Long Island Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus Accident Lawyer Long Island, NY

If you’ve been hurt in a bus accident on Long Island, whether as a passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a driver in another vehicle, the aftermath is confusing. You may not know who to file a claim against. You may not know that special deadlines apply. And the entity that operates the bus, whether it’s a public transit authority, a private carrier, or a school district, already has lawyers working to protect its interests.

Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP has more than 75 years of experience representing accident victims across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the greater New York area. Bus accident claims involve rules that don’t apply to ordinary car crashes, including shortened filing deadlines, government immunity issues, and the heightened duty of care that bus operators owe their passengers under New York law. We handle every bus accident case on contingency. If you need a bus accident lawyer Long Island, NY residents can rely on, contact us for a free consultation.

Why Choose Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson for Bus Accident Cases in Long Island, NY?

Attorneys Who Handle Complex Liability Cases

Bus accident cases aren’t straightforward. They can involve government agencies, commercial carriers, school districts, and multiple insurance policies. Identifying who is responsible and navigating the procedural requirements takes attorneys with real litigation experience.

Martin Schiowitz, Founding Partner, has practiced personal injury, government liability, and municipal claims law in New York for more than 50 years. He co-founded this firm in 1978 and has tried cases across Nassau and Suffolk County courtrooms. Martin graduated from New York Law School in 1972 and is a peer-selected Super Lawyer, an honor for the top 5% of practicing attorneys. He is a member of both the NYSTLA and the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Partner Jeremy Schiowitz brings over 16 years of litigation experience to bus accident and personal injury cases. Licensed in both New York and New Jersey, he earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and has been named a Super Lawyer every year from 2014 through 2025. Jeremy was also recognized as one of the 10 Best Attorneys in New York by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys and selected for the Top One Percent by the NADC. His defense-side background gives him a clear understanding of how transit authorities and insurance companies build their cases against injured passengers and bystanders.

Our Long Island injury attorneys handle the full range of bus accident claims and are available for a free case evaluation.

A Track Record That Speaks

Across all practice areas, our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients, with total recoveries exceeding $200 million. Bus accident cases require the ability to pursue claims against government entities, commercial operators, and negligent third parties simultaneously. We have the experience and resources to take on all of them.

No Fee Unless We Recover Compensation

We take bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, no retainers, and no hourly charges. Our payment comes from the recovery we obtain on your behalf. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I was recommended to this law firm by a good friend of mine and that’s the best decision I have made. The level of professionalism, trustworthiness and courtesy is impressive. Jeremy works above and beyond to get my case settled. He always takes time to keep me informed I highly recommend this law firm to anyone for their knowledge and professionalism.” — Malickgsow Sow

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle in Long Island

Bus crashes take many forms, and liability depends on what type of bus was involved, who operated it, and the circumstances of the collision. Our Long Island bus accident attorneys handle claims arising from all types of bus incidents:

• Public transit bus accidents. Nassau County’s NICE Bus system and Suffolk County Transit carry millions of passengers each year. Crashes involving these buses require claims against the county or its transit contractor. Government entity claims have strict procedural requirements, including the 90-day notice of claim. We handle these cases regularly and know the process inside and out.
• School bus accidents. When a child is injured on a school bus or by a school bus, the consequences are devastating. School districts and their contracted operators owe the highest duty of care to the children in their charge. These claims often involve government notice of claim requirements and may trigger additional protections for minor victims.
• Private and charter bus accidents. Tour buses, party buses, charter coaches, and private shuttle services are operated by commercial carriers that must comply with both state and federal FMCSA safety regulations. When these operators cut corners on maintenance, driver training, or hours-of-service rules, passengers and the public pay the price.
• Intercity bus crashes. Greyhound, Peter Pan, and other intercity carriers that travel through Long Island on expressways and major routes are subject to federal motor carrier safety standards. Crashes at highway speeds involving these large vehicles produce severe injuries.
• Passenger injuries without a collision. You don’t need to be in a crash to have a valid bus accident claim. Sudden braking, sharp turns, and jerky acceleration can throw standing passengers off their feet or slam seated passengers into the seat in front of them. If the driver’s operation was negligent, the bus operator is responsible.
• Pedestrian and cyclist injuries. Pedestrians and cyclists struck by buses face some of the most catastrophic injuries in all of personal injury law. The size and weight disparity is enormous. We pursue these claims against the bus operator, the driver, and any other party whose negligence contributed to the collision.
• Multi-vehicle bus collisions. Bus crashes often involve multiple vehicles, including commercial trucks and rideshare vehicles. When a bus rear-ends a car, sideswipes another vehicle, or causes a chain-reaction pileup, liability may be shared among several parties. We identify every responsible driver, carrier, and property owner to maximize the recovery.
• Car accidents caused by buses. If a bus driver caused a collision that injured you while you were in your own vehicle, you can pursue a claim against the bus operator. Whether the bus was operated by a government agency or a private company determines the procedural path your case follows.

New York Legal Requirements for Bus Accident Cases

Bus accident claims in New York are governed by a different set of rules than standard car accident cases. Missing a deadline or filing against the wrong entity can end your case.

