Bus accidents in New Jersey cause serious injuries. Victims face mounting medical bills and complex legal questions about responsibility. Whether you were injured on an NJ Transit bus, a charter bus, or another public transportation vehicle in New Brunswick, you have legal rights. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has recovered millions for bus accident victims throughout New Jersey. One case resulted in a $2.25 million settlement for a man injured when his NJ Transit bus was struck from behind by a school bus.
Our attorneys understand bus accident cases. These incidents often involve multiple parties. The bus operator, the driver, maintenance contractors, and third-party vehicles may all share responsibility. Government entities like NJ Transit add legal complexity. This includes strict notice requirements and governmental immunity considerations. When you work with our New Brunswick personal injury law firm, you gain access to attorneys with over 50 years of combined experience. Our team handles catastrophic injury cases and works to secure substantial recoveries for clients.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Bus Accident Claim
When you suffer injuries in a bus accident, your attorney’s choice matters. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers brings experience to bus accident cases throughout New Jersey. Our New Brunswick office is located at 317 George Street, Suite 320.
Our firm has recovered over $535 million for injured clients since 1967. We have secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex personal injury cases. Edward P. Capozzi is our Founder and Chair of the Personal Injury Department. He holds certification as a Civil Trial Attorney from the New Jersey Supreme Court. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2012. Alex S. Capozzi is our Partner. He also holds Civil Trial Attorney certification and was recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. Both attorneys bring decades of trial experience and have secured numerous top verdicts in New Jersey. Our client testimonials demonstrate the difference strong advocacy can make.
Corey A. Dietz, one of our trial lawyers, handled the $2.25 million settlement for a man injured when his NJ Transit bus was struck from behind by a school bus. This case shows our firm’s ability to handle government entity claims and multi-vehicle accidents. View our complete case results and settlements to see how we’ve helped other injured clients.
We represent clients on a contingency basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. Call our New Brunswick office at (973) 364-8300 to schedule your consultation today.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in New Jersey
Understanding what caused your bus accident helps establish liability. This strengthens your claim. Bus accidents result from various factors. Identifying the responsible party is essential to recovering compensation.
- Driver Negligence and Fatigue represent the leading causes of bus accidents. Bus drivers work long hours. Fatigue impairs their ability to react to hazards. It reduces their ability to maintain proper speed. It affects their ability to navigate traffic safely. Negligent driving includes speeding, failure to yield, and improper lane changes. These actions cause many bus accidents. Similar issues affect truck accident cases where driver fatigue plays a critical role.
- Inadequate Driver Training and Screening create dangerous conditions. Bus operators must hire qualified drivers. They must provide proper training. When companies fail to conduct thorough background checks, they create risk. Insufficient training also creates liability for the operator and potentially the maintenance contractor. This mirrors liability issues in motor vehicle accidents involving negligent hiring practices.
- Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Neglect cause accidents. Buses need proper brakes, steering systems, and tire maintenance. Bus operators must maintain their vehicles according to federal and state standards. Failure to perform required maintenance creates liability for the operator. It may also create liability for the maintenance contractor. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), proper vehicle maintenance is critical to preventing accidents.
- Speeding and Failure to Yield occur when drivers ignore traffic laws. Buses require greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Excessive speed is particularly dangerous. These violations often lead to truck accidents and other motor vehicle collisions.
- Distracted Driving has become increasingly common. Drivers using cell phones, eating, or attending to other tasks cannot focus on the road. This leads to collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving causes thousands of accidents annually.
- Road Hazards and Poor Maintenance contribute to accidents. Potholes, debris, and inadequate road maintenance can cause buses to lose control. Passengers may suffer injuries from these conditions.
- Third-Party Negligence occurs when other drivers cause accidents involving buses. A negligent driver striking a bus may create liability for multiple injured passengers.
Types of Injuries from Bus Accidents
Bus accidents frequently result in serious injuries. The size and weight of buses create significant forces in collisions. Victims may suffer injuries ranging from moderate to catastrophic.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when passengers strike their heads during accidents. Even moderate head impacts can cause concussions. Cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes may result. Severe TBI can result in permanent disability. Our traumatic brain injury attorneys provide detailed information about TBI cases and recovery options. The Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive information on TBI symptoms and treatment.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis represent among the most serious bus accident injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Lifelong medical care and assistance may be required. Learn more about these injuries and your legal rights. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association offers resources for spinal cord injury victims.
Broken Bones and Fractures are common in bus accidents. Passengers may suffer fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Some fractures require surgery and extended recovery periods. These injuries often qualify for personal injury compensation.
