Between NJ Transit, charter buses, coach bus lines, and school buses, New Jersey’s population uses buses every day as a way to get to work, school, medical appointments and other events. NJ Transit alone drives more than 2000 buses over 78 million miles annually. Accidents are bound to happen. Riders who are injured in these bus accidents may question who is at-fault for their injuries and if they have reason to get a lawyer.
To receive compensation for the damages suffered from a bus accident, you need to prove that someone else is responsible for your injury, usually because of negligence. Generally, people or organizations are found to be negligent when they acted carelessly or recklessly, and you were injured as a result. Determining fault can sometimes be complicated, depending on the circumstances, which is why you need an experienced bus accident lawyer to represent you. An experienced attorney can sift through the facts of your case to determine who bears legal responsibility for your injuries.
Liability for New Jersey Bus Accidents
Liability for a bus accident depends on what entity owns and operated the bus and, in some cases, the driver. All bus operators have a legal responsibility to operate their buses safely, which includes on-the-road driver safety, proper vehicle maintenance, and driver background checks. When a bus operator fails in their duty of care to operate a bus safely, that entity can be held liable for an accident. In the same manner, a bus driver could be found to be at-fault and held liable if he or she operated the bus in a negligent manner. Even more complicated, multiple parties could be involved and share liability.
Filing a Claim for a Bus Accident Against a Public Entity
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident owned and/or operated by NJ Transit or other public entity, it’s important to consult with an experienced injury attorney familiar with pursuing claims against the government. First, the statute of limitations in New Jersey is very short. You must file a notice to file a claim within 90 days of the injury. From there, specific deadlines are set and specific procedures must be followed.
Filing a Claim for a Bus Accident Against a Commercial Company or Driver
To file a claim against a commercial company or driver, you must prove negligence occurred on the part of one of those entities. Reasons for negligence could include behavior on the part of the driver, such as speeding or driver fatigue. The commercial entity could be found to be negligent if the bus was not maintained properly, safety standards were not met or other reasonable safety protocols were not followed.
Compensation for Damages After a Bus Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for your injuries. A personal injury claim can cover the cost of medical bills, transportation to and from medical appointments, lost income, and monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. In cases of serious injury or wrongful death, a personal injury claim can also recover compensation for future lost income, long-term medical care, and burial expenses.
Brandon J Broderick, New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyers
Liability in a bus accident can be complex. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we have decades of experience and a proven track record of success getting justice for accident victims in New Jersey and New York. We believe that negligent individuals should be held accountable for their actions, especially when those actions can cause additional financial and emotional strain to injured victims. Our dedicated and caring law firm will protect your rights during your pursuit of justice. Contact us today for a free consultation.