A bus accident in Queens can leave you with serious injuries and a complicated legal battle. You may be up against multiple parties, government agencies, and tight filing deadlines. If you or a loved one was hurt in a bus crash in Flushing, Jamaica, Astoria, or anywhere in Queens, you need a Queens bus accident lawyer with deep roots in this borough. At The Orlow Firm, our attorneys have fought for injured bus passengers, pedestrians, and drivers throughout Queens since 1982.
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What's in this video?
The Orlow Firm's attorneys discuss how they handle bus accident cases in New York City, including the unique challenges of pursuing claims against the MTA and private bus operators.
Queens is New York City's largest borough by area. Its residents depend heavily on MTA bus service for daily travel, and that dependence comes with risk. Our analysis of NYC Open Data Motor Vehicle Collisions records shows that buses were the primary vehicle in 1,912 Queens collisions from 2019 to 2025, or 1.3% of all crashes in the borough.
The scale of the problem extends citywide. MTA buses were involved in 1,872 collisions in 2023 alone, with roughly 10% causing injuries, according to MTA Board reports. Over the past five years, the MTA has resolved 4,592 injury claims. The total payout exceeded $431 million in settlements and judgments, averaging about $86 million per year.
A fully loaded articulated city bus can weigh over 60,000 pounds. When a vehicle that heavy hits a car, bicycle, or pedestrian, the injuries are far worse than in a typical crash.
Recent Queens incidents show the danger. In October 2025, two Q27 buses collided in Flushing, injuring 19 people. In July 2025, a Q20 bus crashed into a light pole in Flushing after the driver fell asleep at the wheel, injuring eight passengers. In August 2024, a Q85 bus struck and killed a pedestrian in a hit-and-run.
Our analysis of NYC Open Data also identifies the most dangerous corridors for all motor vehicle crashes in Queens. Northern Boulevard had 2,330 crashes from 2019 to 2025. Queens Boulevard had 1,769 crashes. Roosevelt Avenue had 785 crashes with seven fatalities, making it the deadliest per-crash corridor. All three are major bus routes.
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Leading Crash Causes in Queens (2019-2025):
- Driver Inattention: 40,381 crashes (26.6% of all collisions)
- Failure to Yield: 15,137 crashes (10.0%)
- Following Too Closely: 7,987 crashes (5.3%)
Most Dangerous Bus Corridors in Queens:
- Northern Boulevard: 2,330 crashes
- Queens Boulevard: 1,769 crashes
- Roosevelt Avenue: 785 crashes (7 fatalities - deadliest per crash)
Source: NYC Open Data Motor Vehicle Collisions (2019-2025). Buses were involved in 1,912 Queens collisions in this period.
Our main office at 71-18 Main Street in Flushing sits steps from these bus corridors. Adam Orlow, former President of the Queens County Bar Association (2022-2023), and Steven Orlow, our Founder and former Counsel to the Queens County Executive, know this borough's streets and its legal system. They bring that knowledge to every bus accident case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Queens Bus Accident
Bus accident liability is more complex than a standard car accident. Multiple parties may be responsible, and identifying the correct defendants is critical to getting full compensation. A Queens bus injury attorney can investigate each potential defendant.
The bus driver. Negligence, distracted driving, fatigue, and medical episodes can all cause collisions. In November 2024, a Sunnyside bus crash was caused by the driver having a medical episode behind the wheel.
The bus company or operator. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, the employer is liable for an employee's negligence while on duty. This can include the MTA, NYCTA, MTA Bus Company, private carriers, school bus companies, and charter or tour bus operators.
Vehicle and parts manufacturers. If a defective brake system, steering mechanism, or tire contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law.
Maintenance companies. Negligent inspection or repair failures can make the company responsible for maintaining the bus a liable party.
Other drivers. When another motorist's negligence caused the bus collision, that driver and their insurer may be liable.
Government entities. Dangerous road conditions, poor signage, or badly designed bus stops maintained by the city or state can form the basis of a government liability claim.