Burn injuries can occur if the bus catches fire. Passengers may contact hot surfaces during an accident. Burn injuries cause severe pain and scarring. Extensive medical treatment is often required. Our burn injury attorneys address these injuries in detail. The American Burn Association provides information on burn injury treatment and recovery.
Internal organ damage may not be immediately apparent. It can prove life-threatening. Blunt force trauma can injure the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Emergency surgery may be required. These injuries are classified as catastrophic injuries.
Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash, sprains, and strains, cause pain. They may result in chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment.
Psychological trauma affects many bus accident survivors. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common following serious accidents.
Recoverable Damages in Bus Accident Cases
New Jersey law allows injured bus accident victims to recover compensation. Both economic and non-economic losses are recoverable. These losses result from your injuries.
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medications, and physical therapy. Ongoing medical care is also recoverable. For serious injuries, future medical expenses can total hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your claim should account for all reasonably anticipated future medical treatment.
- Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: In cases of permanent disability, you may recover for reduced earning potential throughout your lifetime. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, you may recover damages. This includes the difference between your previous earnings and what you can earn in a different capacity. Learn more about lost wages compensation.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensate you for physical pain. Emotional distress and reduced quality of life are also compensable. These non-economic damages often represent the largest component of bus accident settlements.
- Permanent Disability Compensation: This applies when injuries result in lasting impairment. Permanent scarring, loss of limb function, chronic pain, or cognitive impairment all justify disability damages.
- Disfigurement Damages: These compensate for visible scarring or deformity. These affect appearance and self-image.
- Emotional Distress Damages: Emotional distress damages address psychological injuries. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are included.
- Funeral Expenses and Wrongful Death Damages: These apply in fatal bus accidents. Surviving family members can recover funeral costs. Compensation for the loss of their loved one’s companionship and financial support is also available.
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers‘s track record shows our ability to secure substantial damages. Our $2.25 million NJ Transit bus accident settlement reflects the significant compensation available in serious bus accident cases.
New Jersey Bus Accident Laws & Deadlines
Understanding New Jersey’s legal framework for bus accidents is essential. Several critical deadlines and legal rules apply to bus accident claims.
Statute of Limitations
New Jersey law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This includes bus accidents. You must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts. This deadline applies to most bus accident cases. It applies whether the bus operator is a private company or a government entity like NJ Transit.
Notice Requirements for NJ Transit Claims
If your accident involved an NJ Transit bus, a critical requirement applies. You must provide written notice of your claim to NJ Transit within 90 days of the accident. This notice requirement is separate from the two-year statute of limitations. It comes earlier than the two-year deadline. Failure to provide timely notice can bar your claim entirely. This is true even if you file your lawsuit within two years.
This 90-day notice requirement reflects New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act. It applies to claims against government entities. Private bus operators do not have this same notice requirement. They may have other procedural requirements. Given the complexity of NJ Transit claims, consulting with an attorney immediately after your accident is critical.
Comparative Negligence
New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if you bear some responsibility for the accident, you can still recover compensation. You must not be more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you recover $100,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, you receive $80,000. However, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything. Bus accident cases often involve questions about passenger conduct. An experienced attorney protects your interests. We challenge unfair comparative negligence claims.
Multiple Defendants
Bus accidents frequently involve multiple defendants. You may have claims against the bus operator. The bus driver, the maintenance contractor, and the bus manufacturer may also be liable. Third-party drivers whose negligence caused the collision may share responsibility. Each defendant may carry different insurance policies. Coverage limits vary by policy.
Managing claims against multiple defendants requires a coordinated legal strategy. Our attorneys handle the complexity of pursuing claims against all responsible parties. We work to maximize your total recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a bus accident?
Your actions immediately following a bus accident significantly impact your case. First, seek medical attention for any injuries. Do this even if you feel fine. Some injuries, including internal injuries and concussions, may not produce immediate symptoms. Medical records documenting your injuries are essential to your claim.
Report the accident to the bus driver and operator. Request the driver’s name, the bus number, and the operator’s contact information. If the bus is operated by NJ Transit, note the specific route and time.
Document the accident scene by taking photographs. Photograph the bus, your injuries, the surrounding area, and any visible damage. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. If police respond, obtain the police report number. For detailed guidance, see our article on what to do if involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Preserve all evidence. This includes your clothing, medical records, and any communications with the bus operator or insurance company. Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters may use your statements against you. They may minimize your claim.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible. If your accident involved NJ Transit, the 90-day notice requirement makes immediate legal consultation critical.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in New Jersey?
