Injured by a Bus or Train in Rochester? 

Let Horn Wright, LLP, Fight For You

When a bus or train accident hits, the impact goes far beyond just physical injuries. There’s pain, bills, missed work, and a whole lot of uncertainty about what comes next. It’s confusing. It’s overwhelming. And honestly, it’s just not fair.

Our Rochester personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, know how Rochester’s public transit system works and can help you uncover what happened and fight for what you’re owed. We’ve handled serious transit-related injuries and gone head-to-head with agencies like the Regional Transit Service and Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority.

We’ll be in your corner, building a case with confidence and care.

Who’s Really at Fault When a Bus or Train Injures You?

Accountability matters. When you’re injured, someone’s actions or inaction led to that moment. And figuring out who’s responsible is the first step toward making it right.

Here’s who could be liable:

• The Driver: Speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, or failing to yield are all forms of negligence that can trigger liability.
• RTS or RGRTA: Beyond hiring and training, these agencies are responsible for proper vehicle maintenance and route safety. A history of repeated incidents or ignored complaints can show a pattern of negligence.
• Third Parties: Sometimes, responsibility lies with external contractors, like companies tasked with road repairs, or even with the manufacturer of faulty equipment used on buses or trains.

Proving liability often involves reviewing driver records, maintenance logs, accident reports, and surveillance footage. Having a legal team with access to investigative resources can make a world of difference.

Filing a Claim Against Public Transit Isn’t Straightforward

When a public agency is involved, legal claims come with extra layers and serious deadlines. Here’s what makes it tough:

• 90-Day Limit: New York law requires a Notice of Claim within three months of the incident. That’s not just paperwork. It’s your legal ticket to even begin a lawsuit.
• Government Protections: Unlike private businesses, government-run transit authorities are shielded by special legal defenses. They’re not impossible to overcome, but you’ll need to follow strict procedures.
• Strict Requirements: Claims must often be filed with the correct department, notarized, and accompanied by specific details like date, time, location, and nature of the incident.

If you’ve been searching for a local personal injury firm because it all feels overwhelming, you’re on the right track with Horn Wright, LLP. This isn’t something you want to handle solo.

Transit Drivers Make Mistakes and You Shouldn’t Be the One Paying for Them

Public transit isn’t supposed to feel risky. But it does when a driver speeds through traffic, cuts corners too sharply, or makes a hard stop that sends people flying.

We’ve seen cases involving:

• Excessive speeding
• Failure to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks
• Distracted driving due to phone use or conversations with passengers
• Improper lane changes or failure to signal
• Mechanical failures that go unrepaired

All of these situations are preventable, and many violate RTS policies and state traffic laws. When rules are broken and you get hurt, it’s more than just a mistake. It’s grounds for legal action.

If this happened to you, compensation for car accident injuries may be available and you deserve to pursue it.

Transit Agencies Have Legal Firepower, but You Can Push Back

Suing a city-backed transit system isn’t easy. These agencies have in-house legal teams and decades of experience defending against injury claims.

What you’re up against:

• Legal Immunity: Many municipalities are partially shielded from lawsuits unless you follow every rule and prove serious misconduct or negligence.
• Delays and Bureaucracy: Even after filing a Notice of Claim, your case can be delayed for months by internal investigations or claim denials.
• Aggressive Defense Tactics: Expect everything from disputed liability to lowball settlement offers.

That’s why working with a skilled Rochester law firm is so important. Our lawyers can file the right paperwork, preserve evidence, negotiate with the insurance companies, and prepare to take your case to trial if needed.

Were You on Foot or Riding the Bus? It Makes a Big Difference

Your role in the crash can determine what kind of evidence is needed and how liability is assigned.

• Passengers: You’re owed a heightened duty of care by the driver and transit agency. Even if you were standing, that doesn’t absolve them of responsibility.
• Pedestrians: You’ll need to show the driver violated traffic laws like failing to yield, texting while driving, or making an illegal turn.
• Cyclists: If you were biking near a bus and got struck or run off the road, liability can depend on road design, driver behavior, and signage.

Each scenario has unique challenges. We’ve handled negligence claims in New York from both sides of the curb and we know what evidence can tip a case in your favor.

Transit Accidents Can Leave Deep, Lasting Injuries

These accidents aren’t just scary in the moment. They can have effects that last months, years, or longer. And many injuries aren’t visible right away.

Common injuries include:

• Head trauma: Even a mild concussion can cause memory issues, dizziness, and long-term headaches.
• Neck and back injuries: Herniated discs and spinal trauma may require surgery and ongoing therapy.
• Knee and hip injuries: Especially for passengers thrown against seats, poles, or stairwells.
• Emotional trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder from transit crashes is real and valid, especially in cases involving loud impacts, sudden stops, or visible injuries to others.

Medical costs, lost wages, and reduced quality of life can add up fast. This is why it’s vital to document your injuries and work with a firm that understands the full value of your claim.

Horn Wright, LLP, Is Ready to Stand with You

You’ve been injured. Your routine was shattered. But you don’t have to figure out what comes next on your own. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we’re not just personal injury lawyers. We’re legal advocates across Rochester and New York who care about your outcome and your peace of mind. 

When you’re ready to take the next step, let one of the best law firms in America to stand up for your recovery and your future. Contact our office to request your complimentary case evaluation.