What Happens if I was in an Accident with a New York City Government Vehicle?
Driving around the city in traffic is frustrating enough without dealing with the aftermath of an accident, especially if you end up having an accident with an NYC government vehicle. There are public transportation vehicles everywhere in New York City, so it’s highly likely that you could get hit by one of these many vehicles. We understand that having an accident can be a stressful time, and the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC is here to help. We currently handle cases in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens. Our mission is to be your voice for the injuries you sustained in your accident while making sure that your rights are upheld.
What Is the MTA?
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) essentially holds the monopoly on bus service within the New York City limits. There are generally around 5,600 buses on the road in the City every year. Each of these vehicles carries millions of passengers to locations all over the city. If you ask any New Yorker, you’ll find that most drivers are victims of bus accidents or have narrowly avoided them. Whether a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, buses make up a significant portion of accidents on the roadways of New York City annually.
Michael J. Redenburg has represented individuals that have suffered serious injuries as the result of NYC bus accidents. He has the experience necessary to competently handle your case and get you a fair settlement. He is well versed in the laws surrounding accidents with any NYC city vehicle, so he can accurately represent you in your personal injury lawsuit.
Were You or a Loved One Injured by a Bus Accident in New York?
New York is busy year-round, meaning that lots of people are both on foot and in vehicles on our roadways. Each year, thousands of people sustain injuries or are killed in accidents that involve NYC buses. Most of the accidents are the result of the negligence of the bus drivers or the companies that hire them. Once you are involved in an accident with a bus in NYC, what should you do? We recommend that you immediately call 911, so that police and EMT will be dispatched to the scene. You can have your injuries evaluated, and there will be a police report on file with all of the information of the parties involved.
What Are Some of the Causes of NYC Government Vehicle Accidents?
As we mentioned earlier, most of the accidents that involve city buses are the fault of the bus driver or their hiring company. Much like any motor vehicle accident, these incidents occur because of poor driving like speeding, distracted driving, being fatigued, or driving under the influence of substances. Most accidents occur because buses fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Sometimes it isn’t the fault of the driver but the company employing the bus driver. There are situations where buses haven’t been properly maintained and were unsafe for the road prior to accidents. Finally, a fraction of these accidents are the result of a bus driver’s lack of training, which is also the fault of the company. The cause of the accident is what proves negligence, which is vital to your case. We know what to look for, which gives you a better chance at winning your lawsuit.
What Does Negligence on the Part of the Bus Driver Mean?
Negligence is when reasonable care isn’t taken by the bus driver in the situation. When their care is not adequate, and it results in injuries or death, then they are negligent. It’s a legal way to say that the bus driver is at fault and responsible for your injuries. These are specific things that are considered negligence versus an accident:
- Improper training for bus drivers
- Lapses in maintenance on buses
- Not performing proper inspections
- Required overtime on schedules
- Companies asking drivers to work too many hours
If you have been in an accident with an NYC vehicle, you need an experienced attorney that can fight for you. It is important to hire an attorney the minute that you are a victim of a bus accident, so you can get started with the process. Each case is different, and you must speak with someone one-on-one to get the best guidance. Contact us today to set up your appointment to talk about your personal injury lawsuit.
What if I am a Pedestrian or Bicyclist That Was Struck by an NYC City Vehicle? Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Absolutely. Thankfully, many buses now have surveillance equipment on board, so you can see the accident from a first-hand view. These cameras will show what the road and what the driver is doing on the inside of the bus. So, if the driver involved in your accident was turning around and talking to passengers when the accident occurred, this is a perfect example of distracted driving. The first step in your case is making sure you hire an attorney that will demand access to the recordings from these dash cameras. Before any deposition is taken from the bus driver, this footage needs to be reviewed.
Hire an Experienced New York City Government Vehicle Accident Attorney
Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. has handled hundreds of personal injury lawsuits for victims of accidents in NYC. He knows the steps that need to be taken to win your case. You need someone that is going to fight for you to get you what you deserve. Don’t take a chance hiring an attorney that isn’t experienced enough to take on your case. Contact us today at 212-240-9465 to discuss all of your legal options.
All of the information provided on this site is meant to be informational for our current and potential clients. Remember, this article is not a substitute actual legal advice. To find out specific advice about your case you must make an appointment with our office. The sooner you sit down with us to discuss your options, the more time we will have to better prepare your case. Don’t delay, contact us today to set up your appointment.