Long Island Charter Bus Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, charter bus and school bus accidents can happen in Long Island. When they do, they tend to be catastrophic and result in tragedy.  That’s why you need our Long Island charter bus accident lawyers on your side.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a charter bus accident, the personal injury team at the Morelli Law Firm could help. Call our office today for a free consultation from one of our experienced Long Island bus accident lawyers. We’ve helped recover billions for past clients and could help you, too.

How Do Bus Crashes Happen?

Our Long Island personal injury lawyers can help represent injured bus passengers regardless of how the accident has happened. Charter bus drivers are tasked with driving for long periods, often having routes that cross multiple state lines. Bus drivers may experience bouts of fatigue during longer routes, which could impair their ability to drive.

Some bus drivers may turn to legal (or illegal) stimulants to keep them awake and alert during their shifts. These stimulants may give the illusion that the bus driver can perform their duties, but they can also cause the driver to become nervous or easily distracted. Some examples of negligent acts committed by bus drivers include:

• Driving while drowsy
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Being distracted by a phone or other communication device
• Poor judgment
• Speeding
• Not practicing defensive driving
• Not practicing caution in poor weather conditions
• Ignoring traffic rules
• Poor maintenance practices

The bus company that owns the charter bus could also be held responsible for causing an accident. If a charter bus driver causes an accident due to fatigue, the bus company may be found at fault for forcing their employees to work long hours beyond their capacity. Their drivers may also not receive proper training or licensing.

Charter Bus Accident Injuries We Can Represent

In charter bus accident cases, victims can suffer a wide range of injuries, many of which can be severe due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden jolts can cause soft tissue damage to the neck and upper back.
• Head and brain injuries: Passengers may suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from impact with hard surfaces.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Broken bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures to limbs, ribs, and other bones.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs can occur, requiring immediate and extensive medical care.
• Severe lacerations: Shattered glass and debris can cause serious cuts and wounds.
• Emotional trauma: The psychological impact, including PTSD, can be significant and long-lasting.

Our charter bus accident lawyers in Long Island are experienced in representing clients with these types of injuries, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

Our Long Island Charter Bus Accident Attorneys Can Recover Compensation for Victims

According to the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR) §701.1, all contract carriers that operate motor vehicles must provide “safe and adequate facilities and equipment” for passengers. 

Contract carriers must provide vehicles that are free of hazards in the interest of the safety of their passengers and other motorists and pedestrians, especially if their vehicles are liable to cause an extraordinary amount of harm and destruction in the event of an accident.

If a charter bus accident caused you or a loved one bodily injury or damage to your personal property, the parties who committed negligent acts could be legally required to provide compensation for damages. The team at the Morelli Law Firm can pursue maximum compensation in the forms of:

• Medical bills required for full or partial recovery
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost income

There May Be More Than One Liable Party

Because of the various causes of a charter bus accident, you can hold more than one party liable for damages. Parties that can be found responsible for causing a charter bus accident include:

• The company that owns the charter bus
• The company that employed the bus driver
• The manufacturer of the bus
• Parties responsible for conducting maintenance of the charter bus, including in-house repairs or a third-party repair shop

Our personal injury attorneys in Long Island will be able to identify the at-fault parties and will seek to recover financial compensation on your behalf, so don’t wait to get in touch with us to file your personal injury claim.

Don’t Accept Your First Settlement Offers; Call a Charter Bus Accident Attorney

If a charter bus causes an accident, the company that owns the bus may use tactics such as offering settlements to bus accident victims to uphold their reputation.

A charter bus crash is often a widely publicized event that can ruin the company’s image and draw legal action from the National Transportation Safety Board or other federal organizations that call the company’s practices into question.

If you receive an offer from a third party for a cash settlement, it is likely not in your best interest but in the company’s. A Long Island charter bus accident lawyer can safeguard your right to file a bus accident claim for fair compensation. 

In doing so, they can provide further grounds for the company to answer for their negligence, thereby protecting the public and preventing another potentially fatal accident from occurring.

The New York Statute of Limitations

According to New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules (CVP) §214, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. It is generally recommended that if an individual seeks to file a lawsuit, they should report the incident and contact a personal injury lawyer shortly after the accident. 

The process of filing a lawsuit, gathering evidence, and setting court and attorney appointments can take a long time to carry out, so the sooner victims contact our legal team, the better.

How Our Charter Bus Attorneys in Long Island Can Help

The Morelli Law Firm is an established law office that can offer counsel and representation to those seeking compensation for their injuries. We are prepared to investigate your claim and present a case on your behalf. Our goal is to win fair compensation for you, and we know how to negotiate with insurance companies to achieve a successful outcome.

We can use our knowledge of New York state traffic laws to prove the defendant’s negligence and that they owe you (the plaintiff) a fair amount of compensation for your injuries. A Long Island charter bus accident lawyer can help you navigate the lawsuit process and provide guidance on how to reach a favorable solution.

Call Morelli Law Firm Today to Speak With a Long Island Charter Bus Accident Attorney

Charter bus accidents can be deadly and impose a threat to the safety of not just passengers but also surrounding motorists and pedestrians. Our team at the Morelli Law Firm is committed to providing legal support to the victims of charter bus crashes and actively seeking the compensation they need to recover.

Our attorneys can provide you with the help you need to take back control of your life and heal from this trauma. Our Long Island charter bus accident lawyers are here for you. If you or someone you love was injured in a charter bus accident, get your free consultation today.