Rochester Bus Accident Lawyer

A lot of individuals rely on buses for their commute to work, school, or other activities and errands. While most of these trips go smoothly for everyone, some do end up in accidents. When these accidents happen, some of the victims may suffer from serious injuries. 

A bus accident can cause life-threatening injuries or even death. If you were injured in a bus accident, you may be able to receive compensation to help pay for your injuries and the losses you’ve sustained because of the accident. Seek help from a Rochester bus accident lawyer at Brown Chiari LLP who can let you know your options. 

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that there are hundreds of fatal bus accidents every year, with thousands of injuries happening in addition to this. The drivers of these vehicles are held to a higher standard because they have to operate the vehicle safely for the passengers they carry. 

Bus accidents are commonly caused by the bus driver or company that owns the buses. Some of the causes can include:

• Driver fatigue impairing the driver’s judgment and ability to drive safely
• Driving under the influence, which is a leading cause of fatalities in traffic accidents, including on buses
• Speeding and not obeying the traffic signs and signals to meet deadlines
• Distracted driving increasing the risk of accidents

Who Holds Liability in a Rochester Bus Accident?

Rochester bus accidents can be complex and it requires a professional to determine who was at fault for the accident. Using a Rochester bus accident lawyer can help you identify the liable party. Some liable parties include:

• Other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists
• Poor road and driving conditions
• Manufacturing defects on the bus
• Passengers riding the bus
• The bus company or company that employs the driver 

A Rochester bus accident attorney can help advise you on how and who to file your lawsuit against depending on the circumstances. It is possible that there are two or more parties involved and responsible. 

You should file a claim within three years of the date of the accident, or within six months if it is against a government entity. If you don’t act in time, you may be unable to get compensated for your injuries. 

New York’s Comparative Negligence Law

In New York, comparative negligence law can impact your Rochester bus accident. This is a law that states that you may be partially responsible for the crash. You may still be able to recover damages, but they will be less the percentage that you were at fault. 

For example, if you were allegedly driving distracted and are found 30 percent at fault, you can still receive 70 percent of compensatory damages. However, your Rochester bus accident attorney will seek out the full value of your compensation. 

Recovering Damages After a Bus Accident 

Both financial and emotional damages can be recovered after a bus accident. The losses you face can be tremendous and having compensation for these losses can help. 

You may be able to recover both economical and non-economical damages that include payment for medical and treatment bills, hospitalization, lost income, property damage, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. 

If your family member died because of the bus accident, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This will help you collect compensation for the death of your loved one in the event of lost income, pain and suffering, and funeral costs. 

Know Your Rights with a Rochester Bus Accident Attorney

Those who have been in a bus accident should seek help from a legal team that understands New York laws. Understand your rights and the options you have for obtaining compensation for your injuries.  

Ready for a free consultation? Contact our team by calling Brown Chiari LLP at 716-681-7190 or filling out the contact form. Your Rochester bus accident lawyer will be in touch with you as soon as possible.