A Bus Veered Into My Bike Lane. Can I Sue?
A Bus Veered Into My Bike Lane, and I Crashed. Can I Sue?
In our ever-rising inflationary economy, taking the bus and riding a bike in New York have become sensible and financially feasible choices for more people than ever. Unfortunately, due to the increase in bicycles on the road, accidents between motor vehicles and bicycles are also at an all-time high – especially those involving both buses and bicycles. Even cyclists who maintain their lanes and follow all the road rules are often at risk when sharing the road with trucks, cars, and buses. Bus drivers are pressured to maintain their route’s schedule and routine while navigating crowded, narrow streets rife with harried and distracted drivers. Injured cyclists are frequently the victims of this hustle and bustle.
Bus vs. bicycle accidents is deadly serious. Cyclists suffering from critical conditions due to these accidents incur not only painful physical and psychological injuries but mounting long-term financial stresses and strains as well. These kinds of trauma can convolute your time, energy, and ability to handle the resulting medical and insurance matters. Time is, as they say, of the essence when filing the necessary paperwork to resolve their compensation claims. The legal professionals at Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C. are your advocates, uniquely qualified to assist in all matters about your bicycle/bus accident.
There are many factors in determining who is at fault when a bus and a bicycle collide in New York. When a bus collides with a cyclist inside the designated bicycle lane, there is no question that the bus will be liable. This includes anything hanging off of or from the bus, such as low-hanging mirrors and exterior-mounted bicycles or wheelchairs, etc. In some instances, liability may be reduced when the bicyclist is partially at fault for the collision and resulting damages. For example, if the cyclist was riding outside of a designated lane, not wearing reflective clothing, or if they failed to adhere to traffic signals, their actions may be considered contributory factors to the injuries they sustained. Conditions such as this can result in a reduction of the ultimate recovery claim. Knowing how to sort out these details is our specialty.
Transit (bus) companies are considered government entities. Non-public transit companies (such as Greyhound, etc.) operate differently regarding liability and statute of limitations. Claims against public entities have very specific statutes of limitations and depend upon several mitigating factors relative to the accident. It is for this reason that you must gather as much information immediately following a bicycle accident with a bus in New York. You will want to assemble and record information, including:
- The date, time, and specific location of your collision
- The bus number, line, and driver’s name
- Any witness names and telephone numbers or contact information
Additionally, you will need to compile all of the records and bills about any medical care and treatment you receive specific to your accident. This begins with any ambulance or first-responder attention you receive at the site of the collision, through any hospital visits, doctor’s office appointments, prescription medications or devices you receive, and ongoing physical therapy or emotional support services beyond your initial treatment. You must seek medical attention for any injuries you experience as a result of your accident, as self-diagnosis and self-treatment are seldom compensated through claims of this nature. Myriad types of injuries can result from bus/bicycle collisions, and some may take longer to manifest. Ignoring a small ache or pain initially may be far more damaging in the long run if left untreated. The most common types of traumatic injuries from accidents such as these include:
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Facial injuries
- Knee, hip, ankle, and spine injuries
- Broken leg, arm, and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Nerve damage
- Fear, panic attacks, and depression
At Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C., we specialize in liability and personal injury matters. We will take the time to reconstruct the circumstances that led to your accident, follow up with all witnesses and providers, and navigate the intricacies of insurance companies and their procedures to win you the compensation you greatly deserve. If you cannot come to our offices for your initial consultation, we will gladly come to your hospital or home, and we will never charge for our services until your matter is ultimately settled. Call today to schedule an appointment with your legal experts.
About Daniella Levi & Associates P.C.
After a serious accident, many people are in desperate need of the financial support that comes from a successful result of their injury claim. To ensure you have the best chance at obtaining the compensation you deserve, your lawyer should be just as invested in your case as you are.
At Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C., headquartered in New York City, we believe strongly in upholding the rights of accident victims. We are dedicated advocates for our clients, fighting, and using every available resource, to obtain the compensation they deserve.
Daniella Levi & Associates P.C. has 3 Locations in NYC: Levi Law Queens | Levi Law The Bronx | Levi Law Mineola