Queens Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses provide reliable and safe transportation to countless residents and tourists. While they are not as common as other vehicle collisions, bus crashes still happen. When they do, the size and weight of these vehicles can cause severe injuries and substantial losses.

When a negligent driver or bus operating company causes a collision, an experienced personal injury attorney could help you navigate the process of seeking compensation. Schedule to meet an experienced Queens bus accident lawyer who could review your case.

Who is Liable For a Bus Crash in Queens?

Bus accidents occur for many of the same reasons as other vehicle collisions. One of the most common causes of bus crashes is driver negligence. Negligent actions that can lead to crashes include the following:

• Failing to check all mirrors before merging
• Unsafe turning practices
• Failing to notice pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or reckless bus operation
• Aggressive or impatient bus driving

Depending on the circumstances, it is not uncommon for a bus crash claim to list two or more defendants. A bus operating company could be at fault for failing to provide adequate training or comply with maintenance regulations. A mechanic could be liable if the vehicle had a faulty part. A hard-working local attorney could complete a thorough investigation of a specific bus crash to determine who was at fault.

Proving Negligence in Bus Collision Lawsuits

Plaintiffs must prove four fundamental aspects of negligence to recover damages successfully. A bus crash attorney serving Queens could help gather evidence proving all necessary elements of negligence. These include the following:

Duty of Care

A case must first prove that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care. The civil court follows a reasonable person standard, meaning the bus driver or transportation company must act as another reasonably prudent person or entity would. In bus accident cases, operators and their employers have a standard of care to follow the traffic laws and act reasonably to protect passengers and others on the road.

Breach of Duty

The next component of proving negligence is demonstrating that the party who owed the plaintiff a duty of care breached that duty. The case must also establish the defendant’s breach resulted from their negligence.

Causation

According to the New York State Unified Court System, establishing that the defendant’s conduct was the direct or an actual contributory cause of the damages establishes this element of negligence. In some cases, causation means proving the defendant’s actions were the primary and only cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. However, causation can also mean that the plaintiff’s injuries were reasonably foreseeable and could have been prevented, even if the defendant’s actions did not directly cause the damage.

Injuries and Damages

The final component of a successful injury claim is proving the injuries and damages a plaintiff suffered due to the defendant’s negligent actions. An attorney could assist with proving these concepts in a comprehensive compensation claim on a plaintiff’s behalf.

Call a Knowledgeable Queens Bus Accident Attorney Today

Buses are much larger than other cars and do not provide the same safety equipment, such as seatbelts and airbags, for passengers. Though accidents are rare, they can cause devastating damage to passengers as well as other motorists and pedestrians.

If you were in a crash that was caused by a negligent bus operator or company, pursuing compensation through an injury claim could help set things right. Call a Queens bus accident lawyer today to learn more.