Bus Accident Lawyers

What Should I Do if I Was Injured in a Bus Accident?

One of the first things to do if you’re injured in a bus accident, similar or not to the infamous Hardy tour bus accident, is to call a bus accident attorney, because even though buses provide valuable transportation services for millions of people, getting into an accident is probably the last thing on your mind when you get on a bus. Those who ride on a bus are counting on the driver to get them from one place to another safely. If you’re injured in an accident caused by a bus, you may end up with life-changing, catastrophic injuries.

Those hurt may be bus passengers, drivers of other vehicles, pedestrians or bike riders. The bus accident attorneys at Ram Law have extensive experience handling complex personal injury cases for anyone who needs a bus accident lawyer near me in New Jersey. Many of their cases involve commercial buses and commercial trucks. If you’ve been injured in a New Jersey bus accident through no fault of your own, contact RAM Law right away.

What Types of Buses Cause Accidents?

All over the country, especially in areas where the population is expanding, the number of people using buses as a form of transportation is also growing. Buses take to the road daily, and accidents can occur on both highways and local roads. Some of the types of buses that may get into an accident include:

• School buses. Parents all over New Jersey and across the country trust school bus drivers to drive children to and from school safely. A school bus driver who is negligent endangers the lives of many children and can traumatize any child who’s on the bus when it crashes.
• City buses. NJ Transit and other city buses aim to provide reliable and affordable public transportation. Many people rely on bus transportation, but as the number of buses increases, so does the number of accidents.
• Greyhound buses. Greyhound buses and other commuter buses, such as Megabuses, provide an affordable way to travel between cities all over the country. Most passengers of these buses arrive at their destination safely, but some end up in a wreck, often because of a driver who was fatigued and fell asleep.
• Charter buses. Charter buses come in different sizes and can be hired to transport a group of people to a particular destination. If the driver of a charter bus is inexperienced, the risk of being involved in a wreck increases.
• Tour buses. An example of a tour bus accident that’s been in the news is the Hardy bus accident, an accident that involved country music star Hardy and sent all four people on the bus to the hospital.

Injuries sustained in an accident with any bus can be horrific, which is why you must speak with an experienced bus accident attorney. Bus accidents can be especially dangerous to passengers if a bus overturns. In the Hardy bus accident, the tour bus overturned and caused serious injuries including broken ribs and a punctured lung. In some cases, bus accidents can even be fatal.

What Should I Do after a Bus Accident?

The actions to take immediately following a bus accident depend on the extent of your injuries. The first thing you need to do is obtain prompt medical attention. Other things to do as soon as possible after a bus accident include:

• Document what happened. If you’re able to take photographs or videos at the scene of the accident, they provide evidence to support your claim. Write down details about the accident while they’re still fresh in your mind.
• Gather information. Obtain a copy of the police report. Talk to witnesses and find out as much as you can about the bus driver and the bus company.
• Focus on your recovery. Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Keep all medical bills and receipts.
• Keep remarks to a minimum. Your bus accident lawyer advises you not to make statements to the police, insurance company reps or the truck driver about what you think caused the accident or what part you may have played in it.

Perhaps you can keep a journal to track how the accident has impacted you. Note the time devoted to rehabilitation appointments, the physical pain you’re experiencing and how the accident has affected you emotionally. Log how your injuries have impacted your role and relationships within your family. Keep track of all out-of-pocket expenses you have because of the accident.

Find a reputable, experienced bus accident attorney as soon as you can after the accident. Even if you’re not sure if you’re entitled to compensation, discuss what happened with a knowledgable professional in the field of personal injury law. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in New Jersey is two years, so don’t delay getting started.

How Can a Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me?

