If you are injured on or by a New York City bus, you have the right to be compensated for your damages. However, the real issue is finding out who is liable for your injuries, as there can be multiple parties to blame.
Here is what you should do if a New York City bus injures you.
Steps to Take After a New York City Bus Accident
If you are a pedestrian who got hurt by a New York City bus, the first thing you should do is call 911 and request an ambulance or ask someone else to do so if you cannot.
The police might arrive at the accident scene earlier than the EMTs, so you should let the police officers know your name because several people might be injured, all reporting the accident.
You will need to inform them of your name so you can use it as evidence that you were present and injured. You might be tempted to dismiss a medical checkup when the medics arrive, but you shouldn’t do this.
In moments of distress, our bodies release adrenaline which might hide our pain and injuries, so it is important to prioritize your health first. Second, you will need the medics to examine you and take you to the hospital if necessary. You can use the medical reports in your accident claim later.
While at the accident scene, you should start gathering evidence. This means taking photos of the accident scene and your injuries. You should also speak with witnesses and write down their contact information. If there are CCTV cameras on nearby buildings, make a note of them.
The footage can be useful, but you should inform your lawyer about them as soon as you can because recordings are erased after some time. Don’t forget to write down the bus driver’s name, license plate number, and the name of the company that owns and operates the bus. Lastly, contact a personal injury lawyer to initiate your personal injury claim.
Why You Will Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with a New York City bus that injured you isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Apart from the company owning and operating the vehicle, or the NYC Transit Authority or Metropolitan Transit Authority, other parties might be at fault, such as a distracted driver, faulty traffic signs, etc.
Apart from this, your injuries might not just be physical. You might develop psychological disorders as well, such as PTSD, which are compensable despite being non-economic. Your pain and suffering during your recovery from your injuries are also compensable, but you will need a personal injury lawyer to help you.
A Bus Accident Lawyer in New York City can help you, but what you do during the accident is also crucial to your case. They can help you sue the proper at-fault parties for all the economic and non-economic damages you are entitled to and negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.