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.
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.
Passengers may also suffer from whiplash and other neck injuries, burn injuries if a fire occurs, and crushing injuries from the impact or being thrown around inside the bus. 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
If you were a victim in a New Jersey bus accident here are the steps you should take:
- Immediately go to the emergency room or your primary care physician. You may have obvious injuries, but internal injuries can take days to appear. A trip to the hospital will document any injuries you may have suffered.
- Collect contact information for the bus driver and any other motorists involved in the crash. That includes license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance data. This will help if you need to file a claim later.
- If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information.
- Document the details of the crash, such as the lighting and road conditions. If possible, take photos with your cell phone.
- Don’t sign any sort of statement for an insurance company after the crash. In fact, it is best not to speak with anyone except a lawyer about the bus accident.
- Contact a New Jersey bus accident lawyer 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. At Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, our experienced New Jersey bus accident attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to identify all potentially liable parties and ensure our clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries.
- 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 as some of the best bus accident attorneys in New Jersey by various rating and award firms — and included in their “best” and “top” lists, and we are proud to be recognized each and every year.. 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.
Bus Accident Lawsuits in New Jersey
A bus accident can be catastrophic. The passengers can be seriously injured or killed, and the driver or passengers of any vehicles that are hit by the bus can also sustain life-changing or deadly injuries. Transit and school buses do not always have seat belts or any sort of restraining systems, so when there is a bus accident, the passengers are thrown around the bus like rag dolls. They can hit the numerous metal parts of the interior of the bus, such as the seat frames, handrails, sidewalls, doors, or even the ceiling if the bus overturns. When a bus crashes on a busy New Jersey road or highway, it usually hits more than one other vehicle and can cause a chain reaction of many wrecked vehicles with injured or fatally wounded drivers and passengers.
Voted as some of the best bus accident attorneys in New Jersey, we regularly represent individuals injured in bus accidents, we know that liability for personal injuries or death sustained from a bus accident depends on the circumstances of the accident; we also know from our extensive experience that the bus driver, the maintenance company, the tour bus operator, and the bus company could all share in the blame. They all have the responsibility of making sure their passengers and other motorists are safe.
New Jersey Bus Accident Settlements
Our aggressive bus accident attorneys have had 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
In addition to the settlements above, our top New Jersey bus accident lawyers handle personal injury claims all over the state, including bus and truck accidents, which occur on the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.
We have also been named to the Best New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers list by the Best Lawyers in America publication. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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 occurrences on our busy roadways.
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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.
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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 attorneys 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 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 awards lists as some of the best in the state, and will 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. Bus accident cases are complex and encompass far more than just personal injury claims, so it is crucial to hire someone with our expertise in bus accident lawsuits and our unprecedented history of success in bus cases. Here at Mazie Slater, our law firm has 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 your case.
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What if the bus accident involved a school bus?
School bus accidents involve additional considerations, including claims against school districts (government entities), special safety regulations, and potential liability for inadequate supervision. These 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.
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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.
