New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyers
Reviewed by Mazie Slater’s specialized bus accident attorney [David A. Mazie – Managing Partner of Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman]
New Jersey buses, whether they are private buses or New Jersey Transit buses, bring visitors to the New Jersey shore for vacations, and they transport commuters to and from their jobs. School buses carry our children back and forth to their schools. The sheer volume of bus traffic has given rise to an increase in bus accidents in New Jersey. Public transportation should be safe. If you have been injured in a bus accident, contact the top bus accident lawyers at Mazie Slater to discuss your legal rights.
Why Choose Mazie Slater to Handle Your Bus Accident Case?
Mazie Slater Katz Freeman has some of the top-rated car accident lawyers in New Jersey, who are intimately familiar with the laws and the court system and specialize in bus accident lawsuits. Our team has won landmark decisions and record-breaking awards in all types of bus accident cases. We believe that every bus accident injury victim has the right to hold the individual or entity responsible accountable, and we have a distinguished history of aggressively fighting for the rights of those injured or killed in bus accidents. Mazie Slater accepts cases under a contingency fee agreement, meaning there are no fees until we win. This policy guarantees your case is pursued with the energy and devotion it deserves.
Our Successful New Jersey Bus Accident Settlements
Our aggressive bus accident attorneys have had incredible success in litigating such cases, such as:
- $12.75 million settlement for a man hit by a New Jersey Transit Bus while crossing the street
- $10 million settlement for a woman who lost part of her leg in a New Jersey Transit Bus accident
- $6 million settlement for a pedestrian seriously injured in a bus accident case
- $2.3 million settlement for a man struck by a New Jersey Transit bus
- $2 million settlement for a man struck by a New Jersey Transit bus
- $1.17 million settlement for a motorcyclist who was hit by a New Jersey bus at a traffic light
In addition to the settlements above, our top New Jersey bus accident lawyers handle personal injury claims all over the state, including car, bus, and truck accidents, which occur on the highly traveled New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.
Rated as one of the Top Bus Accident & Personal Injury Law Firms in New Jersey
Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman’s extensive experience handling bus accident cases has resulted in the firm receiving numerous accolades among personal injury law firms throughout New Jersey and nationwide. Our attorneys understand the unique complexities of bus accident litigation, from navigating claims against transit authorities like NJ Transit to pursuing cases involving private bus companies, school buses, and tour operators. These are some of our awards and recognitions:
- Personal Injury Litigation Department of the Year by the New Jersey Law Journal
- Certified Civil Trial Attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court
- Less than 3% of New Jersey lawyers are certified as Civil Trial Attorneys, and our firm has five.
- Best Lawyers in America every single year since 2010 for personal injury litigation, mass torts and legal malpractice.
- Lawyer of the Year award for David Mazie by New Jersey Law Journal
- Attorney of the Year award for Beth Baldinger by the New Jersey Law Journal
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers list for Adam Slater by Super Lawyers
- America’s Top 200 Lawyers list for Beth Baldinger by Forbes in 2024 as one of the top lawyers in the United States.
Recovering maximum compensation for those injured in bus accidents across New Jersey is at the core of our practice. Unlike other law firms, we only practice in New Jersey, giving us unparalleled insight into state-specific regulations governing bus operations, insurance requirements, and liability standards. We thoroughly investigate each bus accident case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Our New Jersey bus accident attorneys have successfully handled cases involving catastrophic injuries from transit bus collisions, school bus accidents, charter bus crashes, pedestrians struck by buses, pedestrians injured or killed by buses, and passengers injured due to driver negligence or mechanical failures. We are committed to ensuring that clients receive the full compensation they deserve when negligence on New Jersey roads results in serious injuries or wrongful death.
Understanding Bus Accidents
New Jersey Bus Accident Statistics
Bus accidents in New Jersey occur with alarming frequency, affecting passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists who share the road with these large commercial vehicles. Understanding the scope and nature of bus accidents across the state underscores the importance of legal representation when negligence results in serious injuries or fatalities.
