If you were hurt in a bus accident, you may be unsure what to do next. A serious injury can impact your health, work, and finances. When a private or public bus causes harm, the legal steps may differ from those in a typical car accident. A Binghamton, NY, bus accident lawyer at Munley Law can help pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Public transportation and bus travel are common in Broome County. While most trips are safe, accidents still happen. Our firm has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these events. The Binghamton personal injury attorneys at Munley Law represent those hurt in city bus, school bus, and charter bus crashes throughout the Southern Tier of New York.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$20 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Work Injury
$11 Million Truck Accident
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
$6.5 Million Traumatic Brain Injury
Binghamton Bus Accidents
Bus crashes in Binghamton, NY, may involve public transportation like B.C. Transit or the Binghamton University shuttle system. They may involve school buses or tour buses. Bus accidents may occur on major roads, such as I-81 and Route 17, or on local city streets.
Bus accidents may occur in Binghamton due to winter weather, which brings snow and ice, resulting in slippery roads and poor visibility. Construction zones, aging infrastructure, and traffic congestion can also contribute to these crashes.
The statute of limitations for bus accidents in New York is three years from the time of the accident. If your accident involved a city or state-run bus, different laws may apply. Special deadlines often apply when suing a government agency.
Compensation in a Bus Accident
After a serious bus accident, financial recovery can help restore stability in your life. Our lawyers seek the maximum amount possible under the law. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, rehab, medication, surgeries, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: If you miss work during recovery or lose future income due to disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, or depression.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Impacts on daily living, hobbies, and family relationships.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was lost in a fatal crash, we can pursue justice on your behalf.
Our attorneys work with experts to calculate the full extent of your losses. We are ready to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes.
What Causes Bus Accidents in Binghamton?
Accidents involving buses happen for many reasons. Some involve negligent bus drivers or driver error. Others stem from poor maintenance or equipment failure. Many involve more than one cause.
At Munley Law, we investigate every detail. Understanding the cause helps build a strong case. Some of the most common issues we see include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long shifts and early hours can lead to tired drivers behind the wheel.
- Speeding or Unsafe Driving: Rushing to stay on schedule can result in poor decisions.
- Inadequate Training: Some bus drivers may lack proper training and experience with large vehicles.
- Mechanical Problems: Worn brakes, bad tires, and other defects often lead to preventable crashes.
- Distracted Driving: Phone use, GPS, or other distractions can shift a driver’s focus.
- Bad Weather or Road Conditions: Ice and snow are common hazards in Binghamton winters.
Each of these can lead to rear-end collisions, rollovers, pedestrian strikes, and other serious accidents. Our lawyers know what to look for when reviewing bus company logs, maintenance records, or surveillance footage.
Common Injuries From Bus Crashes
Bus passengers typically aren’t buckled in. That increases the risk of injury in a crash. Victims may be hurt while getting on or off the bus, walking nearby, or riding in other vehicles.
Common injuries from bus accidents include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur from falls or impacts with hard surfaces.
- Back and Spine Damage: Herniated discs or spinal cord injuries may lead to permanent disability.
- Broken Bones: Collisions often result in fractures to arms, legs, or hips.
- Lacerations and Bruises: Sharp edges or shattered glass can cause serious wounds.
- Internal Injuries: These may not be visible at first but can be life-threatening if untreated.
We understand how these injuries impact your life. We fight for full compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain, and long-term needs.
Who May Be Liable in a Binghamton Bus Accident
Liability in a bus accident is not always clear. Unlike a car accident between two drivers, buses are often owned and operated by larger organizations. That adds a layer of difficulty to your case.
Depending on the facts in your bus accident case, one or more of the following may be held responsible:
- Bus Driver: If they acted carelessly or broke the law, they may be directly at fault.
- Transit Agency or School District: Employers can be responsible for their drivers’ actions or poor maintenance practices.
- Private Bus Companies: Tour and charter bus services must adhere to strict safety regulations.
- Manufacturers: If a defective part failed, the company that made or installed it could be liable.
- Other Drivers: Sometimes, another car causes a chain reaction involving the bus.
Munley Law has decades of experience identifying every responsible party. We explore every avenue when seeking justice.
What to Do After a Bus Crash
If you were injured in a bus accident, your actions after the crash matter. Here’s what we recommend:
- Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries can appear later. A medical record is important for your case.
- Report the Accident: Make sure a formal police report is filed.
- Document What You Can: Take photos, gather names of witnesses, and write down details while they’re fresh.
- Call a Lawyer: An experienced attorney can protect your rights from the start.
You don’t have to take on a bus company or city agency by yourself. Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Munley Law for a Bus Accident Case
For over 65 years, Munley Law has represented victims who are seriously injured in transportation accidents. We are nationally recognized for our work in complex cases involving commercial vehicles and transit systems. Our firm has secured multiple multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for accident victims. This includes recovering $20 million for a client injured in a commercial vehicle accident.
Our attorneys include board-certified civil trial specialists. We have been listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor given to less than 1% of lawyers nationwide in recognition of our overwhelming success in receiving the highest settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Our lawyers work on contingency. That means no fees unless we win for you.
What Sets Us Apart
At Munley Law, clients are more than case files. We take a hands-on approach with each person we represent. You’ll always have direct access to your attorney. We’re responsive, experienced, and prepared for the fight ahead.
- Experience: We’ve handled some of the nation’s toughest transportation accident cases.
- Resources: Our firm works with top experts in accident reconstruction and medical damages.
- Results: Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve helped thousands of injured people get justice.
We know what it takes to stand up to large companies and government agencies.
Contact a Binghamton Bus Accident Lawyer at Munley Law Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident, don’t wait. The sooner we begin building your case, the better your chance of success.
Call Munley Law today or contact us online for a free consultation. There’s no cost to speak with a lawyer, and no obligation. We’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step toward recovery.