If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bus crash, firm-name can help you pursue compensation. Our team handles bus accident claims for injured passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case. Call (973) 364-8300 today to request a free consultation with a bus accident lawyer in Newark.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers For Your Bus Accident Claims
When you choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, you get a legal team with decades of experience handling personal injury matters across New Jersey. We understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden that follow a bus accident.
Our trial attorneys have recovered over $700 million for clients across the Garden State. You can also read what past clients say on our testimonials page. If you want to learn more about the firm before you call, visit our About page or meet our team on the attorneys page.
We handle every aspect of your claim—from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to preparing for trial if necessary. You focus on healing while we focus on your case. We’re available to answer your questions and provide updates throughout the process.
If your injuries prevent you from visiting our Newark office, one of our attorneys will come to you.
Common Injuries From Bus Accidents in Newark
Bus accidents often cause serious harm because of the size and weight of buses. Victims can suffer multiple injuries in a single crash, leading to long-term complications and ongoing medical care. Many bus-collision injuries qualify as catastrophic injuries when they cause permanent impairment.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The impact of a bus collision can cause severe damage to the spine and surrounding tissues. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis, while back injuries can cause chronic pain that affects your ability to work and manage daily activities. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical management.
Victims with spinal cord injuries often face lifetime care costs and permanent lifestyle changes. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in a bus accident, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for ongoing care, rehabilitation, and related losses.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
When a passenger’s head strikes a hard surface during a crash, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur. Symptoms range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs may cause memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and permanent cognitive impairment.
If you suspect a head injury, guidance from the CDC’s traumatic brain injury resources can help you understand symptoms and when to seek care. Our attorneys also evaluate how a brain injury can affect your ability to work and your long-term needs.
What Causes Bus Accidents in Newark, NJ
Bus accidents happen for many reasons, and identifying the cause helps determine liability. Common causes include driver negligence, such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, and speeding.
Mechanical failures also play a role—poor maintenance, brake failure, worn tires, and faulty steering systems can cause crashes. Tire-related failures, including tire blowouts, can create sudden loss of control.
Road hazards may contribute as well, including construction zones, missing signage, and road defects. In some cases, multiple factors combine to cause an accident, which means multiple parties may share liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Your Bus Accident
Bus Driver and Bus Company
The bus driver has a duty to operate the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. If the driver acted negligently—such as by driving recklessly, failing to maintain control, or violating traffic rules—both the driver and the bus company may be responsible.
Bus companies also have a duty to maintain their vehicles properly and hire qualified drivers. They must ensure regular inspections and repairs to keep buses safe for passengers. When a bus company fails in these responsibilities, it may be held accountable for injuries caused by negligent operations.
Third-Party Defendants
Other parties may also be responsible for your crash. If another vehicle caused the bus accident, that driver’s insurance may cover your damages. If the bus had a mechanical defect, the manufacturer or maintenance company could be liable.
Government agencies may share responsibility if poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the crash. Claims against a public entity can involve special notice rules under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. Our team investigates all potential defendants to help you pursue full compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
After a bus accident, you may be able to recover compensation for multiple categories of damages. Medical expenses can include emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments.
You may also seek compensation for lost wages and, when applicable, loss of future earning capacity. For a deeper explanation of future-income issues, see our discussion of proving loss of future income.
Pain and suffering damages can address physical pain and emotional distress. Property damage may cover repairs or replacement of a vehicle or personal items. In cases where a bus accident results in death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Taking the right steps after a crash protects your health and can strengthen your legal claim. First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine—some injuries appear hours or days later.
Second, report the accident to police and obtain a copy of the crash report. If you need help getting documentation later, review our guide on how to request an accident report and our overview of how to read an accident report.
Third, document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the location. If nearby cameras may have captured what happened, you can also learn about requesting surveillance footage of your accident.
Fourth, gather contact information from witnesses. Finally, contact our office as soon as possible. The sooner we begin investigating your case, the better we can preserve evidence and build a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in New Jersey?
New Jersey law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. For more background on timing, see our article on time limits for suing after an accident.
In many situations, it helps to contact counsel much sooner so your attorney can start investigating immediately.
How much is my bus accident case worth?
Case value depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of treatment, the income you lost, the impact on your quality of life, and the available evidence. If you want a broader view of settlement evaluation, see our guide on how much to ask for in a personal injury settlement.
Will I have to go to court?
Many bus accident claims resolve through a settlement. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we prepare the case for litigation and trial. For more context, read why some injury cases go to trial.
What if I was partially at fault?
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the crash, as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. To understand how shared fault can be evaluated, review how to measure shared fault in a car accident.
Do I have to pay upfront for legal representation?
No. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers handles most injury cases on a contingency fee basis. If you want to understand how contingency fees differ from other arrangements, see the difference between a contingency fee and a retainer.
How long does a bus accident case take?
Timelines vary depending on medical recovery, insurance investigations, and whether litigation becomes necessary. For a general overview, read how long a personal injury lawsuit can take.
Can I sue if I was a passenger in another vehicle?
Yes. If a bus struck your vehicle while you were a passenger, you may have a claim against the bus driver, the bus company, and any other responsible party. Depending on the facts, you may also have coverage questions to work through under New Jersey’s auto insurance system. Our team can explain your options.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers For Your Free Consultation
Don’t wait to get legal help after a bus accident. The sooner you contact firm-name, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.
You can also explore local resources, including our page for an Essex County personal injury lawyer and our Newark-specific car accident representation.
If you’d like to speak with someone on the team, you can start by reviewing an attorney profile such as Jeremy L. Hylton.
Call (973) 364-8300 today to schedule your free consultation.
Related Posts
- How to File an Auto Insurance Claim After a Bus Accident
- What to Do If You Were Hospitalized After a Car Crash
- Understanding New Jersey No-Fault Insurance Laws
- What Insurance Companies Don’t Tell You After an Accident
- How Much Lawyers Usually Take From a Settlement
We 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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