Bus accidents can lead to serious injuries, and victims often face a complex path to compensation. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in New Jersey, understanding your rights and the legal process is crucial. Whether the accident involved a public transportation bus, school bus, or a private charter, knowing how to pursue a personal injury claim will help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
In this blog, we’ll explore the steps involved in filing a claim after a bus accident, common causes of these accidents, and why working with a bus accident lawyer is critical for your case.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in New Jersey
Bus accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which involve negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Error: In some cases, the bus driver may be responsible for the accident due to reckless driving, distracted driving, speeding, or failing to adhere to traffic laws.
- Poor Maintenance: Bus companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe and properly maintained. Failure to do so can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues that cause accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Snow, rain, or fog can create hazardous road conditions, and buses must be operated with extra caution during these conditions. When drivers fail to adjust to the weather, serious accidents can occur.
- Other Drivers: In some cases, a bus accident may be caused by the negligent actions of another motorist on the road, such as a distracted or intoxicated driver.
- Improper Loading: Overloading a bus or improperly securing passengers and cargo can make the bus difficult to control, increasing the risk of an accident.
Understanding the cause of the accident is a key step in determining liability, and it will be a central factor in your personal injury claim.
Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident?
Liability in a bus accident is often more complex than in a typical car accident because multiple parties may be involved. Depending on the circumstances, potential liable parties can include:
- The Bus Driver: If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be held liable for injuries.
- The Bus Company: Bus companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their vehicles, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. If they fail in these duties, they can be held accountable.
- Other Motorists: In cases where another driver’s negligence led to the accident, that driver may be liable.
- Government Entities: If the bus was a public transportation vehicle, such as those operated by NJ Transit, government entities may be involved in the claim. Filing a claim against a government agency has unique rules and requires careful legal guidance.
A bus accident lawyer will help you determine who is responsible for your injuries and assist in building a strong case.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, knowing what steps to take can improve your chances of a successful personal injury claim:
1. Prioritize Immediate Medical Care
After a bus accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Certain injuries, such as fractured ribs from a forceful impact or internal bleeding caused by a sudden jolt, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen if left untreated.
Additionally, injuries like torn ligaments in the knee or herniated discs in the spine may develop over time. Medical records documenting these injuries will play a key role in supporting your personal injury claim.
2. Document the Accident Scene
If you’re able, try to gather as much evidence from the scene of the bus crash as possible. This includes taking photos of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, current weather conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, be sure to collect their contact information as well.
3. Report the Crash
Make sure to report the accident to the appropriate authorities. For public transportation buses, such as NJ Transit, filing a report is essential for your claim. You should also notify your insurance company, but avoid providing a detailed statement until you’ve spoken with a personal injury lawyer.
4. Consult with a Bus Accident Lawyer
Navigating the complexities of a bus accident claim can be difficult, especially if you’re dealing with injuries. A bus accident lawyer will help you understand your legal options, determine liability, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Compensation Available in a Bus Accident Claim
After a bus accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The specific damages available in your case will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your life. Common types of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Bus accidents can lead to emotional distress and long-term physical pain. Compensation for pain and suffering is often awarded in severe cases.
- Disability: If the accident left you with a permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for the lifelong impact on your ability to work and enjoy life.
A personal injury lawyer will assess your case and ensure that all potential forms of compensation are pursued.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a New Jersey Bus Accident
Filing a personal injury claim after a bus accident involves several critical steps:
1. Investigating the Accident
Your lawyer will begin by investigating the accident to determine who was at fault. This involves gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and video footage (if available).
2. Filing a Claim
Once the responsible parties have been identified, your lawyer will file a personal injury claim on your behalf. If the bus company or a government entity is involved, additional steps may be required, as certain procedures must be followed when filing claims against public entities.
3. Negotiating a Settlement
In many cases, the insurance company may offer a settlement. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurers to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may take the case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
How a Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help You Move Forward
Working with a bus accident lawyer is crucial when pursuing compensation after an accident. Here’s how an attorney can assist you:
- Handling the Legal Process: Bus accident cases are often complex, involving multiple parties and insurance companies. A lawyer will manage the legal process for you, ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts. A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Building a Strong Case: Your lawyer will gather evidence, consult with experts, and present a compelling case to maximize your compensation.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari for Help with Your Bus Accident Claim in New Jersey
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The team at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of bus accident claims and are ready to fight for your rights.
Call us today at 973-845-4421 for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form to speak directly with one of our attorneys. Let us help you take the next steps toward recovery and justice after a bus accident and injury.