Key Point:
• Buses are common carriers held to a high standard of care for passenger safety.
• Multiple parties can be liable for a bus crash: the driver, the transit or bus company, a maintenance provider, or another motorist.
• Claims against a public transit agency like NJ Transit require a Notice of Claim within 90 days under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, N.J.S.A. 59:8-8.
New Jersey Bus Accident Statistics
As congestion and population grow across New Jersey, more people rely on public transportation to commute and to reach Jersey Shore destinations. NJ Transit operates over 2,000 buses across tens of millions of miles annually, and school buses carry millions of children twice a day. When a bus crash happens, the injuries can be serious. The bus accident attorneys at Villani & DeLuca, P.C. help injured passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists pursue the compensation they deserve.
Liability for Bus Accident Injuries
Commuter bus accidents and school bus accidents can result in serious bodily injury. In the event of a bus accident, depending on the specific facts of your case, various individuals or entities may be held responsible. Those entities include, but are not limited to, the bus driver, tour bus operator, the bus maintenance company, and the bus company itself, which has a duty to make sure that the individuals who travel with them are transported safely.
New Jersey Bus Companies
In addition to New Jersey Transit, there are a number of private bus carriers that offer services throughout New Jersey. Some private carriers include Academy Lines, Greyhound Lines, Susquehanna Trails, Martz Trailways, Lakeland Bus Lines, Carefree Bus Lines, Hampton Luxury Liner, Trolley Tours, Stouts Charter Service, Karapf Coaches, Classic Tours, and Safety Bus Service.
A number, if not all, of the above-listed carriers routinely transport individuals to Atlantic City. Atlantic City is a seaside resort in New Jersey that hosts approximately 30,000,000 visitors each year, offering casino gaming, world-class entertainment, nightlife, and numerous restaurants. Charter buses are the most common means of transportation for individuals to travel to the various attractions in Atlantic City.
How We Handle Bus Accident Cases
We often retain investigators and experts to determine the cause of a bus crash, sending them to the scene to photograph it, interview witnesses, and preserve evidence such as onboard camera footage before it is overwritten, all before filing a complaint on your behalf.
Client Testimonial
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am injured while riding a bus?
If you are involved in an accident as a passenger, your priority should be seeking medical attention. Even if you don't feel immediate pain, some injuries from a high-impact collision can take days to manifest. If possible, gather information such as the bus number, the driver's name, and the contact information of other passengers. Because buses are considered "common carriers," they are held to a high standard of care for passenger safety. Consulting a bus injury attorney shortly after the incident can help ensure that critical evidence, such as onboard camera footage, is preserved before it is overwritten.
Who can be held responsible for a bus accident?
Determining liability in a bus crash can be complicated because multiple parties may be involved. Depending on the cause of the accident, responsible parties might include:
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The Bus Driver: For negligence or traffic violations.
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The Transit Company: For poor hiring practices or inadequate training.
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Maintenance Providers: If a mechanical failure, like faulty brakes, caused the crash.
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Other Motorists: If another driver's actions forced the bus off the road.
How do claims against public transit (like NJ Transit) differ from private bus claims?
Claims involving government-operated vehicles are subject to the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. This law requires you to file a formal "Notice of Claim" within a very short window—typically 90 days from the date of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. While 2026 legal refinements have clarified some aspects of sovereign immunity, the strict 90-day notice requirement remains a fundamental hurdle that a bus accident injury lawyer can help you navigate.
Can I file a claim if I was injured as a pedestrian or a cyclist?
Yes. Buses have significant blind spots, and accidents often occur when a bus makes a wide turn or fails to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. If you were struck by a bus while walking or biking, you have the same rights to seek compensation for your medical bills and lost wages as a passenger would. Because of the massive weight and size of these vehicles, pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic, making it vital to have a personal injury attorney review the police reports and traffic camera data.
What kind of compensation can I receive for a bus accident injury?
Victims of bus accidents can seek "compensatory damages" to cover the full impact of the crash. This includes:
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Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing physical therapy.
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Lost Income: Compensation for time missed at work and any loss of future earning capacity.
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Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional trauma resulting from the accident.
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Wrongful Death: If a family member was lost in the accident, survivors may file a wrongful death claim for their loss of support and companionship.
The Bottom Line
If you are injured in a bus accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term costs. It is important to retain an experienced attorney, especially given the strict 90-day notice deadline for claims against public carriers. Villani & DeLuca has a long history of helping accident victims recover. Call today for a free consultation.
About the Firm: Villani & DeLuca, P.C. represents bus accident and personal injury victims throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey.
Related Articles
- Personal Injury Lawyer in NJ (overview)
- Car Accidents in NJ
- Truck Accidents in NJ
- Wrongful Death in NJ
Trusted Resources
- New Jersey Courts, Self-Help (Civil): https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/civil
- New Jersey Legislature, N.J.S.A. 59:8-8 (Tort Claims Act Notice): https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/laws/59/59-8-8
- New Jersey Legislature, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 (Personal Injury Statute of Limitations): https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/laws/2a/2a-14-2Villani & DeLuca, P.C., Legal Glossary: https://www.villanideluca.com/resources/legal-glossary