Being hurt on a city bus can be disorienting, but does an injury constitute calling a New York bus accident lawyer? When making this decision, it is important to know that filing a claim against a government agency does not look the same as working with a standard car insurance carrier. There are strict deadlines and specific paperwork that many people never encounter outside of being involved in a bus accident.
This guide from Cassisi & Cassisi, P.C., explains the steps involved. You can reach out to speak with the firm’s MTA bus accident lawyer in New York for more clarity.
Why a New York Bus Accident Lawyer Says MTA Claims Are Different
According to the MTA’s Safety Committee report covering the 12 months ending in December 2025, the NYCT Bus Customer Accident Rate decreased by 13.2% compared to the prior 12-month period. However, when accidents do occur, it is important to note that MTA buses are operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is a public entity. When a government agency is involved, New York law requires a specific preliminary step called the Notice of Claim prior to a lawsuit.
Under New York General Municipal Law Section 50-e, you typically have just 90 days after the accident date to file this notice. Consulting a New York bus accident lawyer after an accident can help you stay on track with your claim.
What To Do Right After an MTA Bus Crash
According to the FMCSA database, the number of buses involved in injury crashes in New York decreased from 1,097 in 2022 to 906 in 2025. Still, there is a chance you may be injured in an MTA bus accident in the state, and the actions you take in the first hours and days can affect your claim. Here are the key steps to consider taking:
- Call the police: A police report creates an official record for your claim.
- Report the incident to the MTA: Create additional paper trails tied to the accident.
- Document the scene: Photographs and videos of the bus, area, and injuries can be helpful.
- Gather witness information: Save the contact details of passengers or bystanders.
- Seek medical attention: A prompt evaluation helps link your injuries to the accident.
Your New York bus accident lawyer will be able to advise you on what other information you may need to file a claim. For example, you may also want to check whether the accident is documented in the DOT’s bus accident report database, which tracks public transportation incidents across New York State.
How To File a Claim After an MTA Bus Accident
The MTA bus accident claim process in New York unfolds in several stages. The first step is filing the Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This document formally notifies the MTA of your intention to seek compensation.
After that, you may be required to attend a Section 50-h hearing for MTA representatives to ask questions about the accident and your injuries. Settlement discussions may follow. However, if the two sides cannot reach a fair agreement, you may choose to file a lawsuit.
Your Legal Rights and Compensation for MTA Bus Accident Injuries
The NYCT Department of Buses saw its customer accident injury rate rise approximately 15.3% from 2020 to 2021, from 1.90 per million customers to 2.19 per million. Understanding your legal rights after an MTA bus accident like this begins with acknowledging New York’s no-fault insurance system. Your initial medical expenses may be covered regardless of who caused the accident, and if your injuries meet the threshold of severity, you may be able to pursue additional compensation.
Damages for MTA bus accident injuries can potentially include:
- Future treatment costs and ongoing rehabilitation
- Lost wages if your injuries kept you from working
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket costs directly tied to the accident
Depending on how the crash occurred, responsible parties may include the MTA, the bus driver, another driver involved in the collision, or a third-party maintenance provider. Identifying all potentially liable parties is an important part of the MTA bus accident claim process in New York.
Get Support for Your Claim From Cassisi & Cassisi, P.C.’s MTA Bus Accident Lawyer in New York
When you have been injured in an MTA bus accident in New York, choosing a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process confidently. Consider working with an attorney who understands the Notice of Claim requirements and the specific procedures involved in MTA claims.
Cassisi & Cassisi, P.C. has been representing injured New Yorkers since 1984. Call (516) 294-5050 to schedule an appointment with our New York bus accident lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about MTA bus accident claims in New York.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim Against the MTA?
You typically have 90 days from the date of the accident to file the official notice against the MTA in New York, which is required before you can move on to a lawsuit. You generally have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the MTA.
Can I Still Pursue Compensation if I Was Partly At Fault?
Yes. Since New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, you may still pursue compensation even in the event that you shared some responsibility for the bus accident.
What Evidence Can Support an MTA Bus Injury Claim?
Useful evidence may include police reports, recordings of the accident scene and visible injuries, witness contact information, medical records, and surveillance footage from the bus or nearby cameras.
Do I Need a New York Bus Accident Lawyer To Handle an MTA Claim?
While there is no legal requirement to hire an attorney, working with a New York bus accident lawyer who is familiar with MTA claims may help you meet critical deadlines, prepare for hearings, and pursue the proper legal channels as you build your case.
