Hurt by a Bus or Train in Buffalo? 

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You

You were just heading to work, picking up your kid, or running errands on Elmwood. Then—bam. The driver slams the brakes. The bus jolts. You hit the floor. Or maybe you were walking across Delaware, and a bus came out of nowhere. Now you're hurt, disoriented, and probably feeling a little angry, too.

You're stuck. Injured. Unsure who to call. You might’ve already called the NFTA and got nothing but voicemail. You might be wondering if you need a lawyer—but don’t even know where to begin.

The Buffalo personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, know what it’s like when everything feels out of your hands. You’re in pain. You’ve got bills piling up. You’re expected to keep moving while trying to make sense of a legal process that doesn’t even seem made for regular people. 

Our Buffalo law firm has helped countless residents hold public transportation accountable. We'll take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing.

Buried in Bureaucracy: The Legal Maze That’s Meant to Stop You from Suing Buffalo Transit

Here’s the ugly truth: NFTA is a public entity. That means they don’t play by the same rules as regular drivers or companies. If you're thinking, I’ll just file a claim like any other accident, think again.

The whole system is built to protect them, not you. And unless you follow their procedures perfectly, you could lose your right to take action—before your case even begins.

Let’s break it down:

• You’ve got 90 days. That’s your window. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident, or you may lose your right to sue altogether. It needs to include where the accident happened, how it happened, the injuries you suffered, and why you believe NFTA is responsible. 
• They’re legally shielded. NFTA has immunity in many cases—especially if their driver was performing a “discretionary” action. That means even if you’re injured, they might not be held liable unless there’s clear evidence of wrongdoing.
• Their process is full of traps. There’s more than one deadline. After your Notice of Claim, you’ll likely be called to a 50-h hearing, where you’re questioned under oath by NFTA’s lawyers. If you miss it or mess it up, you risk losing your case.

This isn’t a normal injury claim. It’s a legal obstacle course. And if you don’t have someone who knows the layout, you could hit a wall fast.

They Hit You—Now You’re Paying for It? Who’s Really Responsible for Your NFTA Injury

It’s not just about the driver. It’s about the system behind the driver. When a bus or Metro Rail car causes an injury, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always straightforward.

You need answers—and you need someone to fight for them.

Let’s look at who might be on the hook:

• Negligent operators. If the bus driver ran a red light, sped through a yellow, or braked too late, that’s classic operator negligence. And since the NFTA is the employer, they’re liable for what their people do on the job.
• Bad maintenance. Sometimes it’s not the driver—it’s the vehicle. Brakes go out. Doors don’t open properly. If the problem traces back to poor inspection or lack of upkeep, that’s on NFTA, too. A 2023 audit even called out gaps in transit maintenance across New York.
• Other drivers. Maybe someone cut off the bus and that’s what caused the crash. In those cases, you might be dealing with multiple parties. You'll still need to prove fault—but it's not always all on NFTA.

Keep in mind, they don’t just hand over payouts. You’ve got to show the accident was avoidable—and that their actions (or lack of action) directly caused your injuries. Our skilled personal injury law firm offers dedicated legal guidance throughout the process.

One Missed Step Could End It All: Why Filing Against Buffalo’s Transit System Is a Minefield

This part can’t be stressed enough: every move matters.

There’s no room for “oops” when it comes to suing a public agency like NFTA. One missed deadline or incorrect form could wreck your whole case.

Here’s what’s involved:

• The Notice of Claim. This is step one—and it’s huge. If you don’t submit this within 90 days, your case might be dead in the water. It needs to list when and where the injury happened, describe what went wrong, and explain why NFTA should be held responsible. No guesswork. No missing details.
• The 50-h hearing. Think of this like a sneak preview of your case. NFTA gets to question you under oath. They're sizing up your story, your credibility, and whether they can poke holes in your version of events. 
• Preserving evidence. Surveillance footage from buses or trains? It’s usually erased after 7–30 days. You’ll need to act quickly or risk losing it forever. Same with incident reports, GPS logs, and operator dispatch records.

Thrown, Slammed, or Shaken Up? What NFTA Drivers Get Away with Every Day

Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: you don’t need a crash to be seriously hurt on public transportation.

Let’s say you’re standing on a crowded NFTA bus. The driver hits the brakes too hard and doesn’t give you time to sit. You go flying. You hit a pole. Or worse—you hit the floor. Sound familiar?

These types of injuries happen more often than people think.

Some of the biggest red flags:

• Pulling off too quickly. Operators are supposed to wait until passengers are seated or steady. When they don’t? People fall. Older riders and children are especially at risk.
• Aggressive turns or stops. Buffalo’s tight downtown streets and winter weather make things even more dangerous. If a bus takes a corner too fast at Chippewa and Main, it can toss standing riders like rag dolls.
• Slippery or unstable floors. Snow, water, or spilled drinks can make a mess fast. Add a sudden jolt or pothole, and people hit the ground hard.

What to do if it happens to you?

• Get names and contacts. Witnesses matter. Ask fellow riders for their info before they get off.
• Take photos. Take pictures of your injuries, surroundings, and anything that shows how it went down.
• Report it fast. Contact NFTA and request a copy of the incident report.
• See a doctor. Don’t assume you’re fine. Injuries like concussions and spinal strain can take days to show.

Were You Walking, Riding, or Just in the Wrong Place? You Still Deserve Compensation

You don’t have to be a passenger to have a case.

We’ve seen people hit while crossing Main Street. Cyclists clipped by buses near Canalside. Drivers rear-ended by paratransit vans. These accidents happen—and you deserve answers when they do.

Depending on how it happened, you may be entitled to:

• Lost wages – Whether you missed a week or a year of work, we’ll fight to get that income back.
• Medical bills – From ambulance rides to surgery to long-term rehab, we’ll track every cost and demand coverage.
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional stress, and permanent damage can—and should—be part of your claim.
• Long-term care – If you need physical therapy, home support, or life adjustments, it should be paid for—not left to you.

This isn’t just about bus crashes. Whether it’s public transit, a slip and fall at work, or a medical error, we’ve helped clients with everything from workplace injury claims to medical malpractice. That broad experience gives us an edge when building your case.

And if you're searching for car crash legal representation, we handle that too—because sometimes public transit crashes involve more than just buses.

Let Horn Wright, LLP, Handle the Hard Part

You’re not just dealing with an injury. You’re going up against a massive public agency with rules designed to block you at every turn. 

The Buffalo personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, know how to win these cases because we’ve done it before—and we’re ready to do it for you. Whether it’s a transit accident or a serious injury elsewhere, you deserve legal support that makes you feel heard, protected, and empowered.

As one of the best law firms in America that puts clients first, we treat your case like it matters. Because it does. 

Contact our office today to get your free, no-obligation initial consultation.