Public buses are part of daily life in the Bronx. Thousands of residents rely on MTA buses to get to work, school, medical appointments, and home again. With that volume of traffic, accidents happen more often than many people realize. When a bus crash leads to serious injuries, victims are often left confused about their rights. At Gash & Associates, P.C. in White Plains, we help injured individuals understand their legal options after a public transportation accident Bronx residents experience.
When You Can Sue After a Bronx Bus Accident
You may have the right to sue NYC Transit for bus injury if negligence caused the crash. Negligence means that someone failed to act with reasonable care. In the case of an MTA bus accident Bronx victims report, that could include a driver who was distracted, speeding, fatigued, or failed to obey traffic signals.
Liability is not limited to the driver alone. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and NYC Transit may be responsible if poor training, inadequate supervision, or improper vehicle maintenance contributed to the accident. For example, if brake failure resulted from skipped inspections, the agency itself could be held accountable.
Unlike claims against private drivers, cases involving public entities follow special procedures. That makes early legal guidance critical.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents often cause different types of injuries than typical car crashes. Many passengers are standing, holding onto poles or straps. A sudden stop or sharp turn can throw riders forward without warning. In a serious collision, unrestrained passengers may be slammed into seats, windows, or other riders.
Common injuries include:
Standing passenger injuries: Riders who are not seated can suffer broken bones, head injuries, or shoulder damage when the bus jerks suddenly.
Sudden stop trauma: Neck and back injuries frequently occur when a driver brakes abruptly.
Pedestrian impacts: When a bus strikes someone crossing the street, the injuries can be catastrophic.
If you were injured in a public transportation accident Bronx streets have seen, medical documentation and prompt treatment are essential to protect both your health and your legal claim.
Deadlines for Filing a Claim Against the MTA
Claims involving public agencies have strict deadlines. If you are pursuing a Bronx personal injury MTA claim, you must typically file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This formal document notifies the agency that you intend to seek compensation.
After filing the Notice of Claim, additional deadlines apply before a lawsuit can proceed. Missing the 90-day window can seriously limit your ability to recover damages. Because these timelines are shorter than those in most other personal injury cases, speaking with a bus crash injury attorney Bronx residents trust as soon as possible is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the MTA after a Bronx bus accident?
Yes, if negligence caused your injuries. However, you must follow the special Notice of Claim procedure within 90 days.
What if I was a pedestrian hit by a public bus?
Pedestrians have the same right to pursue compensation if the bus driver or transit authority acted negligently.
How much time do I have to file a claim?
You generally have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim against the MTA, and additional deadlines apply afterward.
If you were injured in an MTA bus accident Bronx residents face all too often, we are here to help. Contact Gash & Associates, P.C. at (914) 328-8800 to discuss your situation and protect your rights.
