Taking the bus is an affordable and convenient option for many city residents. While commuters can save on gas money and avoid the stress associated with navigating busy traffic every day, bus transportation is not without risks, and crashes can and do still occur.
When a bus accident harms you or your family members, getting advice on what steps to take next from an experienced personal injury attorney should be one of your first steps after seeking medical care. A Woodbridge bus accident lawyer from Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC can advise you on whether you are eligible to collect compensation for your injuries and losses.
Who Could Be Legally Responsible After a Bus Collision?
In typical motor vehicle accidents between two passenger cars, typically, one or both drivers are liable due to their negligent or reckless driving mistakes. When a traffic accident involves a bus, different issues arise. In addition to looking to the bus driver for compensation, other parties could also bear potential liability.
Private Charter Bus
The private companies that own and operate charter or tour buses are generally vicariously liable for the careless driving mistakes of their company’s drivers. The bus company could also be directly liable for its own mistakes, such as negligent hiring practices, inadequate training procedures, or poor scheduling policies that force drivers to be on the road for longer than recommended.
Public City Buses
The city itself could be liable for a bus accident. If the city pays a private contractor or company to provide bus services, the private company might also be responsible.
School Buses
The school district or school board could be legally responsible for any injuries resulting from a bus crash. If the school district outsourced the driving to a private bus company, the hired company could face liability.
A seasoned Woodbridge Township attorney can investigate a bus crash to identify all the potentially responsible parties. Our legal team will work tirelessly to maximize the potential recoverable damages.
Damages Available After a Bus Crash
People who experience injuries in a bus crash might be eligible to collect compensation for different kinds of losses. Fortunately, New Jersey does not cap the amount of economic or non-economic damages a bus crash survivor could recover.
Economic Damages
Economic damages should cover all reasonable expenses resulting from the crash. Due to the sheer size of buses, people in bus collisions frequently experience debilitating physical and emotional injuries. They are typically eligible to recover compensation for all of their medical expenses, including hospital visits, surgeries, prescription medications, follow-up doctors’ visits, physical therapy, mental health expenses, and rehabilitation. The medical compensation should also include coverage for any future medical treatment. In addition to medical expenses, economic damages cover lost wages and future lost earnings.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include the less tangible expenses that can arise because of a crash. Bus wreck survivors can pursue damages to compensate them for their mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Our dedicated attorneys have extensive experience helping bus crash survivors in Woodbridge and throughout New Jersey evaluate and quantify their losses in order to help them recover a fair damages award.
Let a Woodbridge Bus Accident Attorney Help You
Not many people walk away from a bus crash without injuries. Bus wrecks frequently cause serious physical and emotional trauma. For some people, life will never be the same.
When you are hurt in a bus collision, let a compassionate and experienced Woodbridge bus accident lawyer guide you on what they can do to help. Contact Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC to experience small firm attentiveness with big firm resources and results.
