Public Transportation Accident
New Jersey Public Transportation Accident Attorneys
Public transportation accidents and incidents are, by far, the most misunderstood in the entire field of personal injury law. This is largely because what most accidents and incidents appear to be about are merely symptoms of far more deep-rooted, underlying causes. Learning this early in our practice, Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, made a deliberate attempt to rely upon only the best nationally recognized technical experts in the country, regardless of where they are headquartered.
According to New Jersey law, most pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and even professional drivers struck by a moving vehicle deserve to be compensated for their injuries, or their families deserve to be compensated for their family member’s death — often by large amounts if the death or injuries warrant it. However, no insurance company is going to simply hand over fair compensation to you just because you deserve it.
Private-public transportation providers often have “deep pockets,” while services provided by public agencies often enjoy levels of immunity – including barriers to the collection of “punitive damages.” To penetrate this labyrinth of insurance-agency-stimulated legislation and to help you collect what you deserve, you need a team of experienced and, more importantly, hardworking and relentless attorneys and expert witnesses working together to fight for you.
If we settle before trial or obtain a jury verdict (the final decision is always yours), our fee is contingent on the amount of recovery. If we do not win, you pay nothing. If Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq represent you, we will exhaust the limits of our resources and legal/technical team and stop at nothing to maximize the damage award you deserve. At the same time, because we do the work, including preparing you for your testimony, we make what might otherwise be an ordeal as stress-free as possible.
Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq will, of course, evaluate the merits of your case carefully, and tell you the truth about these merits — even if they are not favorable to you, and even if we determine that you do not have a good case. Like all first meetings in personal injury cases, this initial consultation is free. Since 1991, our attorneys have recovered more than $325 million in settlements and verdicts in favor of our clients.
Our staff knows how to cut through the red tape and beat back the legal motions that the defendant’s insurance company’s attorneys may file to impede us from pressing forward on your case. The lion’s share of work is not testifying in trials (most cases are settled before trial) but, at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we prepare all our cases as if they will go to trial. To prepare for a trial, if necessary and our client approves, we may spend hundreds of hours on research and analysis. As noted, most public transportation-related incidents merely reveal symptoms of deeper and larger underlying problems.
Examples include:
- Wheelchair tip-overs
- Assaults, molestations, and bullying by another passenger
- Doors closing prematurely on entering or exiting passengers
- Buses pulling away before passengers can safely reach a grab rail or seat
- Stopping on the wrong side of the intersection
- Failing to pull to the curb (because merging back into traffic safely takes time)
- Failing to engage the bus “kneeling” feature (which takes all of two to four seconds)
- On-board slip and fall cases
The genuine cause of most such incidents is simply the fact that the bus schedules are too tight, and drivers do not have enough time to let everyone safely reach the seat of his or her choice, or spend the necessary time to load, secure, detach and unsecure even a garden variety wheelchair – and still have any “recovery time” left at the end of the “run” for the driver to catch his or her breath. To examine such cases, one must not only explore the “symptoms” (i.e., what appears to have happened), but examine the bus, its equipment, the incident scene, the bus stop, the schedule, and most importantly, ride the route to see whether the printed schedule is a reality or, far more often, an impossibility.
Also ignored by most law firms, very few public transportation-related injuries result from collisions. Instead, most injuries result from “incidents” that do not involve collisions. The majority of incidents occur when passengers are not even on the bus – they are either crossing to or from the bus, boarding or alighting it, or are injured because of negligent location and placement of the bus stop, poor stop conditions, and even being forced to take a dangerous path to the bus stop (where they are struck by a third-party automobile or truck).
In fact, after wheelchair tip-overs and crossing incidents, the third most common public transportation incident theme is passenger molestation. Finally, Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, makes every effort to extract what is known, in legal circles, as the “maximum precedent value” from every set of facts. For example, we will identify regulatory violations, like “hours-of-service” violations or violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (for which the defendants may be subject to an audit by the Federal Transit Administration with the power to cut off their funding). Or we may threaten to initiate a class-action lawsuit. These dynamics can terrify defendants into “settling” for the maximum value of your case.
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Do You Need Help with a New Jersey Public Transportation Injury Claim?
If you or someone you love has been involved in a bus accident in New Jersey, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do next. The experienced bus accident lawyers at our firm can help guide you through this difficult time and ensure that your rights are protected.
We understand the unique challenges that come with bus accident cases, and we have the knowledge and resources to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We will investigate the accident to determine who is liable and take all necessary steps to build a strong case on your behalf. You should not have to bear the financial burden of a bus accident that was not your fault. Let us fight for you while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
There are many possible causes of bus accidents in New Jersey. Some of the most common include driver error, mechanical failure, and weather conditions.
Driver error is one of the most common causes of bus accidents. This can include things like speeding, distracted driving, or even intoxication. In some cases, driver error can be due to simple inexperience or poor training.
Mechanical failure is another common cause of bus accidents. This can include things like faulty brakes, bald tires, or even an overloaded vehicle. In some cases, mechanical failure can be due to simple negligence on the part of the bus company.