Our analysis of NYC Open Data found that driver inattention and distraction was the leading cause in 40,381 Queens crashes (26.6% of all collisions). Failure to yield caused 15,137 crashes (10.0%), and following too closely caused 7,987 crashes (5.3%). These same factors frequently cause bus accidents.
Under Bethel v. New York City Transit Authority, 92 N.Y.2d 348 (1998), New York applies a reasonable care standard to common carriers rather than the old "highest degree of care." But the carrier-passenger relationship still matters in deciding what counts as reasonable care. Courts still hold bus operators to a higher standard when passengers are on board.
Brian and Adam Orlow are both admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. These credentials matter when bus accident cases involve federal motor carrier rules or cross into federal court.
Filing MTA and Government Bus Accident Claims in Queens
This is the single most time-sensitive issue in any bus accident case involving a government entity. Miss the deadline and your case is gone.
The 90-Day Notice of Claim
Under General Municipal Law Section 50-e, you must file a written Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Not 90 days from when you hire a lawyer. Not 90 days from when you leave the hospital. Ninety days from the date of the crash.
The notice must include your name and address, the nature of the claim, the time, place, and manner of the accident, and the injuries you sustained. It must be properly served on the NYC Comptroller's Office (1 Centre Street) and the NYC Corporation Counsel (100 Church Street). For NYCTA claims, the notice goes to the General Counsel's office.
Naming the Correct Entity
Courts have dismissed cases where plaintiffs sued the MTA parent organization instead of the correct subsidiary. The MTA, NYCTA, and MTA Bus Company are separate legal entities. Filing against the wrong one can kill your case.
The 50-H Hearing
After receiving your Notice of Claim, the government entity can require you to testify under oath within 90 days. This is called a 50-H hearing. Your testimony can be used against you at trial, which makes legal representation critical before you sit for this examination.
Shortened Statute of Limitations
For government entities, General Municipal Law Section 50-i imposes a lawsuit deadline of one year and 90 days from the date of the accident. That is far shorter than the three-year statute of limitations for claims against private bus operators under CPLR Section 214.
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MTA / Government Bus Operators (Shorter Deadlines):
- Day 0: Accident occurs
- 90 Days: Notice of Claim must be filed (GML 50-e)
- Within 90 days of notice: 50-H Hearing (sworn testimony)
- 1 Year + 90 Days: Lawsuit deadline (GML 50-i)
Private Bus Operators (Standard Deadlines):
- Day 0: Accident occurs
- 30 Days: File no-fault PIP application
- 3 Years: Statute of Limitations (CPLR 214)
Steven Orlow's background as former Counsel to the Queens County Executive gives our firm firsthand experience with government procedures and municipal law. That experience is a real advantage when dealing with these strict requirements.
Types of Bus Accidents in Queens
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Types of Bus Accidents in Queens:
- MTA / NYCTA - Q27, Q44, Q58, Q65 routes through high-traffic corridors
- School Buses - Claims against school districts, private contractors, and drivers
- Charter / Tour - Private and airport shuttles near JFK and throughout Queens
- Commuter Shuttles - NICE buses and airport shuttle services in eastern Queens
- Access-A-Ride - Paratransit vehicles serving elderly and disabled passengers
- No-Collision Injuries - Sudden braking, sharp turns, or falls inside a moving bus
MTA and NYCTA Public Transit Buses
The most common bus accidents in Queens involve MTA buses on routes like the Q27, Q44, Q58, Q65, Q20, Q26, and Q13 through high-traffic corridors. Major transit hubs at Jamaica Center, Flushing-Main Street, and Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue see especially heavy bus traffic.
School Bus Accidents
School bus crashes carry unique liability issues, including potential claims against the school district, the private bus company contracted to provide service, and the driver. In February 2025, a school bus crash in Bellerose Manor injured seven children when the bus lost control on an icy road.
Private, Charter, and Tour Buses
Queens' proximity to JFK Airport and its tourist traffic mean private and charter buses frequently operate in the borough. In May 2023, a Delta Airlines shuttle bus collision on the Van Wyck Expressway injured 15 people.
Commuter and Shuttle Buses
Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) buses operate in eastern Queens, and airport shuttle services run throughout the borough. These add another category of potential bus accident claims.
