If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Roseland, you need a bus accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges these cases present. Bus accidents can cause serious injuries that change lives forever. Whether you were injured on a New Jersey Transit bus, a private charter bus, or a commercial shuttle, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has the experience and resources to help you recover the compensation you deserve. With over $700 million recovered for clients across New Jersey, our team knows how to handle bus accident claims from start to finish.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Bus Accident Claim
When you choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, you get a team of trial attorneys with decades of experience handling personal injury cases, including bus accidents. We understand the impact a bus accident has on your life—the medical bills, lost income, pain, and emotional trauma. That’s why we take time to get to know you and your case. We don’t treat you like a case number; we treat you like family.
Our attorneys have recovered over $700 million for clients throughout New Jersey. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, and if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you. We have 9 office locations across New Jersey, including our head office in Roseland, so we’re always nearby when you need us. Call (973) 364-8300 today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Roseland
Bus accidents happen for many reasons, and understanding what caused your accident is the first step toward building a strong case. Our bus accident attorneys investigate every detail to determine who is responsible for your injuries.
Driver Negligence
Bus drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and protect their passengers. When drivers fail in this duty, accidents happen. Driver negligence includes speeding, distracted driving (like texting or eating), failing to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes, sudden or improper braking, and driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Bus drivers work long hours, and fatigue is a common factor in accidents. We investigate driver records, maintenance logs, and company policies to prove negligence.
Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Issues
Buses require regular maintenance to operate safely. Brake failure, tire blowouts, steering problems, and defective doors can all cause serious accidents. Bus companies have a legal duty to maintain their vehicles properly. When they fail to do so, they’re liable for injuries that result. We work with mechanical experts to determine if equipment failure played a role in your accident.
Understanding NJ Transit vs. Private Bus Accident Claims
Not all bus accidents are the same. If you were injured on a New Jersey Transit bus, your claim is different from an accident involving a private bus company. This distinction matters because it affects your legal rights and the timeline for filing your claim.
NJ Transit buses are operated by a state agency, which means your claim falls under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. This law requires you to file a notice of claim within 90 days of your accident. This is a strict deadline—if you miss it, you may lose your right to sue. Private bus companies don’t have this 90-day requirement; you have two years to file a lawsuit. Because of these differences, it’s critical to act quickly if you were injured on a NJ Transit bus. Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers immediately so we can file your notice of claim on time and protect your rights.
What Compensation Can You Recover
Bus accident injuries can be severe and expensive. You may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include your medical bills, both current and future. If your injuries require ongoing treatment, surgery, physical therapy, or mental health care, we fight to recover those costs. You can also recover lost wages—the income you lost while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from earning at the same level in the future, we pursue compensation for that lost earning capacity.
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries are permanent or cause permanent disability or disfigurement, we fight for compensation that reflects the impact on your quality of life. In cases where a bus accident results in death, we help families recover funeral expenses, medical costs, and compensation for the loss of the deceased’s expected income and companionship.
How Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Handles Bus Accident Cases
From the moment you contact us, we take control of your case. We start with a thorough investigation of the accident scene, gathering photos, video footage, and witness statements. We obtain police reports, medical records, and the bus company’s maintenance and safety records. We interview witnesses and consult with experts—accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and mechanical engineers—who can testify about what happened and how your injuries occurred.
We handle all communication with insurance companies and the opposing party’s attorneys. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims or shift blame to the injured person. We protect you from these tactics. We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, and if the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, we prepare your case for trial. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who aren’t afraid to take your case to court and fight for the full amount you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents in Roseland
What is the statute of limitations for a bus accident claim in New Jersey?
For private bus accidents, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, if you were injured on a NJ Transit bus, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days. After that, you have two years to file a lawsuit. These deadlines are strict, so don’t delay in contacting a bus accident lawyer.
Do I need to file a notice of claim for a NJ Transit bus accident?
Yes. If you were injured on a NJ Transit bus, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of your accident. This notice informs NJ Transit that you intend to pursue a claim. Failing to file this notice can result in losing your right to sue. We handle this process for you to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
How long does a bus accident case typically take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases settle within months; others take a year or more. We work as quickly as possible while ensuring we build the strongest case for you. We keep you informed every step of the way. Learn more about how long a personal injury lawsuit takes.
What evidence is important in a bus accident claim?
Critical evidence includes the police report, witness statements, photos and video of the accident scene, the bus company’s maintenance records, the driver’s employment and safety records, medical records documenting your injuries, and expert reports. We gather all available evidence to build a compelling case.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We investigate thoroughly to minimize any claims of fault against you.
How much is my bus accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, your lost income, and the impact on your quality of life. Cases involving permanent injuries or death are worth more than cases with temporary injuries. We evaluate all factors to determine the true value of your claim and fight for that amount. See our case results for examples of settlements we’ve secured.
What should I do immediately after a bus accident?
Seek medical attention first, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries appear later. Call the police and get a report number. Take photos of the accident scene, the bus, and your injuries if possible. Get the names and contact information of witnesses. Don’t discuss the accident with the bus company or insurance company without a lawyer present. Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers as soon as possible so we can protect your rights and begin our investigation. Learn more about what to do after a motor vehicle accident.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Roseland or anywhere in New Jersey, don’t wait. The sooner you contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call (973) 364-8300 today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we’ll come to you if you can’t come to us. There’s no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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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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