Who Is Liable in an NYC School Bus Accident?
In New York,school bus accidents can be a heartbreaking reality for many families. Such accidents can result in devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences, making it all the more crucial for New Yorkers to understand who is liable for any resulting injuries or property damage. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the legal complexities surrounding school bus accidents and lack protection against potential harm.
It's important to keep in mind that determining fault in any type of motor vehicle accident can be complex and requires an in-depth legal knowledge of state laws and regulations. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected throughout all stages of litigation and fight to obtain maximum compensation from those responsible.
Keep reading to learn more about filing a personal injury claim, liability, and other applicable laws after a New York school bus accident.
Be Aware that School Buses are often in a Hurry And Have Limited Visibility
Vehicles or Passengers
If you are driving or riding in a vehicle, remember than School Bus drivers make frequent, and often abrupt turns and stops to pick up or discharge passengers. The school bus drivers can be distracted by students or stressed to make their stops on time. Remember that if a School Bus has stopped, there may been children running in the vicinity.
Treat the School Bus as you would any large commercial vehicle on the road. Avoidance of an accident is always the best option.
Cyclists
If you are riding a bicycle, e-bike or scooter, be aware that the School Bus driver may not have clear visibility of you while you are travelling. Be cautious of speeding or turning School Buses who may not anticipate when you enter an intersection.
Pedestrians
If you are a pedestrian walking or crossing, know that a driver who is sitting higher up may not have the best view of a person standing near the bus. DO NOT WALK directly in back or in front of the bus where the visibility is diminished. When crossing, do not assume a bus will stop for you even if you have the right of way.
Your Children
After experiencing unimaginable trauma to kids like a school bus accident or injury, understanding your rights is essential to protecting your children and loved ones from further harm while seeking justice for negligent behavior. Working with an experienced school bus accident attorney can make the process of collecting compensation as swift and painless as possible for you and your family.
It's important to stay informed about school bus safety measures taken by your child’s local school district. Be aware that in New York City, all children are required to participate in school bus safety drills three times every school year. Communicate with your children what they should do in the event of an emergency. Remember, children who remain seated while the bus is traveling are less likely to become injured in the event of an impact. Caution your children to remain vigilant when they are getting of the bus. Many accidents result from buses striking children that have gotten off the bus just a few moments before.
First and foremost, it’s imperative to secure reliable legal representation after an NYC accident, as this can provide needed time to heal and recover while a qualified legal advocate handles the technicalities of your case.
Determining Liability in NY School Bus Accidents
In NYC, liability in a school bus accident depends on several factors, such as who owns the bus and who was operating it at the time of the accident, and most importantly, how the operation of the bus contributed to the accident.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents in New York
Common causes of school bus accidents in New York are often the result of negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield the right of way, and improper maintenance. Many school buses operate for hours each day and regularly transport dozens of children to and from school, making it essential for bus drivers to remain focused on the road at all times.
Unfortunately, when a driver is distracted by a cell phone or other device while operating a School Bus full of passengers, serious accidents can occur. In addition to driver negligence, student misbehavior can also contribute to an accident. For example, if students fail to remain seated or stand up while the bus is in motion they can cause distraction to the driver which could lead to an accident.
Proper bus maintenance is just as important as responsible driving and behavior from both students and drivers alike. Vehicles that haven’t been properly inspected for mechanical defects are more likely to be involved in an accident due to faulty brakes or other malfunctioning components.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can provide injured parties with needed time to recover while legal professionals handle the technicalities of any resulting litigation after an NYC school bus accident.
Fighting for the Maximum Compensation You Deserve
At Koenigsberg & Associates, our personal injury School Bus lawyers are committed to bettering the lives of our NYC neighbors. We have extensive experience representing injured New Yorkers after life-changing accidents, from premises liability claims to catastrophic injuries.
Our firm has a successful track record of recovering millions of dollars in School Bus accidents on behalf of our clients through tireless advocacy and a never-ending pursuit of justice. Take the first step toward recovery by turning to a firm with an in-depth knowledge of NYC laws and personal injury claims.
Being in an accident can result in life-altering consequences. Our NYC personal injury attorneys can fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (718) 690-3132 to schedule a consultation.