You have two years from the date of your bus accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. However, if your accident involved NJ Transit or another government entity, you must provide written notice within 90 days. This 90-day deadline is separate from and earlier than the two-year filing deadline.
Missing either deadline can eliminate your right to compensation. Do not delay in contacting an attorney. The sooner you begin the claims process, the better we can protect your rights. We can also preserve evidence. Read more about the deadline for claiming injuries after a car accident.
Can I sue NJ Transit for a bus accident?
Yes, you can sue NJ Transit for injuries sustained in a bus accident. However, NJ Transit’s status as a government entity creates special legal requirements. You must provide written notice of your claim within 90 days of the accident. This notice must include specific information about your injuries and the accident.
NJ Transit may assert governmental immunity as a defense. New Jersey law recognizes exceptions to immunity for negligence claims. Our attorneys understand these exceptions. We know how to overcome immunity defenses. Comparative negligence rules apply to NJ Transit claims. You can recover even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. You must not be more than 50% at fault.
What compensation can I recover in a bus accident case?
You can recover economic damages. This includes all medical expenses, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. You can also recover non-economic damages. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disability. In fatal accidents, surviving family members can recover funeral expenses and wrongful death damages.
The amount of compensation depends on several factors. The severity of your injuries matters. The strength of liability evidence matters. The insurance coverage available matters. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers‘s $2.25 million NJ Transit bus accident settlement shows the substantial compensation available in serious cases. Our attorneys evaluate all available sources of compensation. This includes the bus operator’s insurance, NJ Transit’s coverage, and third-party liability policies. Learn more about how much to ask for in a personal injury settlement.
Who can be held liable in a bus accident?
Multiple parties may bear liability for a bus accident. The bus operator—whether a private company or NJ Transit—can be held liable. Negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failure to maintain the vehicle create liability. The bus driver bears liability for negligent driving. Maintenance contractors can be held liable if their failure to maintain the bus contributed to the accident.
The bus manufacturer may be liable if a defect in the bus caused or contributed to the accident. Third-party drivers whose negligence caused the collision bear liability for injuries to bus passengers. In some cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance may bear liability. Poor road conditions may have contributed to the accident.
Our attorneys investigate all potential defendants. We pursue claims against all responsible parties to maximize your recovery.
How much is my bus accident case worth?
The value of your bus accident case depends on several factors. The severity of your injuries matters. The clarity of liability matters. The insurance coverage available matters. The strength of your damage evidence matters. Cases involving catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury typically result in larger settlements. Cases involving moderate injuries typically result in smaller settlements.
Clear liability—where the bus operator or driver was obviously at fault—increases case value. Limited insurance coverage may cap recovery even in serious cases. Strong medical evidence documenting your injuries increases damages. This evidence should show the impact of your injuries on your life.
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers‘s $2.25 million NJ Transit settlement involved serious injuries and complex multi-party liability. While we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, our experience securing substantial recoveries shows our ability to work toward maximum compensation for our clients. We evaluate your case individually. We provide a realistic assessment of its value during your free consultation.
Do I need an attorney for a bus accident claim?
While you have the legal right to handle your claim without an attorney, doing so places you at a disadvantage. Bus accident cases involve complex legal issues. Government entity procedures, comparative negligence rules, and multi-party liability are involved.
Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters. They are trained to minimize settlements. Without an attorney, you may accept far less than your claim is worth. An experienced bus accident attorney levels the playing field. We handle all communications with insurance companies. We work toward maximum compensation on your behalf.
Additionally, if your accident involved NJ Transit, the 90-day notice requirement requires prompt legal action. Waiting to hire an attorney could result in missing this critical deadline. You could lose your right to compensation entirely. Learn more about whether you need a personal injury lawyer.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you suffered injuries in a bus accident in New Brunswick or elsewhere in New Jersey, time is critical. The 90-day notice requirement for NJ Transit claims means you cannot afford to delay. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers offers a free, no-obligation consultation. We discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Our New Brunswick office is conveniently located at 317 George Street, Suite 320, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. We also serve clients throughout New Jersey. Our offices are in Roseland, Paramus, Jackson, Jersey City, Clifton, Newark, Elizabeth, and Trenton.
We represent clients on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees as we cover all aspects of your case from start to finish. Our team conducts a thorough investigation of the accident, gathers the necessary evidence, and negotiates directly with insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to pursue your case in court. Call us at (973) 364-8300 to schedule your consultation.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : October 29, 2025We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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