New York City
Bus Accident Lawyer

Every day, millions of people ride public and private buses across New York City. From the MTA and Port Authority to private shuttles and tour buses, these vehicles are a vital part of the city’s transportation system. But when a crash happens, the results can be devastating. As a leading New York City Bus Accident Lawyer, The Silbowitz Firm helps injured passengers, pedestrians, and motorists recover the compensation they deserve after serious collisions involving public or private buses.

We understand the challenges victims face after an accident—medical bills pile up, time off work affects income, and the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Our law firm fights to hold negligent bus operators, companies, and municipalities accountable for the harm they cause. Call (516) 375-6692 to speak with our attorneys today for a free consultation.

Most Common Reasons Behind Bus Accidents in New York

Bus accidents in New York are more common than most realize. The MTA operates more than 5,700 buses across five boroughs, making it one of the largest transit systems in the world. With so many vehicles navigating crowded streets, collisions can occur anywhere—from Times Square and Broadway to the busy avenues of Brooklyn or Queens.

Bus crashes often involve multiple victims. Passengers can be thrown from their seats, pedestrians can be struck in crosswalks, and other drivers can be caught in chain-reaction collisions. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

• Driver fatigue or distraction
• Poor maintenance or mechanical failure
• Inadequate driver training
• Negligent supervision or repair
• Reckless driving by other motorists

When negligence leads to injury, our attorneys step in to investigate, preserve evidence, and fight for full and fair compensation.

Types of Buses Involved in NYC Accidents

Our experience covers every kind of bus accident imaginable, including:

• Public Transit Buses: MTA, NYCTA, and MABSTOA vehicles serve millions daily but are often involved in collisions due to dense traffic and driver fatigue.
• Private Buses: Charter buses, Greyhound, and tour companies must maintain strict safety standards. When they fail, injuries follow.
• School Buses: Children are especially vulnerable in school bus crashes, often caused by speeding or unsafe lane changes.
• Shuttles and Paratransit Vehicles: Airport and hospital shuttles must meet accessibility standards. Failure to secure passengers properly can cause catastrophic injuries.
  

Each type of bus is governed by different liability rules. Public buses often involve government agencies like the MTA, while private companies have their own insurance carriers. Our team knows how to handle both.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident in New York City

Determining who is responsible for a bus crash can be complex. Our attorneys carefully evaluate every detail of a case to identify all liable parties. Potential defendants may include:

• Bus companies that fail to train or monitor drivers properly
• Bus drivers who engage in reckless or distracted driving
• Maintenance companies that overlook mechanical problems
• Bus manufacturers responsible for defective parts
• Other drivers whose negligent actions contributed to the collision
  

We often work with accident reconstruction experts to understand how the crash occurred. This allows us to build a strong claim backed by evidence and expert testimony.

Common Injuries in Bus Accidents

The injuries caused by bus crashes can range from minor to life-threatening. Victims often suffer from:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding
• Severe lacerations or burns
  

Because buses are larger and heavier than other vehicles, the impact forces are often extreme. Many victims require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, or surgery. Our firm works with medical professionals to document every injury and ensure clients receive fair compensation for both current and future care needs.

Compensation for Victims of Bus Accidents

Victims of bus accidents may be eligible for several forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost income or loss of earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

In severe cases, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless. We fight aggressively to make sure no financial loss goes overlooked.

Filing a Bus Accident Claim in New York City

The process of filing a claim depends on whether the bus involved was public or private.

• Public Bus Claims: If the accident involved an MTA or NYCTA bus, victims must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. Missing this deadline can prevent recovery.
• Private Bus Claims: For private companies, victims generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit under New York’s statute of limitations.
  

Our attorneys handle all aspects of the claims process—from filing notices and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and preparing for trial.

Common Carrier Laws in New York

Under New York law, buses are considered “common carriers,” meaning they owe passengers and others on the road a higher duty of care. This includes maintaining vehicles in safe condition, hiring qualified drivers, and following safety regulations established by the Department of Transportation.

When a bus company or driver violates these standards, they can be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries. The Silbowitz Firm uses these laws to strengthen each client’s case, proving that negligence directly caused their harm.

Why Choose The Silbowitz Firm

For over three decades, our founder and trial attorney, Mitchell Silbowitz, has represented injured clients across New York City. He has handled more than 1,000 successful personal injury cases and is known for his skill in complex litigation. Before founding The Silbowitz Firm, he served as a senior partner at one of New York’s top injury law firms, helping it become one of the city’s most respected practices.

Mitchell Silbowitz’s approach is rooted in preparation, compassion, and results. His leadership ensures every client benefits from personalized attention and a strategy built around their specific needs.

Our Experience and Approach

We understand that every bus accident case is different. Our team investigates each claim carefully by:

1. Collecting police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements
2. Examining maintenance and inspection records
3. Consulting mechanical and engineering experts
4. Reviewing driver logs and training documents

This thorough process allows us to uncover exactly what caused the crash and who should be held accountable.

Bus Accident Statistics in New York City

Data from the MTA shows that hundreds of bus collisions are reported across the five boroughs each year. Many occur in high-traffic zones such as Midtown Manhattan, the Bronx’s Grand Concourse, and Brooklyn’s Flatbush Avenue. In 2024 alone, more than 300 injury-causing bus accidents were reported across city routes.

Behind every statistic is a person—a family dealing with pain, bills, and uncertainty. We work to bring justice to those whose lives have been disrupted by preventable accidents.

What to Do After a Bus Accident in New York City

If you are involved in a bus crash, taking the right steps can make a major difference in your recovery and your case:

1. Call 911 and seek medical help immediately
2. Collect photos of the scene, vehicle, and any visible injuries
3. Get contact information for witnesses and other passengers
4. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel
5. Contact The Silbowitz Firm at (516) 375-6692 for a free case review

We’ll handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.

Landmarks and Areas Where Accidents Commonly Occur

Bus accidents often happen in New York’s busiest and most iconic locations—near Penn Station, along 5th Avenue, in Times Square, and at major transit hubs like the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The city’s traffic congestion, narrow streets, and pedestrian-heavy intersections make these areas especially dangerous for large vehicles.

Whether the accident happened in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, our attorneys are familiar with the local courts, transit authorities, and procedures for pursuing claims in each borough.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Filing a bus accident claim without an experienced attorney can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often minimize injuries or deny liability altogether. Our attorneys handle negotiations directly, ensuring you never have to deal with aggressive adjusters alone.

We have decades of experience handling complex claims against city agencies, private bus operators, and corporate insurers. When a case requires trial, Mitchell Silbowitz’s reputation as a seasoned litigator ensures that clients’ rights are protected every step of the way.

Our Commitment to New York City Victims

The Silbowitz Firm was built on the belief that every injured person deserves a voice. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped accident victims across New York City rebuild their lives after devastating injuries. From car and construction accidents to defective products and medical malpractice, our track record speaks for itself.

Our success is measured not just in verdicts and settlements, but in the relief and confidence our clients feel when justice is served.

Contact Our New York City Bus Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case will be. Evidence can disappear quickly, and deadlines for filing claims are strict.

Call The Silbowitz Firm today at (516) 375-6692 to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.