The most critical difference involves government-operated buses. Under General Municipal Law § 50-e, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident before you can file a lawsuit against a county, city, town, or public transit authority. That applies to any bus operated by or on behalf of a government entity, including NICE Bus, Suffolk County Transit, and any school district. The notice must include specific information: the date, time, and location of the accident, how it happened, the nature of your injuries, and the amount of damages you’re claiming. Once the notice is filed, the government entity typically has the right to conduct a hearing (known as a General Municipal Law § 50-h hearing) where their attorneys can question you about the incident.

After filing the notice of claim, you must file the actual lawsuit within one year and 90 days of the accident under General Municipal Law § 50-i. That is significantly shorter than the three-year statute of limitations that applies to claims against private parties under CPLR § 214.

Bus operators are classified as “common carriers” under New York law. A common carrier owes its passengers the highest degree of care consistent with the practical operation of the vehicle. This is a higher standard than ordinary negligence. If a bus company or transit agency fails to meet that duty, and a passenger is injured as a result, the carrier is liable.

New York’s pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411 applies to bus accident cases. Even if you bore some responsibility for your injuries, such as standing in the aisle when seats were available, your damages are reduced proportionally rather than eliminated.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Long Island Bus Accident Cases?

The damages available in a Long Island bus accident case depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and who operated the bus. New York law allows recovery in three main categories.

Economic damages cover every quantifiable financial loss. Medical expenses are typically the largest element: ambulance transport, emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, imaging, physical therapy, medication, and projected future medical care. Lost wages factor in as well, including time missed from work during recovery and any reduction in your ability to earn income going forward. Other economic damages include costs for transportation to medical appointments, assistive devices, and household services you need because of your injuries.

Non-economic damages compensate for harms that don’t carry a dollar figure. Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, sleep disruption, and the anxiety and frustration that come with a long recovery are all compensable. Bus accident injuries can be particularly severe because most passengers aren’t restrained by seatbelts, and standing passengers have no protection against sudden impact.

Punitive damages may apply in extreme cases. If the bus driver was intoxicated, if the carrier knowingly operated a vehicle with a critical mechanical defect, or if the operator’s conduct was willfully reckless, the court can impose additional damages designed to punish that behavior. A bus accident attorney on Long Island can assess whether the facts of your case support a punitive claim.

One important note: if your bus accident claim involves a government entity, there may be caps or procedural limits on certain types of damages. Having a lawyer who has navigated government bus accident claims before matters significantly in these cases.

What Steps Should I Take After a Bus Accident on Long Island?

The steps you take immediately after a bus accident on Long Island can determine whether you preserve your right to compensation. Government entity claims in particular have deadlines that arrive faster than most people expect.

1. Seek medical attention. Get evaluated at a hospital or urgent care the same day, even if you feel okay. Bus accidents cause whiplash, head injuries, back injuries, and internal trauma that don’t always present symptoms immediately.
2. Report the accident. If you were a passenger, report the incident to the bus driver and request an incident report. If the police respond, make sure a report is filed.
3. Document everything. Photograph the bus, the accident scene, your injuries, the interior of the bus if possible, the route number, and any visible damage. Take video if you can.
4. Collect witness information. Get names and phone numbers from other passengers, bystanders, and any drivers involved in the collision. Eyewitness accounts carry major weight in bus crash cases.
5. Note the bus details. Write down the bus number, the route, the operating company name, and the approximate time and location. For public transit, note whether it was a NICE Bus, Suffolk County Transit, or another service.
6. Do not give a recorded statement. The transit authority or insurance company will likely contact you. Be cautious. Don’t provide detailed statements before talking to a lawyer.
7. Preserve all records. Save every medical bill, prescription receipt, hospital record, and documentation of missed work. Keep a daily journal of your pain, symptoms, and limitations.
8. Request surveillance footage. Buses are equipped with onboard cameras, but the footage may be overwritten or erased within days. An attorney can send a preservation letter to the operator immediately.
9. Track the 90-day deadline. If a government bus was involved, the clock is already running on your notice of claim. This deadline is non-negotiable.
10. Contact a bus accident lawyer. The sooner you have legal representation, the better. A Long Island bus accident attorney can file the notice of claim, preserve video evidence, and identify all liable parties before critical deadlines pass.

Bus Accident Statistics on Long Island

Buses are among the largest vehicles on Long Island roads, and collisions involving them tend to produce serious injuries. According to the FMCSA, there were 78 fatal crashes involving transit buses nationwide in a single recent reporting year, resulting in 86 deaths. School bus-related crashes killed 128 people across the country in 2023, a 23% increase over the prior year. The majority of those killed in school bus crashes were not on the bus itself but were occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians.

The NHTSA notes that buses carry a unique injury profile. Most bus passengers are not restrained by seatbelts. Standing passengers have nothing to brace against. A sudden stop or impact at even moderate speeds can throw riders into poles, seats, or the floor of the bus, causing fractures, spinal injuries, and head trauma. The CDC identifies motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalization across all age groups.

