Bee-Line buses are a common sight throughout Westchester County, providing public transportation services to residents and tourists every day. Unfortunately, accidents involving Bee-Line buses are common.
If you were injured by a Bee-Line bus, you can seek compensation from the negligent party. In most cases, that will be the bus driver that injured you. However, other parties could share the blame, depending on how your accident was caused. If you decide to sue the driver’s employer, Bee-Line, you will need to notify them in writing of your intention to file a claim.
If you need help recovering compensation for a Bee-Line Bus accident, our Bee-Line Bus accident attorneys can help you by providing you with a free assessment of your case. Contact our team at The Martello Law Firm, PLLC at (914) 685-6950.
Common Causes of Bee-Line Bus Accidents
Just as in typical car accidents, there are several causes of Bee-Line Bus accidents. In many cases, the bus driver will be the most likely party responsible for the accident. However, other drivers, cyclists, or passengers could have contributed to causing your injuries. Regardless of how your occurred, our Bee-Line Bus accident attorneys can help you prove your case and recover damages.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigued driving is one of the most common causes of Bee-Line Bus accidents. Drivers typically work long shifts and can easily become tired after doing the same circuit throughout the day. Fatigued drivers will be less alert and might be unable to react before causing a devastating accident. If a driver was overworked or fell asleep during their shift, our team can help you gather evidence to show how your injuries were caused.
Distracted Driving
It is illegal in New York to use a cell phone or any other handheld electronic device while operating a vehicle. However, that has not stopped distracted driving from becoming a leading cause of Bee-Line Bus accidents. If a bus driver is talking on their phone, checking a text, or adjusting their GPS, an accident is much more likely to occur. Most Bee-Line buses have surveillance camera systems installed in them, so it is likely that there is video footage of the driver’s negligence. We can help obtain these records from Bee-Line, which could make all the difference in your case.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Another common reason for Bee-Line Bus accidents is disobeying traffic laws. Catastrophic accidents can occur when a bus driver runs a red light, speeds, or improperly changes lanes. In many cases, a bus driver will receive a citation from the police for their transgression, which can be used as evidence of negligence later in your lawsuit.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
If a bus driver gets behind the wheel while under the influence of an illegal substance, they can cause incredible damage. While some drivers might be under the influence of alcohol, it is not uncommon for drivers to take certain drugs to help keep them alert. However, the negative side effects of these substances can impair their senses and judgment, increasing the chances of a devasting accident occurring.
Poor Weather
Bus drivers can also cause accidents when they do not account for poor weather conditions. Wet or icy roads are common in Westchester County, so bus drivers should expect them and consider them when operating their buses. A driver must take extra care during bad weather and cannot pass off their responsibilities if they fail to do so.
Failure to Inspect or Maintain the Bus
Lastly, Bee-Line bus accidents could also happen if the driver or Bee-Line fails to inspect and maintain the buses in their fleet. Drivers and companies are responsible for ensuring that their buses are safe to take out on the road. If a driver skips their routine inspection before starting their shift, they will fail to get the bus the necessary maintenance, further increasing the chances of an accident. Our Bee-Line Bus accident attorneys can help you recover compensation for your injuries no matter how your accident came about.
Recovering Compensation After a Bee-Line Bus Accident
Recovering compensation for a Bee-Line Bus accident is often challenging. Sometimes, determining fault is more difficult as multiple parties could be involved. Fortunately, our Bee-Line Bus accident attorneys can help you identify each party that shares the blame for your injuries and help you hold them accountable. What makes Bee-Line Bus accidents particularly challenging is the additional hurdles that must be overcome to protect your right to file a lawsuit.
Determining Fault
Determining fault is one of the most important aspects of your case that our team can help with. In many cases, the bus driver will be the responsible party. However, Bee-Line buses provide services across Westchester County to thousands of riders. As such, many other parties could be involved in your accident. For instance, if another driver cuts a bus off, causing them to shift lanes and collide with you, the other driver will likely be the cause.
In other situations, a bus driver might make a sudden maneuver to avoid a careless pedestrian walking out in front of them. In these situations, the bus driver might be protected from liability under New York’s “emergency doctrine.”
Our firm can help you gather the evidence you need to prove who caused your injuries. As mentioned, the bus’s surveillance cameras might provide footage of how your accident occurred. Even if there is not, our Bee-Line Bus accident attorneys have the experience and skills to recover the relevant evidence you will need to recover compensation.
Notice of Claim
If you were injured in a Bee-Line Bus accident and have decided to bring a claim against both the driver and the Westchester County local government, which operates the busing company, you will need to file a notice of your claim. According to G.M.U. Law § 50-e, you must file your notice of claim within 90 days of your accident. Your claim must include your name and a description of the incident. It must also include the date, time, and location of your accident, a description of your injuries, and the damages being demanded. Our Bee-Line Bus accident attorneys can help you gather the necessary information and draft your notice of claim to file with your lawsuit.
Our Attorneys for Bee-Line Bus Accidents Can Help
If you suffered injuries in a Bee-Line Bus accident, our Bee-Line Bus accident attorneys can help you recover damages from the parties responsible. For a free case evaluation, call The Martello Law Firm, PLLC today at (914) 685-6950.