The weeks, months and sometimes years after a bus accident can be extremely overwhelming. You need to focus on healing and getting on with your life, but at the same time, you need to be sure you’ll get the best possible outcome from a bus accident claim. The things a bus accident lawyer can do to help you through this difficult time include:

• Investigating your bus accident thoroughly
• Gathering and protecting evidence, including photos, police reports, witness statements and medical records to build your case
• Reviewing state and federal laws that may apply to your case
• Handling negotiations on your behalf

Your New Jersey bus accident lawyer at RAM Law has the experience to anticipate the tactics the insurance company may use to try to prevent you from getting a fair settlement. If your case goes to court, your personal injury lawyer is prepared to present your case before a jury. Without the help of an experienced bus accident attorney, you just can’t prepare for the defense the bus company may use to avoid paying a reasonable settlement.

Bus accidents are different than a wreck with another car. Because of the complexity of cases involving commercial transportation companies, you should always let a lawyer with extensive experience handle such complicated claims against:

• Commercial buses
• Commercial trucks
• 18-wheelers
• Box trucks
• Delivery trucks
• Fire trucks

Isn’t My Insurance Company on My Side?

You’ve been paying an insurance company for many years, and in return for your loyalty, you may think you can trust your insurance agent to do right by you. Their advertising typically reassures you that they’ll be there when you need them. Things to keep in mind about insurance companies include:

• They are in business to make money.
• They may not explain to you what you’re entitled to.
• They always attempt to pay the lowest amount they can get away with.

If the driver who hit you had limited coverage, your own insurance company may have to provide some of your compensation. Don’t agree to a settlement amount offered by any insurance company without discussing your case with your bus accident attorney at RAM Law. Don’t let your own insurance company discourage you from consulting a lawyer. It’s your right.

What Compensation Can I Expect for Injuries Sustained in a Bus Accident?

The amount of compensation you can expect to receive may vary greatly from other accidents. Your compensation is based on a combination of factors, such as:

• Whether your injuries are severe and may lead to a permanent disability
• Whether the accident has impacted your ability to work
• How badly your property was damaged
• How long it may take to recover from your injuries
• The availability of evidence proving who was at fault

The amount of compensation you receive should include coverage for the medical bills you’re facing right now and the medical care you may need in the future, no matter how long you need it. For maximum compensation, seek representation from a skillful attorney who has the experience needed to determine the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to. Your bus accident settlement may include:

• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Current and future medical bills, which may include physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation
• Long-term nursing care if needed
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering, which may include chronic physical pain, as well as emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety
• A reduced quality of life

For some people, disability and disfigurement are consequences of a bus accident that may not be repairable. If you file a claim on your own without the help of an experienced bus accident lawyer, you may settle for a much lower amount than you need. Bus companies spend a lot of money protecting themselves from paying claims caused by a bus driver.

What Are Common Causes of Bus Accidents?

Bus companies are obligated to hire and train qualified bus drivers. Drivers of buses are usually extensively trained and skillful drivers, but one error in judgment affects many people. Some common causes of bus accidents include:

• Speeding. Driving too fast is always dangerous, but it’s especially dangerous when done by drivers of a vehicle that’s considerably larger and heavier than passenger cars.
• Distracted driving. Like any other drivers, bus drivers can be distracted by passengers, cell phones or something on the side of the road. A few seconds of inattention is all it takes to have an accident.
• Driving while tired. Bus drivers often drive long distances without a break, which can cause slowed reaction times and failure to stop for an animal, pedestrian or vehicle in the path of the bus.
• Aggressive driving. Driving long hours can lead to road rage and aggressive driving, which endangers everyone.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A driver who’s intoxicated may have problems with muscle coordination or judgment.
• Mechanical failure. Bad brakes and underinflated tires are just two examples of things that can go wrong if a bus isn’t properly maintained.
• Visibility. Issues with visibility can be caused by blind spots or by bad weather, such as snow, rain, sleet or fog.

Buses spend many hours on the road, often with many passengers on board. Regular preventative maintenance is vital, since improper maintenance or defective parts can cause a bus wreck. Also, inexperienced drivers may not have the skills needed to operate the bus safely, especially in high traffic areas.

Driving errors are the underlying cause of many accidents. Errors such as failing to yield the right of way or making unsafe turns can cause a bus accident. Drivers must be mindful that it takes longer to stop a bus than it takes to stop a car.

