If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Trenton, you know how overwhelming the aftermath can be. Bus accidents often result in serious injuries that disrupt your life and create financial strain. When you need a bus accident lawyer in Trenton, NJ, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers stands ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team understands the complexities of bus accident cases and works tirelessly to protect your rights while you focus on healing.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Bus Accident Claim
At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we bring decades of experience handling personal injury cases throughout New Jersey, including bus accidents. Our trial attorneys have recovered over $700 million for clients, and we maintain a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case. Our team takes time to understand your unique situation, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way. With multiple office locations across New Jersey, including our Trenton office at 439 Broad Street, we’re conveniently located to serve you. When you choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, you’re choosing attorneys who are committed to excellence and dedicated to getting you the results you deserve.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Trenton
Driver Negligence
Bus drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws. Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of bus accidents in Trenton. This includes speeding, distracted driving, failing to check blind spots, improper lane changes, and driving under the influence. When a bus driver fails to exercise reasonable care, passengers and other road users can suffer serious injuries. Establishing driver negligence is crucial to your case, as it forms the basis for holding the responsible parties accountable.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Bus companies have a legal obligation to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. Mechanical failures—such as brake problems, tire blowouts, steering defects, or engine malfunctions—can cause accidents. Poor maintenance practices increase the risk of these failures. When a bus company neglects proper maintenance, they create dangerous conditions that put passengers at risk. If mechanical failure contributed to your accident, the bus company may be liable for your injuries.
Types of Injuries from Bus Accidents
Serious Injuries
Bus accidents frequently result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of buses. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when passengers strike their heads during sudden stops or collisions. Spinal cord injuries may cause partial or complete paralysis, permanently altering your quality of life. Broken bones, including fractures to the pelvis, ribs, and limbs, are common in bus accidents. These serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Not all bus accident injuries are immediately obvious. Whiplash occurs when the force of impact causes your neck to move rapidly back and forth, straining muscles and ligaments. Sprains and strains affect joints and soft tissues throughout your body. While these injuries may seem minor initially, they can develop into chronic pain conditions that affect your ability to work and enjoy daily activities. Proper medical evaluation is essential to document all injuries, even those that develop over time.
Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a bus accident is often more complex than in other vehicle accidents because multiple parties may share responsibility:
- The bus driver may be liable if their negligent actions caused the accident
- The bus company or transit authority may be liable for inadequate driver training, poor maintenance, or negligent hiring practices
- Third parties, such as other drivers or property owners, may bear responsibility if their actions contributed to the accident
- Government agencies may be liable in cases involving public transit systems, though special rules apply to claims against government entities
A thorough investigation is necessary to identify all liable parties and ensure you recover compensation from everyone responsible for your injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include your current and future medical bills, costs of disability accommodations, wages lost during your recovery, and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. You can also recover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property.
Non-economic damages compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where a bus accident results in death, surviving family members may recover funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, loss of expected income, lost inheritance, loss of services the deceased would have provided, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium. The specific amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the impact on your life.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Taking the right actions immediately after a bus accident protects your health and strengthens your legal case:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine—some injuries develop over hours or days
- Document the accident scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries
- Gather information from witnesses, including their names, phone numbers, and statements about what they saw
- Report the accident to the appropriate authorities and obtain a copy of the police report
- Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your case and protect your legal rights
The sooner you reach out to an experienced bus accident lawyer, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and preserving crucial evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for 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. However, this timeline can be shorter in certain situations, and waiting too long may result in losing your right to recover compensation. It’s important to contact a lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
How long does a bus accident case take to settle?
The timeline for settling a bus accident case varies depending on the complexity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and whether the insurance company cooperates. Some cases settle within months, while others may take a year or longer. Our team works efficiently to investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement as quickly as possible.
Do I have to go to court, or can we settle?
Many bus accident cases settle without going to trial. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for our clients. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for the full amount you deserve. You have the right to make the final decision about accepting a settlement or proceeding to trial.
What if I was partially at fault for the bus accident?
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly to minimize any claims of comparative negligence and maximize your recovery.
How much does it cost to hire Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers?
You don’t pay any upfront fees to hire Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers. We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case or reach a settlement. Your initial consultation is completely free, with no obligation. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about legal costs while you recover from your injuries.
What evidence is important in a bus accident case?
Critical evidence in a bus accident case includes the police report, medical records documenting your injuries, photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage, witness statements, the bus company’s maintenance records, the driver’s employment history and training records, and any video footage from traffic cameras or the bus itself. Our team knows what evidence to gather and how to use it to build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Trenton, don’t wait to seek legal help. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (609) 604-5002 today to schedule your free consultation. Our compassionate attorneys understand what you’re going through, and we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the process. Whether you need to discuss your case immediately or have questions about your legal options, we’re here to help. Contact us online, call our Trenton office, or use our live chat service available 24 hours a day. Your recovery is our priority, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
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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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