Train & Bus Accidents
Rail and Bus Accident Lawyers in New York and Long Island
In a bus or train accident in New York City? Call us right away.
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in either a bus or train accident while riding or utilizing the MTA/New York City Transit systems, you need to call us immediately to protect your rights. In New York, before you can commence an action against a municipality, you are required to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. Failure to do so may result in you being forever barred from pursuing a cause of action. Therefore, you must act quickly to ensure that your right to recovery is fully preserved. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our experienced bus or train accident attorneys.
Proving liability can be difficult after a bus or train accident. Therefore, immediate and comprehensive investigation is crucial. If your injuries are severe, such as a spinal cord injury or a complex fracture or head injury, you deserve full compensation for your losses, including compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. However, in order to recover liability compensation, an experienced attorney must demonstrate that the MTA/New York City Transit Authority was responsible for your injuries.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can happen for many reasons. The weight and size of buses make them more difficult to operate than an ordinary vehicle. For example, weight and size effect the driver’s ability to see other vehicles, maneuverability, accident avoidance, stopping distance (due to the weight of the vehicle), and changing lanes. These difficulties are compounded by driver fatigue, inadequate training, experience, driver distraction (cell phones, CB radios, GPS, etc.), and schedule deadlines. There may be situations where a bus is overloaded, the brakes were not properly maintained, safety equipment was not present or the driver did not alter his/her driving in light of the inclement weather conditions.
Conducting a Thorough Investigation is Critical and the Clock is Ticking
Immediately following and accident it is imperative that an investigation be undertaken in order to ascertain all eyewitnesses. Witnesses can be an invaluable resource if you are able to get their names and contact information. Nowadays, all cellphones have cameras and if you are physically able, it is important that you try to document the accident scene through pictures. Having this information not only helps us as we pursue the investigatory aspects of your case, it allows us to win at trial and get you the justice you deserve.
In addition, we cannot stress how important it is to call us as soon as possible after an accident. A full and through investigation should be done by one of our accident reconstruction experts to gather important information while it is still fresh and available. An inspection of the scene to take photographs and measurements as well as of all vehicles involved to document the physical damage. In some instances, trains and buses are equipped with black boxes which can contain valuable pre-accident information. Most large bus companies also use on-board computers and satellite communication systems that generate data that may prove to be invaluable to your accident. Some buses are even equipped with video cameras that can document all actions taken by the driver. It is also important to take measurements and photographs of skid marks left behind on the roadway as soon as possible as they tend to fade and disappear quickly. From skid marks our accident reconstruction expert can calculate the speed, time and distance of travel, reaction time as well as any avoidance maneuvers that may or not have been taken by the bus driver.
All of the above need to be done as soon as possible as bus companies tend to dispatch teams of investigators to every accident scene. They will try to speak with their drivers BEFORE the police speak to them. The bus companies will do all that they can to shield themselves from responsibility. They will also be in possession of evidence that is helpful to their case. When the case goes to court they will NOT exchange information that is harmful to their case claiming that their investigative results were obtained in contemplation of litigation and therefore the information does not have to be exchanged.
At the law offices of Constantinidis & Associates, P.C., our attorneys have over 100 years of combined personal injury experience serving injured clients in the New York metropolitan area. We handle personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from various types of transit accidents, including:
- Trips and falls in stairwells or on subway platforms
- Injuries related to a sudden stops
- Bus accidents involving vehicles or pedestrians
- Accidents getting on or off bus or in the subway systems
- Other subway or bus accidents
Why you should call Constantinidis & Associates, P.C.
Just a few of the factors that distinguish our firm:
Our experience - We have more than 100 years of combined experience between our New York personal injury lawyers. We are trial tested and know how to handle cases effectively both in and out of court. Our understanding of New York courts is extensive and unmatched.
You are not just a case file number. As a client of our firm, you will not be simply another file amongst thousands and forgotten about. Your case will be given the same personal attention and will be treated with the same level and importance as all our clients.
Our track record - Our team of lawyers have handled thousands of cases, recovering more than $ 75 Million Dollars for our clients in the process. We have proven that we are able to provide competent legal counsel.
Our principles - The way that a firm handles cases and more importantly, deals with the client is of the utmost importance to us. Our firm is founded on the principles of honesty, integrity and proven results. We strive to maintain these high principles with each one of our clients.
Our accessibility - We always make ourselves fully accessible to our clients. No matter what time of day you need to speak with us, we will be there to listen to your needs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can expect nothing less than our full attention and resources. We understand what you are going through and are there for you.
Our reputation - We are known for our unwavering commitment to our clients' needs and our conclusive results. That is why are clients become our friends and have referred their friends, families, and neighbors to us. They simply trust us to deliver results and as such, we will not let them down.
We understand that the time immediately following an injury can be very difficult. Rest assured that we are here to stand by your side, walk you through the tough steps ahead, and counsel you to allow you to make informed decisions about your future. Since our inception, Constantinidis & Associates, P.C., has a well-earned reputation for tough and committed advocacy. Learn more about how our personal injury law firm is uniquely qualified to represent you after an accident.
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To learn more about our firm, or to schedule a free case evaluation, please feel free to call Constantinidis & Associates, P.C., at (844) PILAW911. If you can’t come to us, we are available to travel to you.