New York Bus Accident Lawyer | SRIS, P.C.
New York Bus Accident Lawyer — What Are Your Rights After a Crash?
If you were injured in a bus accident in New York, you need a lawyer who understands the complex laws governing public and private carriers. A New York bus accident lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you handle claims against entities like the MTA or private bus companies.
Understanding Bus Accident Law in New York
Bus accident cases in New York are governed by a specific set of statutes and regulations that differ from standard car accident claims. Key among these is the requirement to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days if the bus is operated by a municipality, such as the MTA. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. For all personal injury cases, New York’s statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident under NY CPLR § 214. also, New York is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover even if you are 99% at fault.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New York’s comparative fault law, see NY CPLR Article 14-A. For court procedures and forms, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
Local Procedural Insights for Manhattan Bus Accident Cases
Bus accident lawsuits in Manhattan are filed in the New York County Supreme Court, which has unlimited jurisdiction for personal injury claims. The court is located at 60 Centre Street. For accidents involving public buses, the 90-day Notice of Claim is an absolute prerequisite. The court’s preliminary conference system sets strict discovery schedules, and failure to comply can result in dismissal of your case.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Document all injuries, even minor ones, as some symptoms appear later.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, the bus, your injuries, and get contact information from witnesses.
- Identify the Operator: Determine if the bus is public (e.g., MTA) or private (e.g., charter, tour bus). This dictates the claims process.
- Consult a New York Bus Accident Attorney: Do not give a statement to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
- File a Notice of Claim (if applicable): Your attorney will prepare and serve this within 90 days for public entity cases.
- Comply with Court Deadlines: Your lawyer will file the lawsuit and manage all court-mandated conferences and discovery.
Potential Damages and Compensation
In New York, a bus accident victim may recover compensation for economic losses like medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, subject to the state’s pure comparative fault rule.
| Damage Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Tangible financial losses | Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future earning capacity loss |
| Non-Economic Damages | Intangible losses | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Wrongful Death Damages | Claims by surviving family | Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bus Accident Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a history of thousands of case results, our firm brings substantial resources to complex bus accident litigation. We understand the technical aspects of these cases, from vehicle maintenance records to driver federal hours-of-service regulations. Our New York bus accident law firm is committed to providing strategic, client-focused representation.
Our Approach to Bus Accident Claims
We immediately work to identify all potentially liable parties, which can include the bus driver, the bus company, a government transit authority, a maintenance contractor, or a parts manufacturer. We then marshal evidence, consult with accident reconstruction and medical experts, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation. Our goal is to handle the legal details so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Our New York Bus Accident Attorney
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts. We represent individuals throughout Manhattan, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: New York Bus Accident Lawyer
Who can be sued in a New York bus accident?
It depends. Multiple parties may be liable, including the bus driver (for negligence), the bus company (for negligent hiring/training), a public transit authority (like the MTA), a maintenance contractor, or even a vehicle parts manufacturer. A thorough investigation is needed to identify all responsible entities.
Is there a deadline to sue after a bus accident in New York?
Yes. The general statute of limitations is three years for personal injury. However, if a public bus is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim against the municipality within 90 days of the accident as a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit.
What if I was partly at fault for the bus accident?
New York follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $70,000. An attorney can help argue for a lower fault percentage.
What damages can I recover?
You may recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may recover funeral costs and loss of support. A New York bus accident attorney can evaluate the full value of your claim.
How does a lawyer help with a bus accident claim?
A lawyer handles the entire legal process: investigating the crash, identifying defendants, dealing with insurance companies, filing necessary notices and lawsuits, hiring experts, negotiating settlements, and, if needed, taking the case to trial. This allows you to focus on your physical recovery.
Related Legal Information
If you need assistance with other matters, our firm also handles business law, civil litigation, and DUI defense in New York County. For more on personal injury across New York, visit our New York personal injury hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Albany County and Broome County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.