Tour buses are a fairly popular tourist attraction in big cities such as New York. They are convenient and take you to the main hot spots without the hassle of driving or finding parking.
However, their safety has been put to question recently—and for good reason. More and more, The Case Handler team at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP see and hear about people being injured in senseless bus accidents. Just last year, a charter bus collided with a city bus and killed three people. The charter bus driver had been previously fired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In another instance, a double-decker tour bus crashed into a meat truck, sending three people to the hospital.
And it looks like New York citizens are fed up with tourist buses taking over the city. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, who is pushing for legislation to limit the amount of tour buses on the streets of NY, said, “We need to set ground rules for this industry. To seriously tackle street congestion and related quality-of-life problems, everything needs to be on the table. That includes limits and regulations for an industry that’s put hundreds of extra buses on our streets.”
New York is swamped with city tour buses, and it only takes a second for an accident to happen.
How Bad Are Tour Bus Injuries?
A bus accident can result in life-changing injuries, especially because NY does not require buses to have seatbelts. There are different reasons why buses are not required to have seatbelts. Not only would it be costly to add seatbelts, but it would also take up room on an already crowded bus. When a collision does occur, the lack of seatbelts on buses might mean many different injuries. Some of the most common ones are neck and back injuries, whiplash, concussion, brain trauma, and broken bones.
Injuries sustained in a bus accident might cause you mental pain and suffering as well, in addition to lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries. Injuries also result in costly medical bills. However, when it comes to figuring out who is going to pay for those damages, things can get a bit tricky. This is why it’s vital to contact a New York lawyer right away to help you navigate the process of getting just compensation.
Who May Be Responsible for a Bus Accident?
The important question in regards to a bus crash is always, “Who’s responsible?” That will determine who has to pay for injuries and other damages that took place during the crash. There are many possible culprits:
- The bus driver: Many accidents that take place are the fault of the driver. Whether they were running a red light or driving under the influence of alcohol, bus drivers CAN be held responsible for causing injuries to their passengers. Most of the time the financially responsible party will end up being the company that hired the driver, along with its insurance company.
- The bus company: The bus company must ensure that its buses are not faulty, and that its drivers are qualified. If a company sends out a driver who has a history of accidents, or a bus with safety issues, it is being negligent and can be held liable.
- The manufacturer of the bus: The manufacturer of the bus can be held responsible for injuries if it sends out vehicles that are not up to par with industry standards. For example, defective parts.
- The bus maintenance company: The bus maintenance company is charged with making sure the bus is adequately maintained to ensure the safety of its passengers. If the maintenance company fails to make sure the vehicle is technically sound, it can be held liable for damages.
- The government: In rare cases, the government might also be responsible. For example, if a failure to fix dangerous road conditions contributed to the bus crash. Filing a claim against a government entity is more complicated and has a shorter time limit.
What to Do If You Are in a Bus Accident
If you have been injured in a bus accident, chances are you have no idea why it happened or who’s at fault. Between the bus company, the bus driver, and other drivers, the sources of your pain might seem endless to you. Don’t give up, give us a call!
After a bus accident, you need a seasoned NY vehicle accident attorney to take a look at your case and identify which parties can be held responsible. The Case Handler team at PPID has an extensive history of success in fighting on behalf of accident victims and getting them fair compensation for their injuries and suffering. For a free consultation, call us at 800-223-2814.
Our Recent Bus Accident Settlements & Verdicts:
- $3,889,000 Verdict – MTA Bus Accident Results in Fractured Left Leg
- $260,000 Settlement – Charter Bus Accident to Atlantic City
- $235,000 Settlement – Bus Passenger Injured While Attempting to Exit Bus
- $115,000 Settlement – Parent Chaperone Hurt on School Bus
