Bus crashes happen in many ways and for many reasons. Understanding some of the most common types of bus accidents—which include rear-end crashes and accidents involving other vehicles—and who is most at risk for injuries could help keep your family safe.
When a bus driver causes an accident, serious injuries are common. Victims could include passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and the occupants of other vehicles. When a collision does occur, working with a Long Island bus accident lawyer will allow you to focus on healing while we manage your insurance claim and recover compensation for you.
- What Are Some Common Types of Bus Crashes?
- Who Suffers Injuries in Bus Accidents?
- Types of Buses Commonly Involved in Accidents
- What Do I Need to Know About Filing a Bus Accident Claim?
- Talk to Our Bus Accident Team Today for Free
What Are Some Common Types of Bus Crashes?
Some common types of bus accidents include:
Rear-End Collisions
A bus could rear-end a car or be struck from behind by another vehicle. These crashes often occur in stop-and-go traffic, especially in congested areas. Injuries vary depending on the speed of impact, how the crash occurs, and numerous other factors.
Pedestrian & Cyclist Accidents
Buses often run in busy urban areas with many crosswalks, bus stops, and intersections. A distracted or speeding bus driver could fail to see a pedestrian or bicyclist crossing in front of the bus.
Side-Impact or “T-Bone” Crashes
Side-impact collisions, often referred to as T-bone crashes, typically occur at intersections when a vehicle runs a red light or fails to yield to oncoming traffic.
Rollovers Accidents
Though less common, rollover accidents involving buses are sometimes deadly for passengers. Rollovers could occur due to sharp turns, high speeds, running off the road, or other driver errors.
Bus Boarding and Exiting Injuries
Many passengers are hurt while getting on or off a bus. Falls on the bus are common, too. This could occur when the bus pulls away before a passenger is safely seated or holding onto a strap or rail. Elderly passengers and children are at an increased risk.
For a free legal consultation, call (516) 932-0400
Who Suffers Injuries in Bus Accidents?
The National Safety Council (NSC) looked at data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gathered between 2013 and 2022 to determine who was at risk of injuries in school bus accidents. This data showed:
- 71 percent of the deaths in crashes were occupants of other vehicles
- 19 percent were pedestrians or cyclists
- 5 percent were school bus passengers
- 4 percent were school bus drivers
This also gives us insight into who has the right to pursue damages after a crash:
Drivers and Occupants of Other Vehicles
When a bus crashes into a car or truck, the smaller vehicle almost always has the most damage. Occupants suffer serious injuries, and claims for compensation are often complicated, especially when a public entity or large corporation operates the bus.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Even at low speeds, a bus could cause catastrophic or fatal injuries to a pedestrian or cyclist, entitling them to compensation for all past, present, and future losses.
Bus Passengers
Passengers on the bus could suffer injuries during collisions, minor accidents, or abrupt stops. Passengers are often thrown from their seats to the floor or against hard surfaces during a crash.
Types of Buses Commonly Involved in Accidents
Bus accident claims are often complicated because of the way bus systems operate or who owns the bus. Examples of buses you could potentially hold liable include:
Mass Transit Buses (MTA, NICE)
Public transportation buses in NYC and Long Island make frequent stops and run in congested areas where pedestrian and cyclist traffic is high. Crashes involving Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) or Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE), or Suffolk County Transit (SCT) buses lead to unique legal challenges because of the state’s municipal liability laws.
School Buses
New York requires school buses to follow rigorous safety standards, but accidents still occur. These cases are often complex because of the number of children injured and/or because of how school systems manage their bus fleets.
Tour Buses and Charter Buses
Tour buses often travel faster and further than other types of buses. This could lead to highway crashes, rollovers, or accidents caused by fatigued or undertrained drivers. These claims involve holding a large company or private charter service accountable.
Private Coaches
Some private bus companies do not ensure drivers are properly trained, retrained, or licensed. Also, different insurance rules could apply. These factors could play a role in your claim after an accident.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
What Do I Need to Know About Filing a Bus Accident Claim?
Bus accident cases often involve complex liability issues. Having an attorney on your side who understands these concerns and how to navigate them is important.
Depending on the circumstances, the liable party in your case could include:
- A public entity, such as the MTA or a school district
- A private bus company
- An individual who owns a private coach
- Another driver who caused the accident
- A manufacturer or maintenance company
There are deadlines for filing a lawsuit based on your injuries under New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules § 214. (It is also very important to note that a shorter statute of limitations may apply to your situation, depending upon the circumstances of your case. It is best to take advantage of a free case review with our firm so that you know exactly what deadlines you are facing and what your best options for legal action are.)
However, this is not the only deadline that applies if your accident occurred because of a bus driver working for a government agency. These cases require you to manage a strict process that includes filing a notice of claim very quickly. Our law firm can assist you with this if you contact us promptly.
How Will a Lawyer Manage My Case?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus accident in New York City, on Long Island, or another nearby area, you want an attorney on your side. Our bus accident attorneys will:
- Provide regular case updates
- Identify all liable parties based on available evidence
- Manage all communication with everyone involved
- Investigate and gather evidence to support your claim
- Determine how much your settlement might be worth
- Work toward a settlement or take the case to court
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Talk to Our Bus Accident Team Today for Free
Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., provides free consultations for bus accident victims on Long Island or elsewhere in the New York metropolitan area. We will explain your options and how our bus accident lawyers will manage your case. We have almost a century of combined experience. Call us today to get started.
Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form