Among all the auto accidents in our state, none are so frightening and traumatic as those involving a school bus.
Each fall, we all wish our kids love and good luck as they head back to school. For many, that means a bus ride through the city or its surrounding communities. School bus safety is a paramount concern, and one with which New York, fortunately, has a solid track record. But accidents happen, and personal injury lawyers are there to help victims get justice through compensation.
Why Choose Us?
Proven Advocates
Tucker Lawyers PC is a full-service New York personal injury law firm located in the heart of the Big Apple and serving clients throughout the entire state. We have extensive experience with injuries involving large vehicles, including school buses.
A talented New York school bus accident attorney in our office can help you recover every dollar you deserve in the wake of stunning negligence or unthinkable tragedy. As always, you pay nothing if we don’t win.
To speak with a bus accident lawyer, contact Tucker Lawyers. We offer free initial consultations for new clients and effective legal representation to recover money for your losses. Call (516) 399-2364 today.
Indeed, school bus accidents are remarkably uncommon. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, taking a bus to school is 13 times safer than riding in a car (and ten times safer than walking!). Buses are generally considered to be among the very safest forms of transportation.
On rare occasions, though, school bus accidents do happen. The injuries can range from mild to catastrophic, and the victims often include the most precious among us — innocent children.
School bus accidents, similar to truck accident injury cases, almost always involve some form of negligence. Victims or their families are entitled to financial relief for their medical expenses, pain, and suffering. In the event of fatality, damages may be available for wrongful death.
To get the damages they truly deserve, injury victims call Tucker Lawyers for representation.
How School Bus Accidents Happen
Most children who have died in a school bus accident were aged between four and seven years old. Studies tell us that, more often than not, another vehicle is to blame.
In fact, the most common cause of bus-related injury involves another car illegally passing a stopped school bus, striking a pedestrian in the process. In some cases, the bus itself may accidentally hit a child walking nearby.
Less commonly, buses crash with other cars. Fortunately, strict safety laws, hefty fines, and driver training programs have gone a long way in reducing the risk of collision.
When these crashes do happen, it’s usually because another driver was speeding, intoxicated, texting, fatigued, or disobeying New York’s school bus traffic laws. Occasionally, the school or its driver may also be at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about school bus accidents deserve answers. Learn more about compensation after being in an accident on or with a school bus.
What is the statute of limitations for bus accident claims?
Generally speaking, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for a school bus accident or to settle your case. Failure to do so can result in the loss of compensation. However, if you plan on suing a government entity, you have 90 days to give the agency notice of your plans to seek compensation. Additionally, minors may have until their 21st birthday to seek compensation.
How much do school bus accident lawyers charge?
School bus accident lawyers charge a percentage of your compensation. If you receive zero compensation, you owe nothing. You also pay nothing up front to your school bus attorney.
Why do school bus accidents happen?
School bus accidents may occur for various reasons, including:
- Negligence such as speeding, failure to follow traffic rules, and failure to onboard and offload children properly
- Employer negligence, such as badly maintained buses and equipment and negligent hiring
- Defective bus parts and equipment
- Third-party motorists.
In some cases, accidents may also be caused by school bus passengers.
What are some common school bus accident injuries?
Various injuries may occur after a school bus accident, including:
- Broken bones
- Ejection injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Hemorrhaging
- Piercing injuries
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Burns.
Injured passengers also frequently suffer significant psychological trauma. Many require extensive counseling after a serious school bus accident.
Do you still have questions about bus accidents in New York? Get your questions answered by contacting Tucker Lawyers.
Move Forward with Help from a New York School Bus Accident Attorney
Take the Next Step with Tucker Lawyers
If you or your child has suffered injury or death as a result of a bus-related accident, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. A New York school bus accident attorney can help you file a compelling claim in order to maximize your recovery and ensure that justice is served.
Establishing liability in these cases can be difficult, so it is important to hire a personal injury law firm with the experience it takes to stand up to the school boards or insurance companies on the other side. You can count on Tucker Lawyers PC to handle every aspect of your case with the highest standard of professionalism and care.
To schedule a completely free consultation, please get in touch with our office as soon as possible. We do not charge for our services unless and until there is a financial recovery in your case. Remember, though, that a time limit might apply to your claim, so you should act as quickly as possible. Call (516) 399-2364 today.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]