Bus accident cases in New York are different from regular car accidents. They often involve public agencies like the MTA and have strict rules, deadlines, and hidden risks that can ruin your case. It’s important to hire an experienced attorney for your Queens bus accident, but you should also know what steps you can take to help your case move forward.

We have seen many claimants miss out on compensation due to basic, avoidable errors. In order to avoid similar mistakes and ensure your claim is processed as speedily and effectively as possible, we have put together 7 legal tips for claimants.

1. Act Immediately, Time Is Not on Your Side

Here’s the biggest mistake people make: waiting.

While most accidents involving large vehicles have a bit more time to file a Notice of Claim, city bus accidents have a 90-day time limit in which to file a Notice of Claim.
You must meet all hearing deadlines. If you miss one, your claim could be dismissed before it even gets to a hearing, and you may not get a chance to fix the mistake.

2. File the Notice of Claim Correctly

Filing isn’t enough. Filing correctly is what matters.

A Notice of Claim must include:

  • Details of the accident
  • Nature of injuries
  • Damages suffered

Your application will contain errors, missed information, or unclear statements. These can be used as evidence against you at your appeal hearing.

A skilled bus accident lawyer can make sure your complaint includes all the important facts.

3. Get Medical Treatment and Stick to It

Medical records are the backbone of your case.

The insurance company is always looking for gaps in your treatment. They use these “gaps” to deny coverage. Therefore, we recommend that you closely follow the treatment outline.

Keep seeing your doctor and keep good records. This helps you recover fully and also makes your claim stronger. Don’t let missed appointments slow down your case or weaken it.

4. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters Alone

The analysis also shows that the early attempts by insurance companies to calculate probability were no accident.

Anything you say can:

  • Be recorded
  • Be taken out of context
  • Be used to reduce your compensation

Never speak about an incident until you have taken legal advice.

Your insurer will also be able to inform you as to whether any action for compensation as a result of the accident might be contemplated. Lawyers who act on behalf of persons injured in accidents are also usually willing to offer.

5. Prepare for the 50-H Hearing

After filing your Notice of Claim with the transit authority, you may be required to appear at a 50-H hearing where you will be questioned under oath about your injuries and the events leading up to your fall and resulting injuries.

This step can make or break your case.

If you’re unprepared:

  • You may contradict yourself
  • Your credibility may suffer
  • Your claim could weaken

Testimony that is not prepared can damage your story.

Why choose Mallilo & Grossmanan?

Everyone wants their bus accident claim to be settled quickly, but it’s not just a matter of luck. You need to pay close attention to deadlines, legal rules, procedures, and details to get fair compensation if you are injured in a bus accident.

At Mallilo & Grossman, we work quickly and efficiently to handle every part of your claim and aim for a fast resolution.