New York School Bus Accident Lawyer

If your child was involved in a bus accident, it's crucial to take the following steps to ensure their safety and protect their legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your child's health and well-being should be the top priority. If they have any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem, seek medical attention immediately. Even seemingly minor injuries could develop into more serious issues later on.
2. Notify Authorities: Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police and the school district. This ensures that the incident is properly documented, and an investigation can be conducted if necessary.
3. Gather Information: Collect as much information about the accident as possible. This includes the names and contact information of the bus driver, witnesses, and other parties involved. Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the bus and surrounding vehicles.
4. Contact the School: Inform the school about the accident and your child's injuries. They may be able to provide support and assistance, such as arranging for counseling or academic accommodation if needed.
5. Consult with an Attorney: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in school bus accidents. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, navigate the claims process, and pursue compensation for your child's injuries and damages.
6. Document Injuries: Keep detailed records of your child's injuries, medical treatments, and expenses related to the accident. This information will be essential for any insurance claims or legal proceedings.
7. Follow Up: Continue to monitor your child's health and well-being in the days and weeks following the accident. Attend all follow-up medical appointments and follow any treatment plans recommended by healthcare professionals.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your child receives the necessary medical care and support after a bus accident, and that their legal rights are protected.

Similar steps should be followed if you are a pedestrian or a cyclist who was struck by a school bus.

It is important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a school bus accident for several reasons:

1. Preservation of Evidence: Evidence related to the accident, such as witness statements, photographs of the scene, and physical evidence, can degrade or disappear over time. By contacting an attorney promptly, you increase the likelihood of preserving crucial evidence that may be essential to building your case.
2. Statute of Limitations: In New York and many other jurisdictions, there are strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet these deadlines could result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation for your injuries. An attorney can ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken within the required timeframe.
3. Legal Guidance: Dealing with the aftermath of a school bus accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide you with invaluable legal guidance and support, helping you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and make informed decisions about your case.
4. Investigation: A thorough investigation is essential to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability. Attorneys have the resources and expertise to conduct investigations, gather evidence, and identify all potentially liable parties, including the bus driver, school district, transportation company, and others.
5. Protection of Rights: Insurance companies representing the school district or other parties involved in the accident may try to minimize their liability or deny your claim altogether. Having an attorney on your side helps protect your rights and ensures that you are not taken advantage of by insurance adjusters seeking to settle your claim for less than its full value.
6. Maximization of Compensation: Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf to seek maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. They can assess the true value of your case, taking into account factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

Overall, contacting a personal injury attorney promptly after a school bus accident can help ensure that your legal rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and you have the best possible chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

In New York and many other jurisdictions, any reputable personal injury attorney, including one specializing in school bus accidents, work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, clients do not have to pay any upfront fees, and attorneys only receive payment if they successfully recover compensation on behalf of their clients. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award obtained.

It's crucial to choose a top personal injury attorney who prioritizes your long-term needs over a law firm that may prioritize quantity over quality While some firms may accept a high volume of cases and opt for quick settlements, this approach may not adequately address your future expenses related to the accident. By selecting a skilled attorney who is committed to securing fair compensation tailored to your future needs, you can ensure that your rights are protected, and your recovery is comprehensive.

In our personal injury law firm, we maintain a highly selective approach, accepting only approximately 100 catastrophic cases per year. This deliberate choice enables us to dedicate ample focus, time, and resources to each case, ensuring that you receive the meticulous attention and representation you deserve in pursuing fair compensation.

Victims of school bus accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in cases of severe injury or wrongful death, compensation for future medical care, loss of earning capacity, and funeral expenses.

In New York City, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to school bus accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you meet all applicable deadlines.

Not all school bus accident cases go to trial. Many are resolved through negotiations between your attorney and the responsible parties' insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

The duration of a school bus accident case can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. While some cases may be resolved relatively quickly through settlement negotiations, others may take longer to litigate, especially if the parties involved dispute liability or the extent of damages.

Yes, as a parent or legal guardian, you have the right to pursue legal action on behalf of your child if they were injured in a school bus accident. However, it's essential to consult with an experienced school bus accident attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your child's rights are protected.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a school bus accident in New York, don't wait to seek legal help. Contact the school bus accident attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced school bus accident lawyers. You can call us at (212) 943-1090 or fill in a form on our contact page. We are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.