- Are You in Need of a Bus Accident Attorney in Manhattan?
- Why Choose Us Over Other Manhattan Bus Accident Lawyers?
- Do You Have a Bus Accident Case?
- How Can Our Manhattan Bus Accident Lawyers Help?
- Types of Bus Accidents in Manhattan
- Don't Wait: The Statute of Limitation for Bus Accidents in Manhattan
Are You in Need of a Bus Accident Attorney in Manhattan?
Bus crashes cause devastating injuries. The big insurance companies try to save money by denying claims and minimizing the true extent of your injuries. It's important to have someone by your side who will fight for your rights.
Why Choose Us Over Other Manhattan Bus Accident Lawyers?
For over 50 years, Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, has been getting justice for bus accident victims in Manhattan. We're one of the most successful personal injury law firms in the nation.
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP | Bus Accident Law Firm
- We've won over a billion dollars for our clients!
- Perfect 10/10 Avvo score
- Recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine
- Members: Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell—the highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability
- Recognized as one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report
Been involved in a bus accident?
Contact the lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, at (212) 986-7353 today!
Do You Have a Bus Accident Case?
Public bus services in Manhattan have a duty of care to avoid actions that may cause reasonably foreseeable harm to others. This means hiring safe drivers, monitoring employees, performing regular vehicle maintenance and inspections, and taking additional precautions to protect you and your loved ones.Types of Injuries From Bus Crashes
Bone fractures are a frequent result of the sudden impact experienced during bus accidents. Complex fractures may require surgery followed by a long recovery period. Lacerations are deep cuts that can lead to significant blood loss, often necessitating stitches or more intensive medical intervention. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from a violent blow to the head are among the most severe consequences of bus accidents. The long-term effects of a TBI can be life-altering, including reduced cognitive abilities, memory loss, and physical impairment.
Spinal cord damage from bus accidents can have devastating consequences, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. This can include loss of mobility, respiratory issues, and loss of bodily functions.
Whiplash is a neck injury that results when the head is suddenly jerked to and fro. The condition often causes chronic pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Severe burns in bus crashes often occur due to vehicle fires or contact with hot surfaces and fluids. Symptoms include scarring, tissue damage, organ damage, and respiratory problems.
How Can Our Manhattan Bus Accident Lawyers Help?
The experienced litigators at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, will investigate the accident and file a claim or lawsuit seeking damages against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries.
What Damages Can You Get For a Bus Accident Claim in Manhattan?
Economic damages in bus accident cases refer to the quantifiable monetary losses incurred by the victim as a result of the incident. These damages typically include medical expenses, which cover hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and rehabilitation costs. They also extend to the costs of medical devices and mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or crutches, and home modifications necessary for accommodating disabilities, like installing ramps or grab bars.
Economic damages also account for lost wages due to time off work for recovery, as well as reduced earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability. Accurately calculating these damages is essential for ensuring that victims receive fair compensation to cover their financial losses.
Noneconomic damages are the intangible losses a victim suffers as a result of a bus accident. They include pain and suffering, which account for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the injuries. Bus accident victims may also experience a loss of enjoyment of life, particularly if they can no longer participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Emotional distress can lead to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting the victim's mental well-being. Noneconomic damages can cover loss of companionship or consortium, which refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship due to the accident. Calculating noneconomic damages requires a nuanced approach, often involving testimony from mental health professionals to convey the accident's full impact on the victim's life.
Types of Bus Accidents in Manhattan
Bus accidents in Manhattan can take various forms. Rollovers are particularly hazardous, often resulting from sharp turns at high speeds or collisions with heavy vehicles. These accidents cause significant injuries due to the bus's large size and the potential for passengers to be thrown inside.
Rear-end accidents occur when a bus collides with the vehicle in front or is hit from behind, frequently causing whiplash and other injuries to both bus passengers and occupants of the other vehicle. Head-on collisions cause devastating injuries and fatalities due to the combined speed and force of impact. Side-impact collisions, or T-bone crashes, often happen at intersections and can severely injure passengers on the impacted side.
MTA Buses
New York City's public MTA buses are involved in thousands of accidents every year. Filing a claim against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) involves several specific steps and strict deadlines. Navigating these procedural requirements effectively often necessitates the knowledge of an experienced attorney.
After the accident, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This document outlines the basic details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and nature of the injuries and damages sustained. Failure to submit this notice within the prescribed timeframe can jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation.
Collecting and presenting comprehensive evidence, such as medical records, photographs, and witness statements, is crucial during this phase. If the claim is not resolved through negotiations, you may need to file a lawsuit within one year and 90 days from the accident date.
School Buses
School bus accidents in Manhattan can have severe consequences, affecting children and their families. These accidents may result from various factors, including driver negligence and poor vehicle maintenance. Victims of school bus accidents may face long-term medical issues, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens.
Establishing liability in these cases can be challenging, as multiple parties might share responsibility, including the school district, bus manufacturers, and third-party contractors.
There are specific regulations governing school buses, such as mandatory safety features and driver qualifications, which can also play a pivotal role in building a strong legal case. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, have extensive experience navigating the intricate landscape of school bus accident claims.
