Injured in a Transit Bus Accident? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Filing a Claim

If you were hurt while riding on NJ Transit or another local public transit bus, or if you were hit by a public transit bus, you may be entitled to seek compensation for injuries and losses. However, the process of pursuing a claim for compensation after a transit bus accident can be more complicated than other kinds of motor vehicle accidents. A bus accident attorney can help guide you through the process. 

Types of Transit Bus Accidents

A transit bus accident may involve different types of circumstances. Examples of common types of transit bus accidents include:

• Injuries to bus passengers when the transit bus is involved in a crash
• Passengers being struck by a transit bus while boarding or exiting the bus
• Pedestrians accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Motor vehicle collisions where a transit bus strikes another vehicle

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Frequent causes of transit bus accidents in New Jersey include:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving, including weaving through traffic
• Tailgating
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Failure to yield to pedestrians in the intersection or crosswalk
• Failing to use mirrors or signals on turns or lane changes
• Swinging wide before taking a right turn, or turning wide into the opposing lane on a right turn
• Distracted driving, such as when looking at a route map, using the dispatch radio, or talking to a passenger
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inexperience with driving a bus
• Unfamiliarity with a bus route
• Deferred or improperly performed maintenance
• Defective parts used on the bus

Filing a Claim Against a Transit Agency in NJ

When you pursue a legal claim against a government entity in NJ such as a public transit agency, there are additional steps you must follow beyond simply filing a lawsuit in court against the agency. Instead, under New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act, you must file a written notice of claim with the transit agency within 90 days of the bus accident to preserve your claim. The notice of claim gives the agency the opportunity to investigate and evaluate your claim and potentially offer you compensation without the need to pursue a formal legal claim.

If you don’t file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident, the agency can simply deny your claim. And if you later try to file a lawsuit when you have not timely filed your notice of claim, the transit agency can file a motion with the court to permanently dismiss your lawsuit. 

What Can You Recover in a Bus Accident Claim?

If you have been injured in a transit bus accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for losses such as:

• Damage to your vehicle if your car was struck in an accident (or the cash value of your vehicle if it was totaled)
• Costs of medical treatments and rehabilitation of physical and mental injuries suffered in the accident
• Long-term care expenses if you are left with permanent disabilities that affect your daily living
• Loss of wages or income if you miss time from work during your recovery from injury
• Loss of earning capacity if disabilities prevent you from going back to gainful employment
• Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment or quality of life

Contact a Trenton Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Bus Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries because of bus accidents in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Hartman Duff, LLC represent clients injured by bus accidents in Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, Princeton, and throughout New Jersey. Call 609-853-5579 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2681 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.