Access-A-Ride and Paratransit Vehicles
Access-A-Ride vehicles are classified as buses, and their passengers are often elderly or disabled. These riders are especially vulnerable to injury. Our firm recovered $215,000 for a client injured in an Access-A-Ride van accident who required shoulder surgery. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
No-Collision Injuries
You do not need a collision to have a valid bus accident claim. Passengers injured by sudden braking, sharp turns, or falls inside a moving bus can pursue claims against the bus operator. These cases often involve passengers who were standing or moving through the aisle.
New York's No-Fault Law and the Serious Injury Threshold
Only a few competing law firm pages address how New York's no-fault insurance system applies to bus accidents. But this legal framework directly controls whether you can sue for pain and suffering.
How No-Fault Applies
Under New York Insurance Law Article 51, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits provide up to $50,000 per person per accident. PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages (up to $2,000 per month for three years), and other reasonable expenses. Bus passengers typically file PIP claims with their own household auto insurance policy. If they have none, they file with the bus operator's insurer.
The Serious Injury Threshold
To sue for pain and suffering beyond no-fault benefits, your injuries must meet at least one of nine categories defined by Insurance Law Section 5102(d). These include death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ or member, permanent consequential limitation of use, significant limitation of use, or a medically determined injury that prevented you from performing most of your daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days after the accident.
One qualifying injury opens the door to recover for all of your injuries, both economic and non-economic.
Why Bus Accidents Often Meet the Threshold
Buses are massive vehicles. Most city buses lack seatbelts. Standing passengers are common. The forces involved in bus collisions are violent. For all these reasons, bus accident injuries are often severe enough to meet the serious injury threshold.
What's in this video?
The Orlow Firm's attorneys explain New York's no-fault insurance system, how it affects your right to sue, and the critical time limits that apply to accident claims.
Comparative Negligence
New York follows a pure comparative negligence standard under CPLR Section 1411. Even if you were partly at fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault but never eliminated entirely.
Compensation Available After a Queens Bus Accident
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for the financial losses caused by the accident. These include medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment), lost wages and lost earning capacity, property damage, and transportation costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the personal toll of your injuries: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and disfigurement.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving reckless or extreme conduct, courts may award punitive damages. The August 2024 Q85 hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian is the type of case where punitive damages could apply. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.
No-fault PIP covers the first $50,000 in economic losses. A lawsuit lets you recover amounts above that threshold, plus non-economic damages, if your injuries meet the serious injury standard. The MTA's $431 million in settlements and judgments over five years shows that large recoveries are possible even against government entities.
Our Results in Bus and Transit Accident Cases
$650,000 -- Bus passenger struck by a tractor trailer; required hand and shoulder surgery.
$325,000 -- Client stopped in traffic when an MTA bus reversed into their vehicle; required shoulder and knee surgery.
$215,000 -- Client injured in an Access-A-Ride van accident; required shoulder surgery.
$1,200,000 -- 83-year-old pedestrian struck by a vehicle; sustained multiple fractures.
$997,997 -- Taxi driver hit head-on by a truck; required back surgery.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What's in this video?
A former client of The Orlow Firm shares their experience after being injured in a bus accident and describes how the firm handled their case.
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Queens
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Seek medical attention right away. Bus accident injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding often have delayed symptoms. Emergency rooms at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens (Jamaica), NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens (Flushing), Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and Mount Sinai Queens (Astoria) are all equipped to treat bus accident injuries.
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Report the accident. Call 911 and get a police report. For MTA bus accidents, also record the bus number, route number (Q27, Q44, etc.), the driver's badge number, and the exact time and location.
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Gather evidence. Photograph the scene, the bus, your injuries, and any visible damage. Get contact information from other passengers and witnesses. Note the direction of travel and weather conditions.
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Preserve electronic evidence. MTA buses carry onboard cameras and GPS tracking systems. This evidence can be destroyed if a preservation letter is not sent quickly. An attorney can issue this letter right away.
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Do not give recorded statements. Insurance company adjusters and MTA investigators will ask for statements. Do not provide one without legal counsel present. Anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.
