verdicts & Settlements: Over $1 Billion Won

At Raphaelson & Levine, we embrace challenges and excel under tough circumstances, adversity, and critical situations.

Our dedication lies in working harder, being more strategic, and outperforming the competition. When clients seek our help, we are determined to explore all possibilities to secure victory, regardless of the obstacles.

Our recent bus accident case results include:

• $1,800,000 for a young pedestrian struck by a bus while crossing the road
• $1,500,000 for the family of a pedestrian fatally injured by a city bus
• $750,000 for a 27-year old woman injured in a bus crash
• $750,000 for a single mother seriously injured in a bus wreck
• ‍$500,000 for a single mother seriously injured in a bus crash

Please note: These recent case examples do not guarantee a specific outcome for your bus accident claim. Each case has unique facts and circumstances that can influence the overall value of a claim in the eyes of insurance companies and courts.

Learn more: Bus Accident Settlements & Verdicts

How Much Is My Bus Accident Case Worth?

A bus accident injury case can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars in compensation. In recent years, the New York City Transit Authority has paid out an average of $86.2 million per year.

Bus accident victims often face serious, long-term consequences that may include irreversible harm, partial or permanent disability, traumatic brain injuries, or even wrongful death.

When the stakes are this high, a skilled Manhattan bus accident lawyer is your advocate, fighting to hold liable parties accountable.

But not all personal injury law firms are created equal.

The success of your bus accident case largely depends on the strength of your legal team. Insurance companies are well aware of which firms will fight for maximum compensation and which will settle quickly for pennies on the dollar.

The value of your injury claim can be impacted by the severity of your physical injuries, crash-related expenses (like medical bills, lost income, and future expenses), pain and suffering, insurance coverage limits, and the degree of each party's fault.

We get answers to questions that will significantly influence the value of your case, like:

• What is the full extent of your serious injuries?
• Do you have any pre-existing conditions that were exacerbated by the bus accident?
• Who were the parties involved bus accident and what is the limit of all available insurance coverages?
• What are your current medical costs and what ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, surgeries, and medications will you need in the future?
• How has the crash impacted your career, daily life, and mental health?

Our experienced legal team has helped injury victims recover $1 billion, including up to 35-times more compensation than their initial settlement offer.

When your future's on the line, choose a firm that fights as hard as you would.

How Does No-Fault Insurance Impact My Claim?

No-fault coverage may pay eligible medical expenses and lost earnings after a bus accident. The insurer responsible depends on the injured person’s circumstances and applicable bus-passenger rules; it is not always the person’s own insurer.

However, if you sustain serious injuries as defined under New York law, you may qualify to file a claim against the liable party’s insurance company (a third-party claim) or pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them.

Additionally, your health insurance provider might seek compensation from the responsible party’s insurance company through a third-party claim.

In Manhattan, a serious injury includes at least one of the following:

• Broken bone(s)
• Significant disfigurement
• Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
• Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
• A significant limitation of use of a body function or system

Whether a lawsuit is available depends on the applicable serious-injury definition, liability, deadlines and other facts. An attorney can evaluate which claims may be pursued.

How Long Do I Have To File A Bus Accident Claim?

In Manhattan, if you're filing a ‍claim against a private New York City bus company, like a tour bus, private school bus, or bus manufacturer, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.

Claims involving public transit entities can require a notice of claim within 90 days and a lawsuit by a separate, shorter deadline. The exact rules depend on the transit entity and type of claim; do not treat every MTA affiliate as having the same notice requirements. Contact an attorney promptly to identify the proper defendant and deadlines.

Meeting these required deadlines is critical to a successful personal injury claim.

If you've lost a loved one as a passenger, pedestrian, motorcycle accident or other motorist in a car accident involving a bus, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within 2 years from the date of death.

There are exceptions, so it's important to consult our bus accident attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your rights and legal options.

Who’s Liable For My Bus Accident Injuries?

Determining liability in a bus accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved.

