Millions of people ride New York City buses and subways every day. When the Transit Authority or a bus operator is careless, riders, pedestrians, and other drivers get hurt.
These cases have short deadlines and their own rules. Waiting is the most common way good cases are lost.
Transit Cases We Handle
- Bus collisions with cars, cyclists, and pedestrians
- Passengers thrown by sudden stops or starts
- Doors closing on riders
- Falls on broken or wet subway stairs and platforms
- Platform gap and train door injuries
- Escalator and elevator malfunctions
The 90-Day Rule
Before you can sue the New York City Transit Authority or another public transit agency, a written notice of claim is generally due within 90 days of the accident. The lawsuit itself generally must be filed within one year and 90 days.
After the notice is served, the agency can require you to appear for a hearing and answer questions under oath. We prepare you for it and attend with you.
Evidence We Move On Fast
- Bus and station camera video, which is kept only for a limited time
- The operator's accident report
- Maintenance and inspection records for stairs, platforms, and equipment
- Witnesses, including other riders
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills, past and future
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
For bus crashes, the no-fault rules and the serious injury rule generally apply, the same as any motor vehicle case. To recover for pain and suffering after a motor vehicle crash, New York law requires a "serious injury." Fractures, significant scarring, and significant or permanent loss of use of a body part are examples.
Common Questions
I missed the 90 days. Is my case over?
Not necessarily. A court can allow a late notice of claim in some situations, but it is not guaranteed. Call immediately.
I reported it to the bus driver. Is that enough?
No. A report to the operator is not a notice of claim. The law requires a specific sworn written notice served on the agency.
Which agency do I sue?
It depends on the bus route or station. Different public entities operate different parts of the system. Naming the wrong one can be fatal to the case, so we confirm it before anything is served.
Hit by a City vehicle?
Claims against the City of New York have a much shorter deadline. In most cases a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days. Call us right away.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
The consultation is free. There is no fee unless we win, and we advance the costs of the case. You speak with your attorney directly, not a call center.