Need an Injury Lawyer for a New Jersey Bus Accident?
Data was collected from 2004-2013 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, showing that 54 fatalities happened to passengers on buses. Many more would receive injuries due to these serious accidents that end in disaster every year in our country. New Jersey is no stranger to these serious accidents that change lives, especially with so many people riding to work and to see family within the inner cities across the state.
What happens when you have been injured in a serious bus accident and you aren’t sure of where to turn in this difficult time? You have help on your side every step of the way.
What is a Common Carrier?
Everyone has probably ridden on a common carrier at some time in their lives. Common carriers are vehicles and entities that transport people from one destination to another for a fee. This can include anything from buses to trains and airplanes. However, those who drive common carrier vehicles, whether they are operating them on the roads or in the air, have a duty of care that they owe to passengers and everyone else on the roadways.
If you have been injured in a bus accident, then, you might be able to bring a claim of negligence against the bus driver or the company. You must be able to show the following aspects:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to you under the circumstances
- The defendant breached this duty through an act of negligence
- The breach of duty led to your injuries
- The plaintiff suffered damages that are either physical or emotional in nature
If you can prove these aspects, you could be successful in your claim and receive compensation for a variety of different things.
Various Ways to Prove a Bus Accident Claim
When you make a claim against a bus driver or bus company, you want to be sure that your evidence is solid and can be proven from your angle. The bus company and any insurance companies will try to show that the driver or company did not act negligently or cause your injuries. You want to be able to back up your claim as much as possible through many of the following aspects:
- Expert witness testimony from those who are well-versed in bus accidents and understand that negligence played a role in your case
- Eyewitness testimony showing that the events played out just as you say they did
- Photographs showing how the accident occurred or dangerous conditions on the bus
- Inspection records of the past and present
Calling an Attorney For Assistance
When you have been injured in a bus accident, you will find that there are many unique circumstances in these accidents and that they can quickly become complicated. You should always have an attorney on your side if you have received injuries in a bus accident such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, and more. Bus accidents are different from many other claims because you have to identify the party responsible, from the driver to the bus company that employed the driver.
Many bus companies are government entities, which means that you might have to meet stricter deadlines and name the correct parties before moving forward. If this sounds like something that is vital to you, you should have an experienced attorney on your side. You have rights and we want to help you. Your New Jersey bus accident claim is important to us, so call us as soon as possible. We are waiting to hear from you.