Tour Buses and Private Buses
Tour and private transport large groups, including tourists and private event attendees, increase the stakes in the event of an accident. Factors contributing to these incidents can range from driver error and fatigue to mechanical failures and inadequate safety measures.
In private bus accident cases, multiple parties may be held liable, including the bus company, the driver, and even third-party maintenance providers. Insurance claims for tour and private bus accidents can be complicated by varying coverage policies and liability limits.
Don't Wait: The Statute of Limitation for Bus Accidents in Manhattan
For most personal injury claims, including those involving bus accidents, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. But if you are filing a claim against a government entity like the MTA, the deadlines are significantly shorter. Failing to adhere to these deadlines can result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation.
You'll want to contact a Manhattan auto accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, right away after a bus accident. In addition to making sure you meet all the necessary filing requirements, taking prompt legal action allows your bus accident attorney to begin investigating as soon as possible. This is essential for preserving vital evidence and gathering witness testimonies while memories of the event are still fresh.
The Timeframe and Process for Bus Accident Claims
There are several factors that can influence the time frame of a bus accident lawsuit, including the court calendar, the number of defendants, and the number of expert witnesses that are called upon during a trial.
Due to the complexity of these cases, they can take months or longer to complete. It's important to remember that Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, continue to negotiate during a trial, and a settlement agreement could be at any point during the legal process.
Your Free Consultation and Discussing Case Details
A free consultation offers significant benefits when selecting legal representation for a bus accident claim. It provides an opportunity to evaluate an attorney's skill and approach without any financial obligation. During this meeting, you can discuss the specifics of your case, allowing the lawyer to assess its merits and potential challenges. This initial consultation also enables you to ask important questions about our experience, track record, and how we plan to handle your case.Gathering All of the Critical Evidence in Your Case
Determining liability involves identifying whether the bus driver, another vehicle, or the bus company is liable for your injuries. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, will gather important evidence about the accident, including:
- Police reports
- Accident scene photos
- Medical records
- Internal company document
- Witness interviews
- Dashcam video
- Expert testimony
- Physical evidence
Negotiating Your Injury Settlement
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, excels in crafting effective negotiation and settlement strategies tailored to each client's unique situation. We leverage our extensive experience and understanding of insurance company tactics to advocate vigorously on behalf of our clients. By negotiating with insurance companies and other parties, we work to secure a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your claim. If necessary, we are always prepared to take your case to court to achieve the justice you deserve.
Some of Our Bus Accident Case Results
New York City Transit Authority — $1.1 Million
Attorney Frank J. Lombardo obtained a verdict in the amount of $1,116,451.90 for a 37 year-old-man who was struck down by a bus while walking across the street. The case was handled through discovery by attorney Kenneth Halperin. The plaintiff, a Local 1 Stage Hand, was a pedestrian attempting to cross 42nd Street at its intersection with 9th Avenue when a New York City Transit Authority bus struck him, causing fractures to his face and left shoulder.
School Bus Accident — $3.75 Million
WRSMH Attorney Tracy Kinneary negotiated a settlement of $3.75 Million for our 36-year-old client, who was on his way to work as a Local 157 Union carpenter when he was rear-ended by a school bus.
Private Bus Company Accident — $2 Million
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, settled a case for $2,000,000.00 against Logan Bus Company. The plaintiff, a 39-year-old mother of four, was injured when the car she was driving was struck by a bus.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
If you are looking for good lawyers to represent you, this law-firm has the best lawyers. They will fight for your rights until the end. Everyone always welcomes you with courtesy and respect and you will always be updated in your case!
- N.O. from Google
Very, very good attorneys for me. WRSMH did a great job for me on my case. Thank you guys so much!
- H.P. from Google
Excellent staff the lawyers are smart diligent compassionate they care about their clients and go far and beyond to get the job done to help injured people[.] I was one of those people and I'm forever grateful for the concern and care and pursuit for justice and compensation on my behalf. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP are the guys you want[.] When you are hurt [or] injured they are truly a caring team.
- J.E. from Google
Let the Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, Bus Accident Law Firm Help you Today!
Schedule a FREE consultation with one of our Manhattan personal injury attorneys | (212) 986-7353
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a bus accident?
Following a bus accident, your immediate priority should be ensuring your safety and well-being. First, assess your condition and those around you. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further harm. Even if injuries seem minor, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Once safety and medical needs have been addressed, documenting the accident by taking photographs of the scene, capturing the bus, any other vehicles involved, road conditions, and nearby traffic signals or signs. These images can serve as valuable evidence.
How much does a Manhattan accident lawyer cost?
There are no upfront costs for filing a bus accident claim with Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, and you won't owe us anything unless we win you a settlement. We handle bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis, where the attorney's fees are contingent upon the successful resolution of the case.
When do I need to hire a lawyer for a bus accident?
You'll want to contact an experienced bus accident lawyer right away! Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, will evaluate the full extent of your injuries and work to secure fair compensation. By engaging an attorney, you gain access to expert evaluations and negotiations. Additionally, disputes with insurance companies are a common reason for seeking legal assistance. Insurance companies may attempt to reduce the compensation amount by disputing the extent of your injuries or the liability of their insured party. Our lawyers will help you enhance your ability to secure a fair and timely settlement.