Although public transportation in Mount Vernon’s BeeLine is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city, it can pose a risk. Bus accidents are a common form of danger while traveling in a mass transportation system.
Reports estimate that over 5,000 Mount Vernon locals commute through the area daily; around 3,600 commuters utilize the Westchester County Bee-Line Bus System.
If you or a loved one is involved in a bus accident in Mount Vernon, seek legal counsel with Mount Vernon personal injury lawyers. They can get you the legal assistance you need during trying times of the aftermath of an accident. Here’s how personal injury lawyers can come to your aid:
Understanding the Common Carrier Laws
Bus accidents fall under the local, state, and federal common carrier laws. A common carrier is an individual or business that provides transportation services under license for a fee. They have a legal responsibility to exhibit a higher level of care for passengers, and failure to adhere can account for negligence.
Therefore, if you are injured in a bus accident in Mount Vernon, these special laws come into play. Negligence on the part of the carrier like speeding, fatigue, maintenance failures, improper driver training, etc. is liable for damages under the personal injury and tort laws in Mount Vernon.
Determine Negligence in Bus Accident
Petrillo Plaza is the hub for Westchester’s BeeLine and other bus system services and one of the busiest areas susceptible to accidents. Whether you have sustained an injury while travelling in an MTA bus or private carriers, your Mount Vernon Personal injury lawyers will help you prove the carrier’s fault or negligence that caused you the harm.
In a bus accident case, lawyers have to prove negligence according to four elements – duty, breach, harm, and causation. If there has been a breach in duty causing direct harm, you can file charges against the negligent party.
In some cases, negligence is easy to ascertain, and in some others, your lawyers will help you take the right steps to prove that the negligent party’s conduct was reckless.
Claims against Government
The NYC MTA reported in 2019 that there was an increase of 11% in bus accidents because of throwing movements, slip and fall, and bus collisions. If you sustain an injury due to the public transportation system in Mount Vernon, it can be complicated to claim your due compensation.
Since MTAs are self-insured, insurance companies may not pay complete compensation or even deny your claim. It can be hard to negotiate with insurance adjusters.
This is where Mount Vernon personal injury lawyers can step in to help you make rightful claims against the government and other authoritative entities, according to statutes of limitations in NY.
Depending on the nature of your case, bus accidents can account for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Therefore if you are injured while travelling in the local Bee-line routes in Mount Vernon, school bus, or other private carriers, ensure to get in touch with personal injury lawyers in Mount Vernon. They can represent on your behalf for all your dealings, make claims, and fight if your rights are denied.