What Types of Injuries Do Bus Accident Victims Suffer?

A bus can do a great deal of bodily harm when it collides with a car, since buses are such large, heavy vehicles. Some examples of the most common devastating injuries that you may suffer as the result of a bus accident include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Trauma to your neck, back or spinal cord
• Cut and lacerations
• Burns
• Bones that are fractured or shattered
• Damage to your internal organs

Some injuries are so severe that you never completely bounce back from them. Examples include paralysis and amputations. Getting immediate medical attention is imperative for the best long-term prognosis. Even if you don’t feel physical pain after an accident, get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible since symptoms don’t always set in right away.

Who Can Be Held Responsible Following a Bus Wreck?

Buses and bus companies are obligated to exercise the highest degree of care for the safety of their passengers. When you’re in a wreck with any type of commercial bus or truck, multiple people may play a role in causing the accident. Some of the parties who may share responsibility include:

• The driver. If the driver was negligent, intoxicated or driving recklessly, that driver is liable for the accident.
• The bus company. The bus company may be a private bus, city bus, tour bus or charter bus company. They may be partly liable if they hired inadequately trained drivers or expected drivers to work an excessive number of hours.
• The maintenance company. A company that was hired to inspect the bus or to perform preventive maintenance may be considered partly responsible for a wreck if they were negligent.
• The bus manufacturer. If the bus itself or any of its parts are found to be defective, the bus manufacturer may be considered partly liable.

Identifying all the parties who may be partly responsible takes knowledge and research. An experienced bus accident attorney has the skills needed to make sure all responsible parties are held accountable.

How Long Will My Bus Accident Case Take?

When you’re dealing with injuries after a bus crash, you’re most likely also dealing with financial challenges. This may make you anxious to see your claim resolved. The length of time your case takes depends on several different factors, including:

• The details of your accident
• The extent of your injuries
• Who is the party or parties responsible for the accident
• Insurance policy limitations

The amount of time it takes to settle your claim also depends on the willingness of the insurance company to agree to a reasonable settlement. When your claim is handled by a skilled bus crash attorney, your attorney works tirelessly to take on insurance companies and handle all negotiations.

You may also be concerned about how much hiring a bus attorney costs. When you’re already impacted by being injured and out of work, the last thing you want to worry about is the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer. At RAM Law, knowledgeable bus accident lawyers provide a free case review and often take on cases on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid until the case is settled.

Why Should I Choose RAM Law as My Bus Accident Lawyer?

The first thing you may notice when selecting a bus accident attorney is that there are plenty of choices. RAM Law is your best choice for a bus accident lawyer in New Jersey. Each of the founding members has more than 20 years’ experience and a proven track record of winning successful outcomes for victims of bus accidents, truck accidents and dangerous or defective products. They have each been certified as a Civil Trial Lawyer by the New Jersey Supreme Court, and they’re very knowledgeable about the complexity of bus accident cases.

Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me: Find a Top-Rated New Jersey Bus Accident Attorney at RAM Law

When you are injured in a bus accident, it is important to choose a qualified lawyer who specializes in bus accident cases. Bus accidents can result in serious injuries and significant financial losses. A bus accident lawyer has the knowledge and experience to investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. These lawyers understand the unique complexities of bus accident cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

How to Find a Bus Accident Lawyer Near You

Here are some tips on how to find a qualified best bus accident lawyer in your area:

• If you know anyone who has been in a similar situation, ask them for recommendations for a good bus accident lawyer.
• Search online using phrases such as “bus accident lawyer near me” and “bus accident attorney near me.” You can also read online reviews of lawyers to get an idea of their reputation.
• Consult the state bar association. You can get a list of attorneys that focus on personal injury law, including instances involving bus accidents.

After establishing a list of potential attorneys, make appointments to speak with a few of them to find out more about their backgrounds, experience, and methods of handling cases involving bus accidents.

When You Are Injured, Our Bus Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Will Help

An accident can be life-changing and saddle you with mounting medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our seasoned bus accident lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. can help. Call 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.