New York City operates the largest public transportation agency in North America. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) offers both subway and bus routes across the city, connecting the five boroughs. In 2025, NYC had 247 local bus routes, 20 Select Bus Service routes, and 73 express routes, and ridership has been the highest since COVID. But with more routes and more passengers, more accidents are bound to occur. After an MTA bus accident, it can be difficult to know where to turn. You may be facing significant medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery times. The thought of taking on a personal injury case may be daunting, especially when a public transit agency is involved. But with MTA bus accident lawyers on your side, you can focus on recovery while we handle the rest!
Why the Type of Bus Accident Matters to Your Case
MTA bus accident claims involve different filing requirements and shorter deadlines than claims against private bus companies. This process is complex, which is why an experienced lawyer makes all the difference in your case.
The first step is determining whether you’re dealing with a public bus (run by the MTA) or a private bus.
| Private Bus | Public Bus | |
|---|---|---|
| Types of Buses | Charter buses and tour buses are considered “private.” | Any bus owned by the MTA Bus Company or the NYC Transit Authority (NYCTA) is considered public transportation. |
| Who Is Liable | If your injury was caused by the negligence of an employee, the maintenance staff, or the owner of the company, the driver and/or company may be liable. | If an employee or the company itself caused your injury through negligence, that transit company may be liable. |
| Claim Deadline | Generally, you’ll have 3 years after the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. | Claims against the NYCTA require a NOC (notice of claim) no later than 90 days after the accident. Claims against the MTA Bus Company require a demand and a 30-day waiting period before you file a personal injury lawsuit. While it is possible to file after the deadline, you’ll need special permission from the court. |
For cases involving the MTA, you’ll need an MTA bus accident lawyer who’s faced government entities before. At Shaevitz & Shaevitz, we have over 65 years of experience taking on cases like yours.
How MTA Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help
In a bus accident, there are several entities that could be liable. The cause of the accident helps determine who we should be filing with. Potential negligent parties include:
- The bus driver
- The bus maintenance or repair company
- The bus owner, operating company, or transit authority
- The bus manufacturer
- Another driver
As your bus accident lawyers, we’ll investigate what happened and identify the parties that may be liable. At Shaevitz & Shaevitz, we will thoroughly investigate the accident and review available evidence, such as security footage, maintenance records, and police reports, to help determine what caused your injuries.
For an MTA bus accident, this investigation also helps identify the responsible transit entity, such as the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) or MTA Bus Company. These entities are legally separate from the parent Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is not automatically liable for their negligence. We will identify the applicable filing requirements and deadlines, protecting your compensation from the legal complexities of filing against a government entity.
Your Compensation for an MTA Bus Accident
After a bus accident, you may be left with big medical bills, lost wages, and serious injuries. While you focus on rest and recovery, let us handle your compensation.
At Shaevitz & Shaevitz, we offer free consultations for people who want to learn what their case may be worth. If you’re eligible for compensation, we will collect evidence to help establish fault and represent your interests. Before filing a lawsuit, we’ll identify and meet the notice or filing deadlines for the appropriate party. Then, we will negotiate on your behalf with the responsible parties or their insurers.
Additionally, you may be eligible for no-fault benefits after a bus accident. These benefits pay up to $50,000 per person combined for medical expenses and lost wages for eligible New Yorkers. However, you must file a no-fault claim within 30 days of the accident. As your attorneys, we can help you file to secure compensation.
Find Trusted MTA Bus Accident Lawyers like Shaevitz & Shaevitz
Buses in NYC take you all around the five boroughs, making transportation easy. But when a bus accident occurs, it can cause serious damage to you or a loved one. After an accident, we encourage you to reach out to a trusted lawyer. Shaevitz & Shaevitz are MTA bus accident lawyers who know how to handle cases involving claims against government entities. If you think you may be eligible for compensation, book a free consultation with us in Queens! We’ll go over your eligibility and discuss what your next steps should be.
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