Bus accidents fall under motor vehicle accidents. The victims of such accidents can involve schoolchildren, tourists, sports teams, airport travelers, or everyday public transport users. There are various causes of bus accidents. They include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Drunken driving
- Mechanical causes
- Bus driver fatigue
Bus drivers can make dangerous errors behind the wheel that result in an accident. For example, when the driver fails to adhere to the traffic rules or when the driver refuses to give the right of way, an accident in such a setting is inevitable. Speeding can fall under reckless or negligent driving, which means that not only is the driver over the speed limit, but his behavior is dangerous to other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
Driving under the influence of alcohol also puts the lives of the bus driver and passengers at risk. Driving while intoxicated tampers with the sound judgment of the driver and they make unnecessary mistakes that eventually lead to a crash. Also, inattentive driving can be a cause of bus accidents. For example, the driver can lose concentration when they start using their cell phone while driving. In 2018, the New Jersey Department of Transportation reported a total of 1015 crashes related to cell phone usage.
In other cases, the condition of the bus may lead to the crash. Unroadworthy vehicles often experience mechanical failures that may pose a risk to the passengers and the driver. Further, when the bus company fails to service the vehicle before use, the bus can experience mechanical difficulties that will, in turn, result in a crash. A Jersey City bus accident lawyer will advise you to seek legal counsel if you are a victim of a bus accident. If you or a family member has sustained injuries or perished in a bus accident, contact our legal team at Morelli Law Firm. Call us today at (212) 751-9800 to have your case reviewed at no charge.
Determining Fault in a Bus Accident
In bus accidents, it is uncommon for passengers or pedestrians to carry any fault or responsibility for the accident. The mentioned parties are usually the victims. That said, a Jersey City bus accident lawyer will first determine how the accident occurred before pursuing a personal injury claim. We will need to identify the proper defendants as they are a vital component when it comes to the issuance of compensation and damages for the injuries sustained.
Responsible Parties in a Bus Accident
Below are some of the parties that may bear the blame, or even a portion of the blame, in bus accident cases:
- Bus driver
- Bus manufacturer
- Bus owner
- Other drivers or pedestrians involved in the crash
- School district that manages the bus route
In bus accident cases, it is uncommon to have just one liable party. In most situations, all the parties, as mentioned above, can share in responsibility depending on their degree of involvement. An attorney can help you identify the proper defendants for your case and their degree of responsibility. Victims can mistakenly sue only the bus driver without including other significant actors that may be equally responsible.
When filing the personal injury claim, an attorney will engage all the responsible parties to ensure that they all bear responsibility for your injuries. Including all the parties involved in the suit should happen in the first stages of filing.
If you sustained injuries in a bus accident, you may want the help of a personal injury lawyer to handle your case. A lawyer can help you through the process of identifying the proper defendants. Our legal team at Morelli Law Firm has experience in various fields of law involving accident cases. For a free case evaluation, call us today at (212) 751-9800.
The Right Time to Pursue a Bus Crash Claim
Bus accidents are catastrophic, and victims can perish. Also, from such an accident, victims can sustain severe injuries, such as:
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe skin burns
- Lacerations
- Sprained and torn ligaments
- Spinal cord injuries
Such injuries can take a huge financial toll on you, and for that reason, you must act. You only have a limited amount of time from the moment the accident occurred. Waiting too long can make it impossible for you to protect your rights. New Jersey Statutes (NJ Stat) § 2A:14-2 gives a limited period of 2 years to commence a personal injury claim. The 2-year period may seem long, but in a real sense, it flies by very quickly, especially when you are recuperating.
A personal injury attorney can help you commence a personal injury claim while you recuperate to avoid filing out of time. You can file for a bus accident compensation that will not only cover your current medical expenses but also other monthly expenses and lost wages. Compensation can also include future medical bills and any reduced earning. If you cannot return to work, we can request compensation for that eventuality as well. It also covers non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Jersey City Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Call a Jersey City Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Bus accidents often have numerous fatalities because there are several victims, which means the case can be very complex. You can choose to pursue the claim alone, but a Jersey City bus accident lawyer can help you through the process. Since there are many victims involved, you do not want your case to get lost in the crowd. If you or a family member sustained injuries in a bus accident, contact Morelli Law Firm today. We have a team of personal injury lawyers ready to help people like you. Call us today for a free consultation at (212) 751-9800.