Transportation Law Attorney in New York and The Bronx
Leav & Steinberg LLP handles transportation accident cases involving injuries sustained in vehicles, trains, buses, and planes. Transportation accidents often stem from negligence in driving, maintenance, or system operations. Victims can seek damages for medical care, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation.
According to the New York Department of Health, there are almost 13,000 hospitalizations each year throughout the state due to motor vehicle and transportation injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a transportation accident, you may be able to build a case with our dedicated team of attorneys at Leav & Steinberg LLP and receive possible compensation.
What Is a Transportation Lawyer?
Transportation attorneys can provide counsel for those who have been injured either on or from public transportation, such as buses, subways, or trains, or have been involved in a bicycle, motorcycle, or car accident. New York operates under a “No-Fault” law, which means that negligent drivers may be held accountable for injuries caused to others within a certain period of time. For motor vehicle accidents, this is usually 30 days after the incident. Cases of accidents or injuries involving public transportation must meet several preconditions within a short period of time before a lawsuit can be filed. Work with an experienced transportation accident attorney to determine if you have a case and to help ensure these conditions are met.
Our team can also help you in cases where vehicles were improperly maintained or if environmental factors contributed to an accident, such as poor lighting or improper placement of signs or rails.
Types of Transportation Accidents Throughout New York City and The Bronx
Other types of transportation accidents include bicycle and skateboard accidents, hit and run cases, drunk driving, pedestrian accidents, and motorcycle collisions. Leav & Steinberg specializes in the following:
- Bus Accidents may have multiple parties at fault depending on the details of the accident. If the accident was a direct result of improper maintenance, then the bus management company may be at fault for your injuries. The bus driver might be at fault if the accident was a result of negligent driving, driving under the influence, or operating the bus without proper training. In other cases, multiple parties may be at fault, depending on the details of the accident. Our legal team can help determine who to hold liable for injuries or any other damages resulting from the incident.
- Subway Accidents usually result in injuries from operator negligence, sudden stops, subway car crashes, and poor maintenance. The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) or Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) may be held liable if a subway accident resulted from improper maintenance or unsafe conditions of subway cars, tracks, or stations. Subway accident claims have strict deadlines, and a notice of claim needs to be filed within 90 days of the accident.
- Train Accidents often involve the victim being hit by a train, trapped between the train and platform, and falling while riding a train. Gather as much evidence as possible if you’ve been involved in a train accident before you seek legal counsel. The at-fault party may be the train engineer, maintenance workers, train management, or other related parties involved.
- Bicycle Accident injuries fall under an insurance company’s no-fault coverage. Bicyclists are entitled to the same rights as drivers in New York and must adhere to traffic laws, but they’re considered pedestrians under New York’s no-fault laws. No-fault insurance coverage can help cover expenses incurred from an accident despite which party is at fault.
- Motorcycle Accident victims don’t fall under no-fault coverage the same way bicyclists and pedestrians do and aren’t required to prove that their injuries meet the serious injury threshold of New York Insurance Law. Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer severe injuries in an accident, and infrastructure issues can be more hazardous for motorcycles than other vehicles, which is why it’s important to speak with a lawyer about legal options following an accident.
Our attorneys can analyze the details of your accident by reviewing your accident report, medical records, photographs from the scene, and other information. Never put off seeking medical attention, sign anything, or give any statements until you have our team advise you on the best course of action. Because transportation cases are so time-sensitive, the only way to determine if you have a case is to call an attorney to immediately review the details of the incident.
Our Experienced Transportation Accident Attorneys
We’ve been handling transportation cases throughout New York and The Bronx since 1999. We not only understand the laws and how they apply to your case, but we’re also willing to pursue whatever course of action is best for you—whether that means going to court or settling outside the system. Our attorneys never apply a “one size fits all” model to your situation. We have the resources to work in your best interest.
We understand the importance of compassion and human connection during this stressful, painful time; that’s why we’re available to you at all times to answer your questions and guide you through this difficult process. Request a free consultation to start building your case with Leav & Steinberg.
Whether it’s a bus, train, or other transit accident, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact our Manhattan or Bronx transportation accident attorneys to schedule a consultation today.
Transportation Attorney FAQs
What to do if you are in a bus accident?
After a bus accident, the first steps are to seek medical care, document the scene, and contact a lawyer. In New York, public transit cases require a notice of claim within 90 days, making prompt legal guidance essential. Photos, witness details, and medical records can strengthen your claim.
Can I sue the city if I get hit by a bus?
Yes. Claims against the city are allowed when municipal negligence causes injury, but strict deadlines apply. A notice of claim must be filed within 90 days, and lawsuits must comply with New York’s municipal liability statutes.
Can you sue if a city bus hits you?
A lawsuit against a city bus operator is established when negligence, such as reckless driving or poor training, results in injury. Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but must meet notice and filing deadlines.
What qualifies as a transportation accident in NY?
Transportation accidents in New York include crashes and injuries involving buses, subways, trains, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Liability may stem from driver negligence, unsafe maintenance, or hazardous infrastructure conditions.
Can I sue a bus company after a crash?
A bus company lawsuit is appropriate when negligence by drivers, maintenance staff, or management leads to injuries. Depending on the facts, multiple parties — including the operator, maintenance provider, or even the city — may share liability.
How long do I have to file a claim after a subway or train accident in NYC?
Transit claims must be filed within strict deadlines — typically requiring a notice of claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days for municipal defendants. Failing to meet these deadlines can bar recovery.
Are bicycle accidents covered under New York’s No-Fault insurance law?
Yes. Bicycle accidents are covered by No-Fault insurance when a motor vehicle is involved. The driver’s insurance pays for medical expenses and lost wages, even if the bicyclist was partially at fault.
Do motorcyclists qualify for No-Fault insurance in New York?
Motorcyclists in New York are excluded from No-Fault insurance coverage. Instead, they must prove negligence by another party to recover damages, though this also allows them to pursue full compensation for pain and suffering.
How is liability determined in public transportation accidents in NYC?
Liability in transit accidents is determined by analyzing evidence such as operator conduct, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts. Transit authorities like the MTA may be liable for unsafe conditions, while drivers or contractors may also share responsibility.
How do I prove negligence in a transportation accident case?
Negligence in transportation cases is proven when the plaintiff shows duty, breach, causation, and damages through official reports, medical records, expert analysis, and testimony. Timely filing of municipal notices is essential for claims involving public entities.