The following parties are commonly held liable for bus accidents and injuries:

• Bus driver: If the accident was caused by the bus driver's negligence, such as reckless driving or failing to follow traffic laws, they may be held liable for the injuries and damages.
• Bus company: The bus company or operator may be liable if they failed to properly maintain the bus, hire qualified drivers, or adhere to safety regulations.
• Bus manufacturers: If a defect in the bus or its parts contributed to the crash, the bus manufacturer could be held responsible for producing an unsafe motor vehicle.
• Other drivers: If another driver's negligence contributed to the bus accident, they may be held partially or fully liable for the injuries and damages.
• Government entities: In cases involving public transportation buses, such as those operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), government entities may be held responsible for accidents caused by their negligence.

Liability in a bus accident case requires a thorough investigation of the facts and evidence surrounding the accident.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys will help gather the necessary evidence, determine the liable parties, and build a strong case to hold them accountable for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other current and future damages.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Manhattan

After a bus crash, accident victims should seek legal guidance from experienced personal injury attorneys to understand their rights and options for compensation. Holding responsible parties accountable can promote safer practices in transportation and protect public safety.

Common causes of bus accidents in Manhattan include:

• Driver negligence: This includes reckless driving, distracted driving, and/or failing to adhere to New York traffic laws. Our extensive experience handling bus accident cases has consistently found that driver negligence is a leading cause of bus accidents in Manhattan. From distractions to fatigue, drivers must be held accountable for their actions to promote safer practices within the transportation industry.
• Poor Maintenance: Inadequate bus maintenance, such as faulty brakes or worn tires, can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. Inadequate maintenance, faulty parts, or errors in manufacturing can lead to catastrophic injuries for those involved.
• Road Conditions: Potholes, construction zones, and poorly maintained roads can create hazardous driving conditions that increase the risk of accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, including rain, snow, and ice, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, which can exacerbate the risk of accidents by affecting visibility and creating challenging road conditions.
• Other Drivers: The actions of other motorists, such as sudden lane changes or running red lights, can cause bus drivers to make abrupt maneuvers, leading to crashes.

Understanding these common causes can help NYC bus accident victims and their families take the necessary steps to seek legal action and improve transportation safety for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can a Manhattan Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me Maximize My Claim?

A Manhattan bus accident lawyer at our firm can help maximize your claim by conducting a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and if necessary, representing you in court. They will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Should I Do If I've Been Hurt In A Bus Wreck In Manhattan?

If you are involved in a bus accident in or nearby Manhattan, NY, follow these steps to protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving compensation:

1. ‍Contact the Police: Call 911 immediately and file a police report to document the accident.‍
2. Don’t Leave the Scene: Stay at the accident site, check on others, and seek help if anyone is injured.‍
3. Exchange Information: Gather names, contact details, and insurance information from witnesses and other drivers involved.‍
4. Record the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle positions, damages, and any injuries.‍
5. Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault, as this can harm your case; let investigators determine liability.‍
6. Seek Medical Attention: Get medical treatment immediately, even if you feel fine, to document any injuries.‍
7. Contact a Lawyer: Contact a bus accident lawyer to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Manhattan Bus Accident Attorney?

Hiring a Manhattan bus accident attorney does not require any upfront fees. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Additionally, many attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.

How Long Can I Expect My Case To Take Before I Can Get A Financial Recovery?

The duration of a bus accident case can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some cases may be resolved through settlement negotiations, while others may require litigation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate based on the details of your case.

Bus Crash in Manhattan? Call Now For A Free Consultation

Bus accident victims often face severe injuries that dramatically impact their lives. They need more than just legal advice; they require comprehensive support, expert guidance, and representation stemming from years of experience and a deep commitment to justice.

Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm has extensive experience helping bus accident victims feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the legal process.

We’re not just fighting for compensation; we’re advocating for your recovery, rights, and future well-being.

If you've been hurt in a bus accident, our Manhattan bus accident lawyers can help.

NEXT STEP: Call us at (212) 268-3222 or contact us online for a free, no-risk consultation.