If you or a loved one were injured in a charter bus accident in New York, Morelli Law Firm may be able to help. Our firms provide legal services to injured bus passengers as well as to motorists who were injured in crashes caused by negligence charter bus operators.
A New York charter bus accident lawyer from our firm may be able to manage all of the legal work in your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. We may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800. We offer representation on a contingency-fee-basis.
Defining a Charter Bus
Although it may look identical to a vehicle used for public transport, a charter bus is typically a private vehicle rented by groups to take them to a specific destination.
Charter buses are usually hired to go from point A to point B with few stops in between. For this convenience, there are a number of groups that may use charter buses that include:
- Conferences
- Sport teams
- Film and media crews
- Tourism groups
- Political campaigns
Accidents and Injuries Involving a Charter Bus
Accidents and injuries with a charter bus can involve people inside or outside the bus.
Passengers inside a bus may find themselves falling or bumping into objects in an accident. Bruising, sprains, and fractures may occur. However, more serious injuries such as concussions, whiplash, broken hip bones, or even brain and eye injuries are possible injuries you can suffer as a passenger in a bus accident.
Accidents that take place outside the charter bus may cause severe injuries as well. Collisions with other motor vehicles may see grievous damage to a smaller vehicle. A sideswipe can send a smaller vehicle spinning around from the difference in weight and momentum. Collisions involving a motorcycle or a pedestrian may also feature severe injury.
If you were hurt in a charter bus accident, have your injuries evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. This can create evidence in your medical record that your injuries came from the accident and not some other cause.
New York Charter Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Negligence and Liability in a Charter Bus Accident Case
As a commercial motor vehicle operator, a charter bus driver has an increased duty of care to others on the road. This means that not only must they follow all traffic regulations when operating their vehicle, but also, they must have a commercial driver license and follow guidelines for commercial motor vehicle operators established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), such as hours-of-service regulations.
A negligence charter bus driver may be liable for an accident caused by:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to yield
- An illegal turn or lane change
- Not leaving a safe following distance
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
Due to the legal principle of vicarious liability, the charter bus company may become liable for accidents their employees cause during the course of their work.
There are cases in which other parties may be held responsible for any injuries that occur in an accident. Improper or insufficient training of a driver could result in their employer being held liable for damages. A mechanical failure could shift blame onto the vehicle manufacturer or the charter company. Brakes, windshield wipers, horns, and warning lights should always be in good order. Failure to do so can result in the charter bus company being held responsible for damages.
In other cases, another driver may cause and be liable for a charter bus accident.
A New York charter bus accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to investigate your accident and identify the cause and the liable party when we represent you.
If you believe that another party’s negligence caused your accident, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free case review with a member of our team.
Recoverable Damages in a Bus Accident Case
Depending on the details of your accident and your injuries, the potentially recoverable damages in a bus accident case may include:
- All current and future costs of accident-related medical care
- Lost wages for the time you were unable to work due to your injuries
- Property damage
- Disability
- Reduced earning capability
- Pain and suffering
As part of our investigation into your case, Morelli Law Firm can also collect evidence of your damages and their value.
Call Morelli Law Firm Today
While you focus on recovering from your injuries, a New York charter bus accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to manage all aspects of your case. Our services may include:
- Communicating with all parties on your behalf
- Assembling evidence
- Handling all deadlines and paperwork in your insurance claim and/or lawsuit
- Negotiating for a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance company
- Bringing your case to trial if they are unwilling to make you a fair settlement offer
If you are considering taking legal action for your injuries, keep in mind that New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214 imposes a general three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in New York.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800. We may be able to provide you representation on a contingency-fee-basis where you are not obligated to pay us attorney fees unless and until you recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.