On Long Island, the NICE Bus system in Nassau County and Suffolk County Transit collectively serve millions of passenger trips annually. These buses share the road with the same high-volume traffic on the Southern State Parkway, Hempstead Turnpike, and other corridors that make Long Island one of the most crash-prone regions in New York. The NYS Comptroller’s office has documented that Nassau and Suffolk Counties lead the state in motor vehicle fatalities, and bus crashes contribute to that total.

Private charter buses, tour buses, and intercity coaches add another layer of risk. These vehicles often travel at highway speeds, and when they’re involved in crashes, the result can be a mass-casualty event. Federal regulations enforced by the FMCSA govern driver qualifications, hours-of-service limits, and vehicle maintenance for commercial bus operators, but compliance is far from universal.

Long Island Bus Accident Lawyer FAQs

How much does a bus accident lawyer cost?

Nothing upfront. We take every bus accident case on contingency. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you pay no fee at all.

What is the 90-day notice of claim?

Under New York law, you must file a formal notice of claim with a government entity within 90 days of the accident before you can file a lawsuit. This applies to any bus operated by a public transit authority, county, municipality, or school district. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim.

What if the bus was privately operated?

For private carriers like charter buses, tour operators, and intercity lines, you don’t need to file a notice of claim. The standard three-year liable party to maximize recovery.

What is a “common carrier” and why does it matter?

A common carrier is any entity that transports passengers for a fee or as a public service. Under New York law, common carriers owe passengers a heightened duty of care. This is a higher standard than ordinary negligence, which means the bus operator is held to stricter accountability for passenger safety.

What injuries are common in bus accidents?

Whiplash, spinal injuries, concussions and traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, shoulder injuries, knee damage, and internal organ trauma. Standing passengers and elderly riders are at particular risk because they have less stability and fewer protective barriers.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes. New York’s pure comparative negligence rule allows recovery even when the injured person shares some fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you’re not barred from making a claim.

What if my child was injured on a school bus?

School bus injuries require immediate attention because of the 90-day notice of claim deadline. The school district and its contracted bus company may both be liable. New York law provides additional protections for minor victims, including extended statutes of limitations and the possibility of court-approved settlements.

How long does a bus accident case take?

Government entity cases can take longer because of mandatory notice of claim procedures and 50-h hearings. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of liability, bus accident cases typically take between one and three years.

What if the bus driver was texting or distracted?

That strengthens your claim significantly. Cell phone records, bus surveillance footage, and GPS data can all be used to prove the driver was distracted at the time of the accident.

Does the bus company’s insurance cover my injuries?

Commercial bus operators are required to carry substantial insurance coverage. Public transit authorities are typically self-insured. Regardless of the insurance structure, we pursue the full value of your claim against all available coverage.

What if the bus accident caused a death?

Your family may have a wrongful death claim against the bus operator. The two-year filing deadline for wrongful death applies, and the 90-day notice of claim still applies if a government entity was involved.

Can I sue both the bus company and another driver?

Yes. If the bus accident was caused or contributed to by another driver on the road, you can pursue claims against both the bus operator and the other driver. New York’s joint and several liability rules allow you to recover from multiple defendants.

Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident case?

Bus accident claims involve government immunity issues, shortened filing deadlines, multiple potentially liable parties, and the heightened duty of care standard for common carriers. These are not cases to handle on your own. A bus accident attorney on Long Island, NY who handles these claims regularly makes a substantial difference in the outcome.

Most Dangerous Locations for Bus Accidents on Long Island

Bus accidents on Long Island are most frequent along the corridors where transit routes overlap with the heaviest vehicle traffic. Bus routes on Hempstead Turnpike, Sunrise Highway, and Route 110 operate in some of the most congested conditions on the island. Intersections in downtown Hempstead, Freeport, Babylon, and Huntington Station see regular bus traffic alongside dense pedestrian activity, creating conditions where collisions are more likely.

The Long Island Expressway and Southern State Parkway are also hazard zones for charter and intercity buses traveling at highway speeds. Express bus routes that use limited-access highways expose passengers to the same crash risks as any other high-speed road, but with the added danger of a vehicle carrying dozens of unrestrained riders. School bus routes through residential neighborhoods in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties create particular risks at pickup and drop-off locations, where children are vulnerable to passing traffic.

What Are Important Local Resources for Long Island Bus Accidents?

The following resources may be helpful after a bus accident on Long Island. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP.

• Nassau County Police Department — (516) 573-7000
• Suffolk County Police Department — (631) 852-6000
• NICE Bus — Nassau County’s public transit system (Nassau Inter-County Express)
• Suffolk County Transit — Suffolk County’s public bus service
• NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island (Level 1 Trauma Center, Mineola) — (516) 663-0333
• Stony Brook University Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center, Stony Brook) — (631) 444-4000
• New York State Courts — Information on Nassau and Suffolk County Supreme Courts

Contact Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson

If you were hurt in a bus accident on Long Island, time matters more than you may realize. Government entity claims require action within 90 days, and critical evidence like bus surveillance footage can be erased in a matter of weeks. Our bus accident lawyers offer free consultations, take every case on contingency, and respond to clients promptly because we understand what’s at stake. Contact us today to discuss your case.