After a serious crash involving a bus, hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference in your case. With the right legal support, you could recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. To make an informed decision, it’s important to know which questions to ask a bus accident lawyer before signing a contract.
Asking the right questions helps you understand how a lawyer works, what to expect from the legal process, and whether they’re a good fit for your needs.
A Long Island bus accident lawyer should explain their experience with similar cases, how their fee structure works, and what steps they’ll take to pursue compensation. A knowledgeable attorney should provide clear, honest answers to help you make informed decisions about your case.
In This Article
Reading time: 5 minutes
- 1. What Experience Do You Have With Motor Vehicle Accident Cases?
- 2. What Kind of Legal Fees Should I Expect?
- 3. What Are the Merits of My Case?
- 4. How Will You Communicate With Me During the Case?
- 5. What Information Do You Need From Me?
- 6. How Much Compensation Could I Receive?
- 7. How Long Will the Case Take?
- 8. Who Could Be Held Liable for My Bus Accident?
- 9. Will My Case Go to Court?
- 10. What If You Can’t Answer All My Questions Today?
- Ask Our Bus Accident Lawyers Your Questions Today
1. What Experience Do You Have With Motor Vehicle Accident Cases?
While bus accident claims can be complex, they are essentially motor vehicle accident cases. While each type of motor vehicle accident case will have nuances that are specific to that case type, the best practices for handling such cases, from investigation to negotiations to litigation, are nearly identical. The manner in which truck accident cases, motorcycle accident cases, car accident cases, and bus accident cases are optimally prosecuted is very similar. In fact, many motor vehicle accident cases involve a mix of vehicle types. For example, accidents involving a bus and a car, or a bus and a truck. No matter the vehicle types, the principles upon which the case should be built are the same. Ask your lawyer what experience they have handling motor vehicle accident cases and what the outcomes were. They should be able to give examples of successful results, explain how they overcame specific challenges, and describe how those experiences will benefit your case.For a free legal consultation, call (516) 932-0400
2. What Kind of Legal Fees Should I Expect?
Lawyers charge in different ways, and it’s important to understand their fee structure before signing a contract. Many personal injury firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless you recover compensation. Ask questions like:- What percentage of my settlement will you take?
- Will I need to pay court filing or expert witness fees?
- What happens if we don’t win the case?
3. What Are the Merits of My Case?
In your initial consultation, your attorney should give you an honest assessment of your case. This includes evaluating liability, potential defenses, and whether there’s enough time to file under New York’s statutes of limitations. They should also let you know what types of claims—such as a no-fault insurance claim or a third-party liability suit—you may be eligible to file. 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 schedule an initial consultation as soon as possible after your bus accident so that you know exactly what deadlines you are facing and what your best options for legal action are.Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
4. How Will You Communicate With Me During the Case?
Communication is key during a personal injury case. Ask how frequently your lawyer will provide updates and whether you’ll be speaking directly with them or their support staff. You’ll also want to know how quickly they respond to emails or calls and whether they provide regular case status summaries.Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
5. What Information Do You Need From Me?
While your lawyer will handle the legal work, they’ll still need help from you to build the case. Be ready to answer questions about what you remember from the accident, share photos or videos of the scene, and provide any communication from insurers. Your lawyer may also ask:- Have you seen a doctor, and do you have medical records?
- Did you speak with any witnesses at the scene?
- Has the insurance company already contacted you?
6. How Much Compensation Could I Receive?
It’s understandable to want an estimate of your case value, but most attorneys will need to fully investigate before giving a number. Your potential settlement depends on several factors, including medical expenses, lost wages, and the severity of your injuries. A good lawyer will explain how these factors play into the valuation process and when they’ll have a clearer estimate for you.7. How Long Will the Case Take?
No two cases are alike, so timelines vary. Your lawyer should explain how long similar cases have taken and what factors might speed up or slow down your case. Delays often come from the insurance company, the complexity of your injuries, or the need to go to court if a settlement can’t be reached.8. Who Could Be Held Liable for My Bus Accident?
Bus accident liability may involve more than just the driver. Your lawyer should discuss who might be legally responsible, including:- A private bus company or its management
- A government agency (for city or school buses)
- A maintenance contractor or vehicle manufacturer
- Another driver who caused or contributed to the crash
9. Will My Case Go to Court?
Most bus accident cases are resolved through settlements, but not all. Ask your lawyer if they’re prepared to take your case to trial and whether they’ve litigated similar cases before. You don’t want to be surprised later by a firm that refers your case out because they don’t handle courtroom proceedings.10. What If You Can’t Answer All My Questions Today?
Some answers—such as the exact value of your case or whether it will settle—may not be available immediately. A good attorney will explain what information they still need and what steps they’ll take to get it. They should be transparent about what they can’t answer now and reassure you that they’ll provide updates once more facts are known. Even if your bus injury attorney cannot answer every single question, they should be knowledgeable about the law, sympathetic to your situation, and willing to address all of your questions to the best of their ability. If your attorney provides unsatisfactory answers or seems unhappy with your questions, it is better to hire someone more supportive.Ask Our Bus Accident Lawyers Your Questions Today
If you were hurt in a bus accident and have questions about your legal options, we invite you to contact Friedman & Simon Injury Lawyers L.L.P. for a free consultation. With over a century of combined legal experience, our team is here to provide the guidance and support you need. We’re ready to answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you understand what to expect if you choose to work with a Long Island bus accident lawyer from our firm.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form