Despite following traffic rules, motor vehicle collisions can still happen. And, unfortunately, when they involve large vehicles like New Jersey buses, they are more likely to lead to life-threatening injuries. If you sustained damages from a bus crash, let Morelli Law Firm hold liable parties accountable.
We are the experienced bus accident attorneys serving Wayne, New Jersey. As your local bus accident law firm, our legal professionals can review your case, determine its value, and help you recover a fair settlement. Let us assist you in filing a claim for your bus accident now.
What Types of Injuries Do Bus Collisions Cause?
Experiencing a collision with a bus is terrifying, especially if you sustain serious injuries. Bus accidents cause blunt force trauma, leading to wounds that require hospitalization. Motor vehicle accidents involving buses can cause:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain damage
- Dislocated joints
- Broken ribs and facial bones
- Burns
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
When you are involved in an accident with a bus, it is essential to receive prompt medical treatment. Some injuries may seem mild at first but can rapidly worsen if you avoid medical care.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Wayne, New Jersey
In our experience handling bus accident claims in New Jersey, we have established that crashes most often stem from:
- Blind spots: Bus mirrors should eliminate blind spots, but a driver may forget to check them or misjudge a left turn, causing a collision with another motor vehicle.
- Faulty equipment: When buses are not properly maintained, problems like bus fires and under-inflated tires can lead to a crash.
- Poor weather conditions: Bus drivers must be properly trained to take necessary precautions when operating their vehicles in inclement weather.
- Bus driver negligence: If the driver uses a cellphone while behind the wheel, operates the bus while impaired, or drives aggressively, their negligence can lead to a crash.
- Bus company negligence: Bus companies must properly train their drivers, maintain their fleet, and follow all federal bus operation regulations. When the company fails to do this, its negligence can cause a collision.
When our Wayne bus accident attorneys review your claim, we determine the reason for the accident to establish liability. From there, we use evidence to prove your damages and hold the at-fault party (or parties) accountable.
Wayne Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Lawyers Help You Prove Fault After a Wayne Bus Accident
Identifying liability after a bus crash can be complex without help from a Wayne bus accident lawyer. Examples of liable parties can include:
- The bus driver
- The bus company (if privately owned)
- The city of Wayne (if using city-funded transit)
- The bus manufacturer or fleet manager
- Another motor vehicle driver or commercial truck operator
In order to seek damages, you must pinpoint the at-fault party and demonstrate how their actions caused your injuries. And the most effective way to do this is by partnering with an experienced attorney.
Proving Bus Accident Negligence
Although collisions are accidental, negligent conduct by the driver can allow you to pursue damages. Negligence occurs when:
- There is a duty to care
- The tortfeasor violates this duty
- The violation causes injuries
- The injuries result in economic losses (or compensatory damages)
Our accident attorneys review every detail of your case to establish fault. First, we compile substantial evidence to demonstrate how the liable party violated their duty of care. Then, we use medical documents, police reports, and receipts to show what damages you endured due to the negligent behavior.
New Jersey Statute of Limitations for Motor Vehicle Accidents
After a bus collision, you need to take legal action fast. If you wait too long, you risk losing your right to compensation.
In most New Jersey accident claims, the deadline to act is two years from the date of the crash. However, depending on who the guilty party is, the statute of limitations can change. For example, if you are making a claim against New Jersey Transit (NJT), you may only have 90 days to act.
The best way to avoid a statute of limitations problem is by partnering with a skilled Wayne, NJ, bus crash lawyer. Our legal experts will identify your deadline to file and make sure your claim gets processed on time. In addition, we can help you better understand New Jersey’s insurance rules and answer any questions you have along the way.
How Contributory Negligence Impacts Your Bus Accident Claim
After a bus accident, you should always report the incident to law enforcement. Officers will investigate the crash and compile an official police report. In addition, you should take photos of the damages and retrieve contact details for any witnesses. All this evidence can help your lawyer prove how the driver or bus company’s negligence contributed to the crash.
Proving liability is essential because New Jersey practices contributory negligence. When seeking damages for your injuries, you must be less responsible for the accident than the defendant. Understanding contributory negligence can be complex, which is why it’s best to let our knowledgeable bus accident attorneys handle your case.
For example, if a jury finds the crash could have been avoided if you were driving slower, you may not be eligible for damages. But police reports, photos, and witness testimonies prove how the bus driver or third party was solely responsible for the collision.
Understanding New Jersey No-Fault Insurance Laws
New Jersey is a no-fault car insurance state. Under no-fault coverage laws, your car insurance provider is responsible for paying for medical treatment and out-of-pocket losses up to your coverage limits. With no-fault insurance, it doesn’t matter who caused the accident.
However, no-fault insurance coverage has its limits. For example, if you sustained catastrophic injuries, your policy may not cover the full extent of your medical costs. No-fault insurance also does not include non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Therefore, you may need to file an injury claim to recover compensation for additional damages. If so, our experienced personal injury attorneys can assist.
Consult With Wayne’s Trusted Bus Accident Attorneys Now
If your economic losses exceed the amount your insurance company reimburses, the bus accident lawyers at Morelli Law Firm can bring a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. We will demand justice for your injuries and seek a settlement covering all your economic and non-economic losses.
To get started, contact our Wayne bus accident lawyers now. We will provide a free consultation to assess your claim, evaluate your damages, and determine what legal action to take next.