- In 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 15,461 bus accidents across the United States.
- In New Jersey specifically, the FMCSA reported 807 bus accidents. Of those bus accidents:
- 799 of the bus accidents were non-fatal.
- 8 of the bus accidents tragically resulted in a fatality.
- From 2016-2024, Rutgers University CAIT reports that 16,000 crashes involving school buses have been recorded in New Jersey. Of those:
- 89 of the school bus crashes were fatal.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in New Jersey
Bus accidents in New Jersey can result from a variety of factors, with driver-related causes being among the most common contributors to these serious incidents. Common causes include:
- Fatigued or distracted bus drivers
- Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drivers engaging in reckless behaviors such as:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- aggressive driving
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance leading to mechanical failures such as:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Weather Conditions
- Poor Road Maintenance
Understanding these common causes of bus accidents is essential for our top bus accident attorneys to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that injured victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
What are the Common Injuries Caused by Bus Accidents
Bus accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles, as well as the fact that passengers typically are not wearing seatbelts. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe lacerations
- Internal injuries that may require emergency surgery.
The severity of these injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and can result in permanent disabilities that significantly impact a victim’s quality of life and ability to work.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Bus Accident
Being involved in a bus accident can be overwhelming and disorienting, but taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial for protecting your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a bus accident in New Jersey:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety are the top priorities. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal damage, may not present symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term consequences. A prompt medical evaluation creates an official record of your injuries and establishes the connection between the accident and your condition.
Report the Accident
If you’re a passenger on a bus, notify the bus driver immediately about the accident and any injuries. For accidents involving NJ Transit or other municipal bus services, an official incident report should be filed. If the accident involves other vehicles or pedestrians, call 911 to ensure law enforcement responds to the scene and creates an official police report.
Document the Scene
If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photographs or videos of the bus, any other vehicles involved, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and any other relevant details.
Preserve Important Information
Keep all documentation related to the accident, including the bus route number, the time and location of the accident, the bus company name, and the driver’s information. If you’re on a New Jersey Transit bus, note the bus number and route. Save your ticket or fare receipt if you paid to board the bus, as this establishes you were a passenger.
Avoid Making Statements & Don’t Sign Anything
Do not admit fault or make detailed statements about the accident to the bus driver, bus company representatives, or insurance adjusters. Be polite but limit your comments to basic facts. Additionally, bus companies and their insurance carriers may ask you to sign documents or accept a settlement offer. Do not sign any documents or accept any settlement without first consulting with an experienced bus accident attorney.
Contact an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney
Bus accident cases involve complex liability issues, multiple potentially responsible parties, and strict notice requirements, especially when government entities like NJ Transit are involved. Contact an experienced New Jersey bus accident attorney as soon as possible. At Mazie Slater, we offer free consultations and can begin protecting your rights, investigating the accident, and pursuing the compensation you deserve immediately.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a bus accident case can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible for the injuries and damages that result from these serious incidents. Below is a list of parties that are commonly held liable for bus accidents:
- Bus Drivers – The bus driver may be held liable if they operated the vehicle negligently or recklessly.
- Bus Companies and Operators – Bus companies can be held liable under various legal theories, such as employer liability or direct negligence.
- Government Entities – When accidents involve public transportation, government agencies like the New Jersey Transit may be liable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – If defective parts contributed to the accident, vehicle manufacturers may be liable.
- Maintenance Companies – Third-party maintenance providers can be held responsible if there was improper maintenance.
- Other Drivers – Sometimes other motorists cause bus accidents through reckless driving and violating traffic laws
Bus accident cases often involve multiple insurance policies and complex liability issues, which is why it is crucial to work with an experienced bus accident lawyer. At Mazie Slater, our attorneys have been recognized by various rating and award institutions as among the best bus accident attorneys in New Jersey. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Compensation for Bus Accident Injuries
Victims of bus accidents in New Jersey may be entitled to substantial compensation for the wide range of damages they suffer as a result of their injuries.