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Contact a Queens bus accident lawyer right away. For MTA and government bus claims, the 90-day Notice of Claim clock starts on the day of the accident. Every day you wait cuts into the time available to investigate, gather evidence, and prepare your claim.
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What to Do After a Bus Accident:
- Seek Medical Attention - Whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding often have delayed symptoms
- Report the Accident - Call 911, get a police report, record bus and route number
- Gather Evidence - Photograph the scene, get witness contacts, note conditions
- Preserve Electronic Evidence - Bus cameras and GPS data can be destroyed without a preservation letter
- Do Not Give Statements - Anything you say to adjusters can be used to reduce your claim
- Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer - The 90-day Notice of Claim clock starts immediately
Critical Deadline: For MTA bus accidents, you have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. Missing this deadline can end your case.
Do not wait. Call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation. We can come to you if you cannot come to us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queens Bus Accident Cases
Can I file a bus accident claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows pure comparative negligence under CPLR Section 1411. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault but never eliminated. If you were 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your damages. A bus accident attorney in Queens can work to reduce any fault attributed to you.
What if I was injured inside the bus without a collision?
You can still file a claim. Passengers injured by sudden braking, sharp turns, or falls inside a moving bus have valid claims against the bus operator. The bus company owes passengers a duty of reasonable care, and a sudden stop that throws you from your seat may breach that duty.
How long does a Queens bus accident case typically take to resolve?
Most bus accident cases take 12 to 36 months, depending on injury severity, the number of liable parties, and whether a government entity is involved. Claims against the MTA often take longer because of the Notice of Claim process, 50-H hearings, and government legal procedures.
What evidence is most important in a bus accident case?
Bus camera footage, GPS and "black box" data, driver qualification files, maintenance records, and the police accident report are the most critical evidence. A preservation letter must be sent right away because electronic data can be overwritten. Witness statements and medical records from the day of the accident are also key.
Can undocumented immigrants file a bus accident claim in New York?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to file a personal injury claim in New York. Queens is one of the most diverse communities in the world, and our firm serves all residents regardless of immigration status. Se Habla Espanol.
What if the bus driver fled the scene after hitting me?
You can still pursue a claim. Hit-and-run bus incidents, like the August 2024 Q85 fatality in Queens, may involve uninsured motorist coverage from your own auto policy. Law enforcement investigations can help identify the responsible parties, and the driver and bus company face criminal penalties on top of civil liability.
Do I still need a lawyer if the MTA admits fault?
Yes. Even when the MTA acknowledges responsibility, its legal team works to reduce your payout. Government entities have experienced in-house attorneys whose job is to lower settlement amounts. A Queens bus accident lawyer ensures your injuries are fully documented and your compensation reflects the true extent of your losses.
Sources & Official Resources
New York Laws Cited
- GML Section 50-e -- Notice of Claim (90-Day Filing Requirement)
- GML Section 50-i -- Statute of Limitations for Municipal Tort Claims
- CPLR Section 214 -- Three-Year Statute of Limitations (Personal Injury)
- CPLR Section 1411 -- Comparative Negligence
- Insurance Law Section 5102 -- Serious Injury Threshold and No-Fault Definitions
- Insurance Law Article 51 -- Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Reparations Act
Statistics Sources
- NYC Open Data -- Motor Vehicle Collisions (NYPD, 2019-2025)
- MTA Open Data -- Board Report on Bus Collisions and Claims
Helpful Resources
Data Methodology Borough and neighborhood breakdowns were calculated by The Orlow Firm's research team from publicly available NYC Open Data records. Motor Vehicle Collisions (NYPD, 2019-2025) data is published at the crash location level. We aggregated these records to produce the Queens-specific statistics cited above, as city agencies do not publish pre-calculated borough-level breakdowns for all metrics.
Contact a Queens Bus Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Queens, do not face the MTA's legal team or insurance companies alone. The Orlow Firm has protected injured Queens residents throughout Flushing, Jamaica, Astoria, Jackson Heights, and Corona for over 40 years.
Call (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
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What's in this video?
The Orlow Firm's attorneys explain what sets the firm apart: partners who give you direct attention and over 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Queens.
