What To Do If You’re Injured on Buffalo Public Transit

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) is a widely used method of public transportation in the Buffalo-Niagara area. With a ridership of 2,433,300 in 2023, NFTA-Metro transports roughly 8,000 passengers across Western New York daily. With 294 buses and 27 light rail train cars making up NFTA-Metro’s fleet, they are one of the Buffalo area’s most popular forms of public transportation.  

Despite its pivotal role in the region’s public transit network, the NFTA has unfortunately been involved in incidents leading to severe or fatal injuries for passengers, pedestrians, and motorists alike. These incidents not only impact passengers relying on public transport but also pose significant risks to pedestrians and motorists sharing the roadways. 

What You Need to Know if You’re Injured on an NFTA-Metro Bus

Handling NFTA-Metro accident cases and injury claims is different from motor vehicle accident cases. NFTA-Metro typically conducts their own internal investigations when one of their vehicles has been involved in an accident. Some things you should know if you’ve been involved in an accident with a NFTA bus include: 

• Time Limits for Lawsuits: There are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits related to injuries from NFTA bus accidents. In New York state, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date you were injured. However, with NFTA-Metro being a government entity, you may have less time and want to file as soon as possible. Failure to adhere to these time limits can impact your ability to seek compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve suffered.  
• Video Surveillance: NFTA buses are equipped with cameras recording both inside and outside activities. However, the bus company’s policies dictate whether, and for how long, these recordings are kept, potentially affecting the availability of evidence in case of accidents or injuries.  

What To Do After a Buffalo NFTA-Metro Accident

After a bus accident, you may be left injured and confused. However, there are crucial steps you should take to protect your health and help preserve evidence from the accident. 

• Ensure Safety. First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, seek medical help immediately. 
• Notify Authorities. Report the accident to the police or emergency services. If the accident occurred in Buffalo or surrounding areas, ensure that local law enforcement is aware of the incident. This helps ensure that an official accident report is filed in addition to NFTA’s report, which can be crucial for helping you and your attorney file insurance claims and legal proceedings. 
• Document the Scene. If you can do so safely, gather information at the scene. Take photos or videos of the accident site, including any damage to vehicles and injuries sustained. Note the bus number, license plate, and any other relevant details. 
• Collect Witness Information. Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Witness statements can be valuable in corroborating your version of events. 
• Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine initially, seek medical evaluation soon after the accident. Injuries like Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and internal wounds may not be immediately apparent, and a medical report can document any injuries sustained by the accident. 
• Keep Records. Keep a record of all medical treatment received, including doctor visits, medications prescribed, and any medical bills incurred. Also, retain copies of any correspondence with the NFTA or their insurance representatives. 
• Consult with an Attorney. Contact an experienced Buffalo personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our team can provide guidance on your legal rights, help navigate the complexities of filing a claim against the NFTA and ensure that deadlines for notices and lawsuits are met. 
• Pursue Compensation. After being evaluated, gathering evidence, and contacting an attorney, you may now be ready to file a personal injury claim. By filing this claim, you are taking the first step towards pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages that resulted from the bus accident. 

By taking these steps after a Buffalo bus accident, you can protect yourself and strengthen your position for any potential legal claims or insurance disputes that may arise. 

What Causes Bus Accidents?

Operating a NFTA bus demands skill, caution, and patience from its drivers. Instances where drivers act out of negligence and this responsibility is overlooked often lead to accidents occurring. Our team of Buffalo bus accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm have extensive experience representing clients who have been injured in these incidents. Through our cases, we’ve identified common causes of bus accidents, including: 

• Distracted driving 
• Fatigue affecting driving performance 
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
• Unsafe maneuvering during turns 
• Lack of driver experience 
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance 
• Failure to yield right of way 
• Excessive speeding 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, our attorneys are available around the clock to provide guidance. Contact The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 to speak with one of our trusted bus accident attorneys today. 

Common Bus Accident Injuries

Depending on the severity of the accident and types of vehicles involved, injuries can vary tremendously in bus accidents. Through decades of experience, our attorneys have served clients who have suffered the following common bus accident injuries: 

• Concussions 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Whiplash 
• Neck injuries 
• Back injuries 
• Broken bones and fractures 
• Soft tissue injuries 
• Internal injuries 
• And more… 

It’s crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bus accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it’s important to get a thorough evaluation to ensure that you receive the necessary diagnosis and treatment. After seeking medical attention, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.  

Who Is Liable for my Injuries and Damages in an NFTA Accident?

Depending on the unique circumstances of your accident, liability in a bus accident can involve various parties, including: 

• Bus driver: If the bus driver acted negligently or recklessly while operating the bus, they may be liable for the accident. 
• Bus company: Liability may extend to the bus company if they failed to maintain the bus properly or allowed an inadequately trained or unqualified driver to operate the vehicle. 
• Bus manufacturer or parts supplier: A defective bus or its components can contribute to accidents, and when they do, the manufacturer or supplier could be held liable. 
• Other drivers: If another driver’s actions caused or contributed to the accident, they may share liability. 
• Government agencies: Additionally, liability might also involve government agencies responsible for the public transportation system itself, road maintenance, or other factors contributing to the accident. 

What Damages Can I Recover After a Buffalo Bus Accident?

If you have been involved in a Buffalo NFTA bus accident and have sustained injuries or property damage as a result, you may be entitled to recover damages from the responsible party. Some common types of damages that our experienced Buffalo bus accident attorneys have recovered for clients include:  

• Medical expenses  
• Lost wages  
• Property damage  
• Pain and suffering  
• Loss of enjoyment of life  
• Physical therapy  
• And more…  

In addition, it is important to note that to recover damages, you will need to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident. This is often a complex process and it’s important to have an experienced bus accident attorney on your side. 

Speak With a Trusted Buffalo Bus Accident Lawyer Today

At The Barnes Firm, we understand how devastating bus accidents can be for victims and their families. That’s why it’s our mission to provide you with the legal guidance, negotiation skills, and support you need while you focus on recovery. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully injured in a bus accident, don’t hesitate to contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000. It could be the best call you make.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes