John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
- June 12, 2025
- Why Choose Richmond Vona After a Rochester Bus Crash?
- Understanding Liability in a Rochester Bus Accident
- How Fault Is Proven in a Rochester Bus Accident Case
- Time Limits for Rochester Bus Accident Claims
- What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rochester Bus Accident?
- What to Do After a Bus Accident Injury in Rochester
- Contact a Rochester NY Bus Accident Attorney
When you board an RTS bus, send your child off on a school bus, or travel using Rochester’s public transportation, the last thing you expect is for something to go wrong. While bus crashes are less frequent than car accidents, they do happen, primarily in high-traffic areas like Monroe Avenue, East Main Street, or the Inner Loop.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Rochester bus crash, the experienced attorneys at Richmond Vona are here to help. Our compassionate team understands the local transit system and the unique challenges victims face. Contact us today to speak with a dedicated Rochester bus accident lawyer who will treat your case and recovery with the attention and care it deserves.
Why Choose Richmond Vona After a Rochester Bus Crash?
Bus accident claims often involve powerful entities like city agencies or large private companies. At Richmond Vona, we’re not intimidated. With over $200 million recovered for injured victims and decades of combined experience, our firm has the resources and trial skills to take on complex cases involving RTS buses, school districts, and tour companies and win.
Our experienced Rochester personal injury lawyers understand the nuances of bus crash litigation, including how to recover critical evidence like surveillance footage, black box data, or internal transit reports that can make or break a case. From the moment you entrust us with your story, we are committed to building a compelling case that gets the results you need.
When you choose Richmond Vona, you’re not passed off to case managers or assigned a number in a sea of other clients. You work directly with a dedicated 3-4 person legal team that prioritizes transparency, communication, and peace of mind. We take time to explain every step of the legal process, stay available when you need us, and tailor our strategy around your goals.
Understanding Liability in a Rochester Bus Accident
Determining who’s responsible after a bus crash isn’t always straightforward. Liability depends on the type of bus involved and the circumstances of the accident. At Richmond Vona, we investigate every angle, making sure all liable parties are held accountable.
Here’s how liability typically breaks down:
RTS, or Regional Transit Service, Buses
When a city-operated bus, such as an RTS vehicle, is involved, claims may involve government agencies. These cases tend to follow stricter deadlines and procedures, making it important to work with a lawyer who understands how to navigate municipal liability.
School Buses
If the crash involves a school bus operated by the Rochester City School District or a private school, liability could fall on the district, a contracted transportation company, or even a negligent driver. These cases may also involve heightened legal standards, especially if children were injured.
Private or Charter Buses
Tour and charter buses must follow both state and federal safety regulations. When their negligence leads to injury, they can be held legally and financially responsible.
Third-Party Drivers or Maintenance Providers
Sometimes, the bus operator is not at fault. Liability may rest with another motorist who caused the collision or with a third-party maintenance company that failed to properly service the bus. In some cases, multiple parties may share fault.
Since bus accidents often involve layers of responsibility, having an experienced Rochester bus crash attorney is crucial. Richmond Vona knows how to investigate, identify liable parties, and build strong cases that get results.
How Fault Is Proven in a Rochester Bus Accident Case
Establishing fault is one of the most important and often most challenging parts of a bus accident claim. Crashes can involve multiple parties and layers of responsibility, making a thorough investigation essential to secure the compensation you deserve.
At Richmond Vona, we work vigilantly to determine who had a legal duty to keep you safe and how that duty was breached. Our team gathers powerful evidence to support your claim, including:
- Eyewitness statements and police reports
- Onboard surveillance footage and GPS logs
- Vehicle “black box” data
- Accident reconstruction and expert analysis
- Maintenance and safety inspection records
Public transit cases, like those involving RTS buses, are especially complex due to government liability protections and strict deadlines. These cases require legal precision, persistence, and experience with municipal claims.
Common causes of fault include:
- Distracted or reckless bus drivers
- Poorly maintained buses
- Negligent third-party drivers
- Dangerous road conditions or poorly designed intersections
Our attorneys apply strategic pressure early to get the necessary records, footage, and data to build a compelling claim. When you’re up against complex liability and powerful institutions, our experience becomes your advantage.
Time Limits for Rochester Bus Accident Claims
Filing deadlines vary depending on who’s responsible for the crash, and missing the window to act could cost you your right to compensation.
If your accident involved a public transit vehicle like an RTS bus, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. This is a strict requirement under New York law when pursuing legal action against a government agency. From there, you have one year and 90 days to formally file a lawsuit.
The timeline is longer for accidents involving private charter buses, school buses operated by private companies, or negligent third-party drivers. In most cases, you have up to three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
Missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, making it essential to speak with a Rochester bus crash attorney as soon as possible. Richmond Vona will review your case, determine the correct timeline, and take action to protect your rights.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rochester Bus Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a bus crash, you can secure legal reparations for your pain, loss, and long-term challenges. At Richmond Vona, we fight to secure compensation not just for the costs you see now, but for the full impact this accident will have on your future.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and future care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity if your injury impacts your ability to work
- Pain and suffering, including chronic pain or physical limitations
- Emotional distress and trauma from the crash
- Permanent disability or disfigurement that alters your quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life, including missing out on hobbies or important moments
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was tragically killed in the accident
Insurance companies often push for a fast settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries, but accepting a settlement too soon can leave you without long-term support. We work closely with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate and justify every dollar of your claim.
Your recovery is about more than just winning a case; it’s about reclaiming your future. Let us help you do that.
What to Do After a Bus Accident Injury in Rochester
In the aftermath of a bus accident, feeling overwhelmed is normal. You may be asking yourself:
- “Do I need to report the accident myself?”
- “Who’s going to pay these hospital bills?”
- “Can I really sue the city or a public agency like RTS?”
- “How do I get the footage from the bus or the traffic cameras?”
At Richmond Vona, we understand the uncertainty you’re facing and are here to guide you every step of the way. Here’s what you can do now to protect your health and legal rights:
Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, seek medical attention. Some injuries take hours or even days to appear. Medical records are also key evidence in any injury claim.
Gather What Information You Can
If possible, collect the bus number, route, driver’s name, and contact information from witnesses. Take photos of the scenes if you can. These details will help your legal team launch an effective investigation.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer Immediately
Time is critical, especially if your case involves a city-operated bus like RTS. You may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. A knowledgeable attorney can step in to secure surveillance footage, access accident reports, and start building your case while you focus on healing.
At Richmond Vona, we’ll handle the legal complexities, pressure the right parties for evidence, and answer all your questions so you’re not left wondering, “What’s next?”
Contact a Rochester NY Bus Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Rochester bus accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Richmond Vona today for a free, no-obligation consultation and speak with a compassionate, experienced bus crash attorney who will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Words cannot describe how grateful my wife and I are of John Richmond. His friendliness, knowledge, loyalty and professionalism are of the highest level. Being this was the first time we’ve had to obtain legal assistance, John made this process very easy for my wife and I. We both would highly recommend Richmond Vona.
What a phenomenal experience to come from a terrifying accident. From day 1 Richmond/Vona provided me with nothing but comfort and professionalism. Communication is paramount in my needs and they performed that with nothing short of exceptional. Mr. Richmond made me feel like this was the only case he was working on. Thank you to all of your staff for looking out for my best interests and taking a stressful situation and making it so very easy for me and my family.
My experience with Keith Vona was exceptional. To this day, I am grateful for the dedication and compassion he displayed throughout my case. The outcome of my case was successful as a result of his drive and commitment. I would highly recommend Keith Vona to anyone in need of legal representation.
