Because of their sheer size and weight, bus accidents can cause untold property damage and suffering for victims. These accidents can also be highly complex because it is not always clear who is liable for the accident.
If you or a loved one is hurt and suffering because of an accident with a Jersey City bus, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the idea of pursuing damages through the legal system. You may also still be healing from your injuries while facing a growing number of medical bills.
Fortunately, you do not need to face the party’s responsible for your injuries alone. A Jersey City bus lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you establish liability for your case and negotiate for a fair settlement for your injuries. When we represent you, we can handle the case from beginning to end so you can focus your time on where it is best spent: healing from your injuries.
For a free review of your bus accident case, contact Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800.
Causes of Bus Accidents
There are many circumstances that could lead to a serious bus accident. Some of the top causes include:
Drowsy Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), commercial drivers who operate buses are among those most likely to drive while drowsy. These drivers often work in the early morning or late into the night on long shifts. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation and driving are a dangerous combination. Drowsiness makes it hard to focus on the wheel, which can make it difficult to react quickly if you need to avoid an accident. Drowsiness can also impact your ability to make good decisions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes activities like using a navigation system, talking to passengers, being distracted by unruly passengers, eating and drinking when behind the wheel, changing the radio, or using a cell phone. Though texting and driving is illegal in New Jersey, too many drivers still take the risk, and the consequences can be fatal.
Speeding
Unfortunately, because they are held to tight schedules that can be impacted by traffic or weather, bus drivers may feel compelled to speed to stay on schedule. Speeding can make it hard for the driver to react quickly enough to avoid an accident, especially in a bus that requires more time to slow down or stop.
Poor Maintenance
Poor maintenance can also be a contributing factor to accidents. If the bus did not receive maintenance on a regular schedule or if the mechanic who performed the maintenance was improperly trained or did not perform the job adequately, an accident can follow.
These are just a few of the possible causes of bus accidents. Your accident could have been caused by negligence on the driver’s behalf, the bus company, or the repair shop. It is also possible that the accident was a result of a defective part and that the manufacturer can to be held responsible.
Regardless of the circumstances leading up to your accident, a Jersey City bus lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to investigate your case to determine who is liable for your injuries. We can then help you build a case against them and pursue damages on your behalf.
For a free consultation and to find out what options you may have for recovering compensation, contact Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800.
How New Jersey’s Negligence Law Could Impact Your Claim
New Jersey is a modified comparative negligence state. That means that even if you are somewhat responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. They would, however, be reduced by the degree to which you were responsible. That means if you are 20% responsible, you can only recover 80% of the total damages awarded.
However, it is also important to note that per New Jersey Revised Statute- 2A:15-5.1, New Jersey has a fault threshold of 51%. A plaintiff can only recover damages up to the fault threshold. That means if you are 51% responsible for the accident, you are barred from recovery.
Sometimes lawyers use modified comparative negligence as a defense tactic. They may try to claim that you are 51% or more responsible in order to reduce or eliminate their client’s liability. Morelli Law Firm can help defend you against defense tactics like these when we represent you.
Jersey City Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Recoverable Damages in a Bus Accident Case
There are many types of damages you may be able to recover after a bus accident in New Jersey. The damages are dependent on the details of your case, such as the severity of your injuries and the extent of financial losses. Some possible types of damages include:
- Medication
- Hospital stays
- Doctors’ examinations
- Ambulance rides
- Surgical procedures
- Walkers, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- And more
If your loved one passed away in an accident caused by Jersey City bus, you may be able to recover a different set of damages in a wrongful death case. Morelli Law Firm handles wrongful death lawsuits as well.
How Morelli Law Firm Can Help You
A Jersey City bus lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can help you gather evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, and other types of evidence that help determine what ultimately caused the accident. We can talk to your doctors and evaluate bills and receipts to determine the full value of your case, including the cost of your pain and suffering.
This evidence may allow us to negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company for a settlement offer. If they are not willing to make you a fair, we can take your case to trial.
For a free, no-risk review of your case, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800.