Can I Sue if I Was Hit by an MTA Bus or Taxi in NYC?
If you were struck by an MTA bus or a taxi while walking in New York City, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Pedestrian accidents involving buses or cabs can result in serious, life-changing harm. But holding the at-fault party accountable, especially when that party is a government agency like the MTA or a commercial entity like a taxi company, comes with unique legal challenges and strict deadlines.
Here’s what you need to know about your legal rights and options if you were hit by an MTA bus or a taxi in NYC. For personalized assistance tailored to your specific circumstances after a pedestrian knockdown in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., to review your situation with an experienced and dedicated New York pedestrian accident lawyer.
MTA Bus and Taxi Accidents Are All Too Common in NYC
New York City’s dense population, heavy foot traffic, and constant stream of vehicles create a dangerous mix for pedestrians. MTA buses operate practically around the clock and frequently pull in and out of traffic, sometimes without warning. Taxis often make sudden stops to pick up or drop off passengers and may fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. When drivers fail to observe traffic laws or exercise proper caution, pedestrians are the ones who pay the price.
Common causes of MTA bus and taxi pedestrian accidents in New York City include:
- Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks
- Distracted or fatigued driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Unsafe turns
- Poor visibility
- Mechanical failure or improper vehicle maintenance
Who Can Be Held Liable?
1. The MTA and Its Operators
If you were hit by a city bus operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the MTA may be liable for your injuries. However, because the MTA is a government agency, your claim will be subject to special procedures under New York law.
2. Taxi Drivers and Taxi Companies
If a yellow cab or livery vehicle struck you, the driver may be personally liable, and the taxi company may share in that liability depending on the circumstances, particularly if the driver was negligent while working.
3. Other Third Parties
In some cases, liability may extend beyond the bus or taxi operator. For example, another vehicle might have caused the bus or taxi to swerve and hit you, or a pedestrian signal may have malfunctioned, implicating the city or another agency.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against the MTA?
Yes, you can sue the MTA if its driver’s negligence caused your injuries, but you must act fast. Claims against the MTA (or any New York government entity, including NYC Transit) are subject to the Notice of Claim requirement under New York General Municipal Law § 50-e. Under this law, you must file a Notice of Claim in the required format within 90 days of the accident. This legal notice alerts the MTA that you intend to pursue a claim and gives them an opportunity to investigate. If you miss this 90-day window, your lawsuit may be barred, so time is of the essence.
Suing a Taxi Driver or Cab Company
Filing a claim against a private taxi driver or taxi company generally follows the same process as any personal injury claim in New York. You must show that the driver was negligent—for example, by speeding, failing to yield, or driving distracted—and that their negligence caused your injuries.
Taxi companies are typically required to carry minimum liability insurance, often up to $100,000 per injured person or $300,000 per accident. Some may have even more coverage. If the driver was operating the taxi as part of their employment, the company itself may also be liable.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover compensation for all the ways the responsible party’s negligence has adversely affected you. Typically, this includes:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expenses, like transportation or home care
In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also be able to seek compensation for funeral costs and loss of financial support.
How Do I Prove My Case?
To win your case, you’ll need to prove:
- The bus or taxi driver owed you a duty of care (all drivers do).
- The driver breached that duty through negligent or reckless behavior.
- The breach directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered actual damages as a result.
Powerful evidence to prove your claim may include, for example, surveillance or dashcam footage, witness statements, police reports, accident reconstruction expert analysis, medical records, vehicle maintenance logs or MTA safety records. Preserving this evidence as soon as possible is critical, especially when dealing with government agencies or commercial transportation companies.
What Should I Do After the Accident?
If you were hit by an MTA bus or a taxi in New York City, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights if you are physically able to do so:
- Seek immediate medical attention for a thorough evaluation.
- Call 911 so that police can document the scene.
- Get contact information from the driver, any witnesses, and any bystanders.
- Note the vehicle number or license plate and, if possible, take photos or video.
- Request the bus route or medallion number for identification.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer right away, especially if an MTA vehicle was involved.
Talk to an Experienced NYC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we know how devastating a pedestrian accident can be and how complex claims involving MTA buses or taxis often become. Our legal team has decades of experience holding negligent drivers and transportation authorities accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving a New York City bus or taxi, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
