Bus accidents are on the rise in New Jersey. Bus accidents include school buses, public transportation buses, NJ Transit buses, and private commercial buses and charter buses. Bus accidents can cause serious injuries to both the passengers on the bus and the passengers in other motor vehicles involved in the accident. If you are a loved one was injured in a bus accident, you need a serious attorney who is experienced and aggressive in NJ bus accident cases. At My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq., I fight to ensure my clients receive the benefits they are entitled to. I am experienced in negotiating with insurance companies, their claim representatives and adjusters, and representing bus accident victims throughout New Jersey.
NJ Transit and Public Transportation Bus Accidents
NJ Transit is a state-owned public transportation system that serves commuters throughout New Jersey. Public transportation is on the rise due to increased traffic, congestion, gas prices, and tolls. Data shows that NJ Transit buses frequently break-down and are often involved in bus accidents. Additionally, NJ Transit buses are required to “kneel” and lower the door to curb-level so passengers can get on and off the bus. If the bus driver fails to kneel the bus, a passenger may trip on the stairs or fall down to the curb and suffer a severe injury.
NJ School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents in NJ can be particularly frightening. Parents, who have entrusted the care and safety of their children to schools, are usually not around when their children are involved in a school bus accident. This leaves parents in the dark about how the accident happened, and the extent of any injuries suffered by their child. At My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, I will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident to determine the responsible party. I will make sure that all medical bills are promptly addressed and timely submitted to the appropriate insurance company or party. I will handle the claim and obtain fair and just compensation so you can concentrate on returning your child back to health.
Commercial and Charter Bus Accidents in NJ
Commercial carriers and charter buses are frequently involved in accidents. Often, these buses are hired for various routes or to charter large passengers. Buses are chartered to take large groups to events, such as weddings and concerts, or destinations such as Atlantic City or New York City. Charter buses take advantage of the highways throughout New Jersey, and the mix of excessive speed, inexperienced drivers and the sheer size of the bus and can cause a dangerous combination. This inevitably leaves victims of bus accidents with potentially serious permanent injuries.
Common Causes of NJ Bus Accidents
- Unlicensed bus drivers
- Untrained bus driversFatigued and tired bus drivers
- Faulty brakes or equipment on bus
- Reckless/aggressive bus drivers
- Failure to obey speed restrictions/speeding
- Following too close/tailgating
- Failure to follow traffic and highway laws
- Driving while distracted
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
NJ Bus Accident Investigation
If you or a family member is a victim in a NJ bus accident, the last thing you need to worry about is what caused the accident. My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, will work to obtain all the accident reports, police investigations, 911, police and bus dispatch call recording records, and evidence to determine the precise cause of your bus accident and hold the party responsible for your injuries accountable. My private investigator will immediately assemble all accident reports, accident video, witness statements and information regarding your accident – in some cases within 24 – 48 hours!
Who is Responsible for Your NJ Bus Accident?
Negligent bus driving is not the only cause of bus accidents in NJ. The owner of the bus or commercial business may be negligent as well. If the owner of the bus was also responsible for the accident, they will also be liable for your injuries. The owner of the commercial vehicle is responsible for hiring, training and supervising its drivers. Commercial bus owners are responsible for:
- Negligent hiring, training, supervising its bus drivers
- Hiring drivers without Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Hiring drivers with suspended CDL
- Hiring drivers with criminal backgrounds
- Hiring drivers with bad driving records
- Failure to maintain or repair buses
- Failure to maintain or repair safety equipment, lights, brakes
Contact MyNJInjuryLawyer
If you or a loved one suffered an injury or were a victim in a NJ bus accident, you should contact an attorney familiar with handling these claims. Please see my NJ Car Accident Checklist if you are in an accident. My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq. offers free strategy sessions to address any issue or questions you may have about your injury, medical bills or your accident claim.
Please contact NJ Injury Lawyer Howard Lesnik, Esq., immediately if you were injured in a New Jersey bus accident. I personally handle NJ personal injury cases on a regular basis. Please contact me now by email, by phoning 908.264.7701, or by completing the form to the right to schedule your complimentary 30-minute strategy session.