MTA buses, school buses, tour buses, and private charter buses move millions of people through NYC daily. When one hits a pedestrian, sideswipes a car, or stops short and throws a passenger, the legal path depends on who owns the bus. Government buses (MTA, school buses) come with short notice-of-claim deadlines. Private operators are insured but their lawyers move first to limit liability. We move faster.
Madison Law Firm PLLC · 579 5th Ave, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017
MTA buses are operated by the MTA Bus Company. School buses are operated by NYC DOE contractors. Tour buses are private. Each has its own insurance and its own deadline. We figure out who's liable in the first call so we don't miss any filing window.
Government bus operators require formal written notice within 90 days of the accident. Miss it and your case can be barred entirely. We draft and serve the notice within days of intake.
We pull bus camera footage (yes, MTA buses have multiple onboard cameras), GPS logs, driver records, prior complaints, and the safety inspection records. Bus operators have a higher duty of care under common-carrier law — we use that to push valuations up.
Every case is different. The recoverable damages depend on your injuries, the insurance available, and the facts of your case.
If you were hit by an MTA bus or NYC DOE school bus, you have just 90 days to file a formal notice of claim. Private tour buses and charter buses have longer windows but evidence still disappears fast. The clock starts the day of the accident.
Buses are common carriers under NY law — they owe passengers the highest duty of care. That means a higher standard than ordinary negligence, which translates to stronger cases when a driver speeds, runs lights, or takes corners too fast.
Most MTA buses and many tour buses have multiple cameras (front, rear, interior, driver-facing). Recordings are kept for a limited time. We send preservation letters within days so the footage is held for litigation.
We answer 24/7. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.