Ossining is well-known for its extensive bus network, which is widely used by commuters and locals alike. However, accidents involving buses are a common occurrence here.
Thankfully, our team can help you navigate the complexities of your case and identify those responsible for your injuries. Bus accident cases can be particularly complex, as it is often unclear who should be held accountable. In many cases, the driver and their employer can be held responsible for negligence. However, other parties could have contributed. Once we have identified the bus involved in your accident, we will be able to help you craft a legal strategy to recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact The Martello Law Firm, PLLC today at (914) 685-6950 for a free case evaluation with our bus accident lawyers.
What to Do Following an Ossining, NY Bus Accident to Protect Your Legal Rights
Being involved in a bus accident is often a harrowing experience, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. However, by following the key steps below, you can protect your rights and strengthen your claim for compensation. Our bus accident attorneys will use the information you gather as the foundation of your case, building on it with additional evidence and witnesses so that you present the strongest case possible. The following steps are designed to give you the best starting chance following a bus accident in Ossining:
Report the Accident
The first step is to report the accident to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. In case of a bus accident, you should contact local Ossining emergency medical services and the police immediately. When you make the call, try to provide as much information as possible about the accident, including the location, the number of people involved, and any injuries sustained.
When the police arrive on the scene, they will assess the situation and compile an official accident report. This report can be a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim, as it records key details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, and potential causes. The report must be accurate and complete, so be sure to provide the police with all the information you have about the accident.
Gather Information About the Bus and Bus Driver
Next, gather as much information as possible about the bus and the bus driver. For instance, make a note of the bus number, which should be visible on the exterior of the bus. Additionally, try to find out the name of the bus company that operates the vehicle. This information can typically be found on the side of the bus or on the driver’s identification badge.
Next, you should gather the driver’s name and contact details. The driver might provide you with a business card or a phone number, or you might need to ask the driver for this information directly. Additionally, take note of the driver’s license number, which can usually be found on their license or identification card.
If the bus is owned by a public entity, such as a school district or a city transportation department, make sure to note this down as well. This will be important information for your later claim, as the process and timeline for filing could be affected by the involvement of a government entity.
In most cases, the bus driver will be required to notify dispatch, who should then send someone from the bus company to make an official report. Our team can help you obtain a copy of that report so that it can be used in your case.
Obtain Evidence and Witness Information at the Scene
Collecting evidence at the scene is another method to strengthen your legal claim significantly. That is why you should gather as much information as possible, including photographs and videos of the accident scene, the bus, any other vehicles involved, and your injuries. These visuals will help demonstrate the severity of the accident and establish liability long after much of the evidence has been cleaned up.
When taking photos and videos, try to capture the entire scene and any relevant details, such as skid marks, damaged property, and the position of the vehicles involved. If possible, take pictures from different angles.
It is also essential to gather information from any witnesses at the scene. Their accounts can provide valuable perspectives on how the accident occurred and can help support your claim. Be sure to obtain their names, contact information, and a brief summary of what they saw. In most bus accidents, there are usually multiple witnesses, so try to get statements from as many who are willing to provide them. Our team can follow up with them later to get their statements on the record.
Get Medical Treatment
Protecting your legal rights also means getting immediate medical attention, regardless of whether you feel fine or your injuries seem minor. Timely medical treatment establishes a record of the severity of your injuries and their cause. This typically serves as the primary evidence in your case, and it can be almost impossible to recover compensation without it.
This also means following your treatment plans to the letter. If you were prescribed physical therapy or other medical tests, it is important to make those appointments. Otherwise, the other side will use it to lower or deny the compensation you recover.
Speak to Our Firm
Once you have taken care of the above concerns, do not hesitate to consult with our team. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need throughout what is often an emotionally draining process.
Our firm has extensive experience in handling bus accident cases in Ossining. We understand the intricacies of the local laws and regulations and can put this knowledge to use for you. We will not only investigate the causes of the accident but also gather evidence, coordinate with witnesses, and organize the information into a formal complaint that can be filed with the court. With our help, all the damages you have incurred can be accounted for and demanded from the negligent party.
Time Limit to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Ossining, NY
While time limits for filing a claim can be confusing depending on whether the bus was publicly or privately operated, the general time limit to file a lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. According to C.V.P. Law § 214, if your case is not filed by the deadline, it will be dismissed. This will leave you accountable for your expenses and losses.
In some bus accident cases, the time limit to file a claim might be much shorter. Thus, you should get your case started immediately after the accident.
Our Ossining, NY Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help Get Justice for Your Injuries
Call The Martello Law Firm, PLLC at (914) 685-6950 to speak with our bus accident attorneys and receive your free case review.
