Bus accidents can cause serious injuries that change your life. When you’re hurt in a bus accident in Paramus, you have the right to pursue compensation from those responsible. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers represents bus accident victims throughout New Jersey, helping them recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team understands the unique challenges of bus accident cases and works to hold negligent drivers and bus companies accountable. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, contact (973) 364-8300 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Bus Accident Case
When you’re injured in a bus accident, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has recovered over $700 million for clients across New Jersey, with a proven track record of success in personal injury cases, including bus accidents. Our trial attorneys have decades of experience handling complex liability cases and negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal work. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions about the claims process.
Our approach includes immediate investigation and evidence preservation. Bus accident cases require quick action to gather witness statements, preserve video footage, and document the scene. We move fast to protect your rights and build the strongest possible case. Our team is available 24/7 to help you when you need it most, and if you cannot come to our Paramus office, we’ll come to you.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Paramus
Bus accidents happen for many reasons, and understanding what caused yours is important for your case. Here are the most common causes:
Driver Negligence and Fatigue
Bus drivers who are tired, distracted, or reckless put passengers at serious risk. Drowsy driving, texting, eating, or failing to follow traffic laws can cause devastating accidents. We investigate driver records, maintenance logs, and company policies to prove negligence. Federal regulations require bus drivers to follow strict hours-of-service rules, and violations of these rules can establish liability. Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous causes of accidents on New Jersey roads.
Mechanical Failures
Buses require regular maintenance to operate safely. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other mechanical issues can cause accidents. When a bus company fails to maintain its vehicles properly, it’s liable for injuries that result. We work with mechanical experts to identify defects and prove the bus company’s negligence. Tire blowouts in particular can cause catastrophic accidents involving multiple vehicles.
Understanding Liability in Bus Accident Cases
Bus accident cases are more complex than typical car accidents because multiple parties may be responsible. The bus driver, the bus company, maintenance contractors, and even government agencies can share liability.
Bus companies are held to a higher standard called “common carrier liability.” This means they must exercise the highest degree of care to protect passengers. When a bus company or driver fails to meet this standard, they’re negligent and responsible for your injuries. This is different from standard negligence liability in other accident cases.
Insurance companies know these cases can be expensive, so they use tactics to minimize payouts. They may claim you were partially at fault, dispute the severity of your injuries, or delay settlement negotiations. Having an experienced personal injury attorney in Paramus protects you from these tactics and ensures you receive fair compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’re injured in a bus accident, you can recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment)
- Lost wages and income (past and future)
- Property damage (personal belongings damaged in the accident)
- Pain and suffering (physical pain and emotional distress)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities you enjoyed)
- Permanent disability or disfigurement (long-term or permanent injuries)
The amount you recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of your case. We work with medical experts to document your injuries and calculate fair compensation. Our firm has secured settlements and verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for clients with serious injuries. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to maximizing client recovery.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a bus accident protects your health and your legal rights
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine (some injuries appear later)
- Document the scene with photos and video, if possible
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- Report the accident to the bus company and authorities
- Preserve evidence (medical records, communications, receipts)
- Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies
- Avoid admitting fault or signing any documents without legal review
Insurance companies may contact you quickly after an accident. Don’t discuss your case with them without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you to reduce your compensation. Learn more about how to handle insurance claims after an accident.
The Bus Accident Claim Process
Understanding what to expect helps you prepare for your case. Here’s how we handle bus accident claims:
We start with a thorough investigation. We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and video footage. We review the bus company’s maintenance records and driver history to identify negligence. We work with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to build a strong case. Our investigation process is similar to how we handle truck accident claims, which also involve complex liability analysis.
Next, we prepare a demand letter that outlines your injuries, damages, and the liability we’ve established. We send this to the insurance company and begin settlement negotiations. Understanding what happens after a demand letter is important for managing expectations.
Most bus accident cases settle before trial. We negotiate aggressively to get you the maximum compensation possible. If the insurance company refuses a fair offer, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have the experience and knowledge to fight for you in front of a jury. Learn more about why some personal injury cases go to trial.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer your questions. You’ll understand what’s happening with your case and what to expect next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents in Paramus
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. However, if the bus is operated by a government agency like NJ Transit, you may have a shorter deadline to file a notice of claim (typically 90 days). Contact us immediately to protect your rights and ensure we meet all deadlines. Learn more about statute of limitations in personal injury cases.
Can I sue a government transit agency for a bus accident?
Yes, you can sue government agencies like NJ Transit, but the process is different. You must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. Government agencies have sovereign immunity protections, but these don’t apply when they’re negligent. We handle the specific requirements for government entity claims and ensure all procedural requirements are met.
What if I was partially at fault for the bus accident?
New Jersey follows a “comparative negligence” rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $80,000. We work to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your recovery. Read more about how shared fault is measured in accident cases.
How much is my bus accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, impact on your quality of life, and the strength of liability evidence. We evaluate all these factors and give you a realistic estimate of your case’s value. We never guarantee specific outcomes, but we work to recover the maximum compensation possible based on the facts of your case. Understanding how much to ask for in a settlement can help you prepare.
Do I need an attorney for a bus accident claim?
Bus accident cases are complex. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and attorneys working to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you’re at a disadvantage. An attorney levels the playing field, protects your rights, and ensures you receive fair compensation. Most people recover more with an attorney than they would on their own. Learn about how to find a personal injury lawyer who can help.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for a Free Bus Accident Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Paramus, don’t wait. Call (973) 364-8300 today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
Time is critical in bus accident cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and the statute of limitations runs out. We’re available to help you immediately. Our Paramus office is conveniently located at 140 E. Ridgewood Ave, Suite 415, South Tower, Paramus, NJ 07652, and we also serve clients from our offices throughout New Jersey.
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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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