Economic damages
Economic damages include medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for family members. In cases involving fatalities, families may pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Unlike some states, New Jersey does not cap damages in personal injury cases, including bus accidents. Thus, our top bus accident attorneys can seek full and fair compensation based on the true extent of our clients’ injuries and losses.
Contact the Best New Jersey Bus Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident that resulted in personal injury or death, contact the New Jersey bus accident attorneys at Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman. We will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your accident. Our firm has been included on numerous lists as a best bus accident law firm in New Jersey and we will aggressively pursue your rights for those responsible for your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bus Accidents in New Jersey
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How common are bus accidents in New Jersey?
Bus accidents occur regularly throughout New Jersey due to the state’s dense population and heavy reliance on public transportation. With millions of residents using buses daily for work, school, and other activities, accidents involving New Jersey Transit buses, school buses, and private charter buses are unfortunately common on our busy roadways. Specifically, the FMCSA reported 807 bus accidents in New Jersey in 2024.
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How are bus accident cases different from regular car accident cases?
Bus accident cases are more complex because they often involve commercial vehicles, government entities, federal and state regulations, and multiple insurance policies. There may be specific notice requirements, different liability standards, and more potential defendants than in typical car accident cases.
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How long do I have to file a bus accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations for bus accident cases in New Jersey is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the bus accident involves a government entity (such as New Jersey Transit or a school district), you must provide written notice of your claim within 90 days of the accident under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation, which is why it is important to discuss your case with an experienced bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
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Who can be held liable in a New Jersey bus accident?
Multiple parties may be liable for a bus accident, including the bus driver, bus company, government entities (for public buses), vehicle manufacturers (for defective parts), maintenance companies, and other drivers. Our accident attorneys specializing in bus accidents conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and maximize your potential recovery.
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How long does it take to resolve a bus accident case?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, severity of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases may resolve in months, while complex bus accident cases involving severe injuries or multiple parties can take several years to fully resolve.
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Do I need to hire a lawyer after a bus accident?
Yes, hiring an experienced bus accident attorney is strongly recommended. Bus accident cases involve complex liability issues, multiple insurance companies, and often claims against government entities with strict procedural requirements. Our aggressive and highly successful bus accident attorneys have been recognized on award lists as some of the best in the state and will help you file your bus accident claim, investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, handle insurance negotiations, and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
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How do I pick the best bus accident attorney for my case?
When choosing a bus accident law firm, it is essential to ensure the lawyers on the team have extensive experience with bus accidents, not just basic personal injury or car accidents. Bus accident cases are complex and encompass far more than just personal injury claims, so it is crucial to hire someone with expertise in bus accidents specifically. Here at Mazie Slater, our law firm ishas been included on numerous best bus accident lists as one of the best bus accident law firms in New Jersey, with an incredible track record of success. Contact us for a free consultation so we can evaluate how we can help with your case.
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How much does it cost to hire a bus accident attorney?
Mazie Slater works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case, and our firm advances all case expenses and only recovers them if we win.
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What if the bus accident involved a school bus?
Unfortunately, school bus accidents are fairly common in New Jersey, with Rutgers reporting 16,000 school bus incidents during 2016-2024. These also involve additional considerations, including claims against school districts (government entities), special safety regulations, and potential liability for inadequate supervision. School bus accident cases require compliance with the New Jersey Tort Claims Act and its strict notice requirements.
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Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the bus accident?
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation, which is why it is important to speak with a bus accident lawyer who can help fight for fair compensation.
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What evidence is important in a bus accident case?
Important evidence includes the police report, witness statements, photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, medical records, the bus driver’s logbooks and training records, vehicle maintenance records, and any available surveillance footage. Our attorneys work quickly to preserve and gather this evidence.
