MTA Bus Accidents: Filing a Notice of Claim

Every day, thousands of MTA buses transport millions of passengers throughout New York City. These massive vehicles share crowded streets with cars, cyclists, and pedestrians—an environment where bus accidents can and do happen. Unfortunately, when they do, the injuries are often catastrophic.

If you’ve been hurt in an MTA bus accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. However, because the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and its subsidiaries are government agencies, you must follow special legal procedures—starting with filing a Notice of Claim.

Under New York law, failing to file this notice correctly and on time can prevent you from recovering damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and serious injuries.

At Hill & Moin LLP, our New York City personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling MTA bus accident cases. We know how to navigate the legal process, identify responsible parties, and file claims properly to protect your legal rights.

Call (212) 668-6000 today for a free consultation with a trusted New York personal injury attorney if you’ve been injured in a bus crash involving the MTA or another city agency.

Understanding MTA Bus Accidents in New York City

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) oversees several municipal agencies, including the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) and MTA Bus Company. These agencies operate thousands of buses across all five boroughs.

While bus travel is generally safe, MTA bus accidents can result in severe injuries or even wrongful death. Common causes include:

• Negligent bus drivers (speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue)
• Poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failures
• Traffic law violations and unsafe driving by other vehicles
• Inadequate training of bus operators

• Defective traffic controls or poorly maintained roads

When a bus accident occurs, injured passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers have a right to pursue a personal injury claim—but because the MTA is a government entity, they must first file a Notice of Claim.

What Is a Notice of Claim?

A Notice of Claim is a legal document required under New York law when seeking damages from a government agency such as the MTA, NYC Transit Authority, or Port Authority.

The notice formally informs the city agency that you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim. It allows the government to investigate and possibly settle your case before litigation begins.

This step is mandatory under New York General Municipal Law § 50-e—and missing the deadline can result in your claim being dismissed.

The 90-Day Deadline to File a Notice of Claim

One of the most critical aspects of the claim process is timing.

New York law requires injured parties to file their Notice of Claim within 90 days of the date the accident occurred.

Failing to meet this deadline can forfeit your right to compensation for your injuries, even if the bus driver or MTA was clearly at fault.

The clock starts ticking the moment the bus accident happens, which means you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure all paperwork is properly filed and served.

What Your Notice of Claim Must Include

To be valid, a Notice of Claim must include specific information as outlined under New York law:

1. Your name and address (and your attorney’s contact information if applicable)
2. The name of the correct government agency (e.g., New York City Transit Authority or MTA Bus Company)
3. The date, time, and location where the bus accident occurred
4. A description of how the accident occurred, including the actions of the bus operator or other drivers

5. Details of your injuries and medical expenses

6. A statement of damages—including lost wages, property damage, and ongoing medical treatment

Filing errors—such as naming the wrong municipal entity or failing to include required details—can lead to claim rejection. That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who understands how to properly serve government entities.

How to File a Notice of Claim Against a City Agency

When filing against a city agency such as the MTA, New York City Transit Authority, or Port Authority, the notice must be served using one of the following methods:

• Personal delivery to the agency’s office
• Registered or certified mail

• Electronic filing, if permitted

Proof of proper service is crucial. You’ll need documentation showing that the notice was sent and received by the correct government agency within the 90-day period.

For claims involving other municipal agencies, such as the New York City Comptroller’s Office or New York City Housing Authority, separate rules may apply. Each government entity has its own requirements, so double-checking with your attorney is essential.

What Happens After Filing a Notice of Claim

Once your Notice of Claim is received, the agency has the right to conduct a 50-h hearing—essentially, an interview where their attorneys can ask questions about your accident, injuries, and medical treatment.

This hearing is similar to a deposition and may be recorded. Your personal injury attorney will prepare you for this process and attend with you to protect your rights.

After the hearing, you may:

• Negotiate a settlement directly with the agency’s legal team, or
• Proceed with a personal injury lawsuit if no fair resolution is offered

You generally have one year and 90 days from the date of the bus accident to file your lawsuit in court, following the initial 90-day Notice of Claim period.

Who Can File a Notice of Claim?

A Notice of Claim can be filed by anyone who sustained injury, property damage, or loss due to a bus crash involving:

• MTA buses or NYC Transit Authority vehicles

• Bus drivers operating within the scope of employment
• City employees or government entities responsible for public transportation

If the victim died as a result of the crash, a family member or estate representative may file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

Common Injuries in MTA Bus Accidents

Because of their size and lack of seatbelts for passengers, bus accidents often cause multiple injuries—especially when negligent drivers or unsafe road conditions are involved. Common injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries

• Severe lacerations and bruising
• Wrongful death damages for fatal accidents

Victims frequently face enormous medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, and emotional trauma. Filing a Notice of Claim promptly helps ensure you can recover compensation for these losses.

Determining Liability in MTA Bus Accident Cases

In bus accident cases, identifying all potentially responsible parties is key. Liability may rest with:

• The bus driver, for negligence or traffic violations
• The MTA Bus Company or NYC Transit Authority, for inadequate training or poor vehicle maintenance

• Private bus companies or charter services, when commercial vehicles are involved
• Government agencies responsible for traffic controls or road maintenance
• Other drivers whose reckless actions contributed to the crash

Because multiple parties can share liability, each may require a separate claim. An experienced attorney will ensure that all tort claims are filed against the appropriate entities.

How an Attorney Can Help With Your Notice of Claim

Filing a Notice of Claim against a city agency is a time-sensitive and technical process. Even minor mistakes—such as sending the notice to the wrong agency or missing the 90-day deadline—can void your claim.

An experienced attorney can:

• Identify the correct government entity or municipal agency

• Draft and file the Notice of Claim using registered or certified mail or personal delivery
• Gather witness statements, police reports, and medical records

• Represent you during the 50-h hearing

• File a personal injury lawsuit if the agency refuses a fair settlement

At Hill & Moin LLP, we’ve successfully represented injured persons in complex bus accident cases across New York City. Our bus accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.

Compensation Available for MTA Bus Accident Victims

Victims of MTA bus accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and ongoing care
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Rehabilitation costs

• Wrongful death damages (for fatal cases)

While New York’s traffic laws hold drivers and government agencies accountable for passenger safety, victims must act quickly to preserve their rights.

Steps to Take Immediately After an MTA Bus Accident

If you’ve been involved in an MTA accident, follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries.
2. Report the accident to police and obtain a police report.
3. Document the accident scene—take photos, collect bus numbers, and note witness statements.
4. Save medical records and receipts for all treatment.
5. Contact an attorney to start the Notice of Claim process as soon as possible.

Acting promptly ensures your claim is filed within the strict deadlines required by New York law.

Contact Hill & Moin LLP for Help With MTA Bus Accident Claims

If you were injured in an MTA bus accident, you deserve justice—and time is not on your side. The Notice of Claim process under New York law is complex, but our team can guide you every step of the way.

At Hill & Moin LLP, we’ve helped countless New Yorkers hold government agencies accountable for negligent drivers, poor maintenance, and other preventable causes of bus crashes.

Call (212) 668-6000 today or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
Let our attorneys handle the legal details while you focus on recovery. With Hill & Moin on your side, you’ll have lawyers in the family fighting for your future.