If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist in New York, you know you always have to be aware of your surroundings. To stay safe, you have to watch out for an unexpected car or bus traveling near you. However, sometimes, your vigilance to avoid an accident may not be enough.
In early April, a freak bus accident killed a 59-year-old pedestrian in Brooklyn. The accident began when an MTA bus hit a pole on a sidewalk near Eastern Parkway and Utica Avenue, toppling the pole. When the pole fell, it struck Lance Margolin. He later died from his injuries. In 2018, The New York Post reported that on average 23 MTA bus accidents happened per day, often injuring riders, pedestrians and bicyclists.
So if you suffer an injury because of an MTA bus crash in New York, you need to know what to do. Here are some important steps to keep in mind:
1. Report any MTA accident to police. If you suffer an injury in a bus crash, you will need the police report to help with your personal injury claim.
2. Seek medical attention immediately. You will need a doctor’s evaluation to show how serious your injuries are and that you received them because of the accident. If you feel fine after the accident, know that you may experience injury symptoms days or even weeks later and will need to see a doctor then.
3. If you are able, get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their testimonies may support your claims about what happened.
4. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries and any damage done.
5. Contact a personal attorney to ensure you file a personal injury claim or a lawsuit within the statute of limitations. You may have only 90 days after the accident occurs to file a claim and as little as a year and 90 days to seek compensation through a lawsuit over your injuries.
You shouldn’t have to worry about how you will pay your medical bills and recovery costs if you suffer an injury in an MTA bus crash. You need to take the right steps though to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, so you can better move forward with your life.