Weather conditions are also a common cause of bus accidents. This can include things like icy roads, high winds, or even heavy rain. In some cases, weather conditions can be beyond the control of the bus company.
No matter what the cause of a bus accident, it is important to seek legal help if you have been injured. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries Suffered in Bus Accidents
Though public transportation is generally considered to be a safe way to travel, accidents can and do happen. When a bus is involved in an accident, the potential for serious injuries is high due to the size and weight of the vehicle.
Some of the most common injuries suffered in bus accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident and suffered any of these injuries, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Once you are stabilized, you should then contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Can I Sue a Bus Company after an Accident?
Yes, you can sue a bus company after an accident if the company is found to be liable for the accident. This can happen if the company is found to have been negligent in its hiring, training, or supervision of the employee who caused the accident. If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be awarded damages for your injuries and other losses.
You might also be entitled to hold the bus company liable for its direct negligence in causing the accident in certain circumstances. For example, if the bus driver had a poor safety record and posed a clear risk of causing an accident, the bus company might be liable for hiring an unsafe driver. In addition, if the bus company failed to properly maintain its vehicles or did not take steps to ensure that its drivers were following safety protocols, it might also be held liable for any resulting accidents.
What to Do After a Bus Accident
If you’re involved in a bus accident, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your safety and well-being. First, if you’re able, move to a safe location away from the bus. Then, call 911 and report the accident. Be sure to give them your location and any injuries you may have sustained. Once emergency services arrive, they will assess the situation and provide you with further instructions. If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene and get the contact information of any witnesses.
You should also exchange insurance information with the other driver. After the accident, it’s important to see a doctor, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Once you’ve taken care of your immediate needs, you can start the process of filing an insurance claim and seeking compensation for your damages.
Statute of Limitations for Bus Injury Claims in New Jersey
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in New Jersey, you may only have a limited time to take legal action. That’s because the state has a “statute of limitations” that puts a deadline on how long you must file a lawsuit.
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for bus injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. That means if you don’t file your lawsuit within two years, you may be barred from doing so.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re filing a claim against a government entity, you may have to act even faster. And in some cases, the statute of limitations may be extended if the injured person is a minor.
But in general, it’s important to be aware of the deadline for your bus injury claim and act accordingly. If you have any questions about the statute of limitations or your legal rights, be sure to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Damages You Can Recover in a New Jersey Bus Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your injuries and losses.
The financial recovery that may be available in a New Jersey bus accident claim includes the following:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the costs of all medical care related to your injuries, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other necessary treatment.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss time from work, you can recover your lost wages as well as any future lost earnings if your injuries have resulted in a permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering: You can recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering that you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
- Other damages: You may also be able to recover other damages, such as property damage, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.
- Compensation for your injuries: You may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be available if the bus driver or operator was grossly negligent. Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct.
- Compensation for your spouse: If you are married, your spouse may be able to recover damages for loss of companionship and support.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed in a bus accident, certain family members may be able to recover wrongful death damages. These damages include medical and funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
You may be able to recover other damages as well. It is important to speak with an experienced New Jersey bus accident attorney to learn more about the types of compensation that may be available to you.
NEW JERSEY TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS
New Jersey is home to a large and complex transportation system, which includes buses, trains, light rail, and more. Unfortunately, accidents involving these modes of transportation are not uncommon.
Our lawyers are skilled in handling complex transportation tort claims, including those involving:
- Buses – bus accidents may involve rollovers, sudden stops, or wrecks with cars, bikes or pedestrians
- Trains – train accidents commonly occur because of derailments, abrupt jerks, and jolts, sudden stops, or collisions with other objects obstructing the tracks
- Light rail – although the light rail trains do not travel as fast or weigh as much as those on the New Jersey and private railroad systems, accidents involving these lines are serious and often deadly
If you or a loved one has been involved in a transportation accident, we can help. Call us today for a free consultation.
How can a New Jersey Public Transportation Help With my Case?
If you have been involved in a public transportation accident, you may be wondering how an experienced New Jersey public transportation accident attorney can assist you.
Here are some ways an attorney can help:
- Evidence collection: An experienced attorney will know how to collect the evidence needed to build a strong case. This includes things like eyewitness statements, video footage, and accident reports.
- Investigation: An experienced attorney will investigate the accident to find out what happened and who may be at fault.
- Negotiation: An experienced attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.
- Trial: If your case goes to trial, an experienced attorney will fight for you in court.
If you have been involved in a public transportation accident, don’t try to handle it on your own. Contact an experienced New Jersey public transportation accident attorney today to learn how they can help you.
How much does a public transportation accident attorney cost?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a public transportation accident, you may be wondering how much an attorney will cost. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of the accident and the extent of the injuries.
An experienced public transportation accident attorney will work with you to determine the best course of action for your case. In some instances, the attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party. In other cases, the attorney may recommend taking the case to trial.
The cost of an attorney will also depend on the amount of time and resources that are required to pursue your claim. If the case is complex or if there are multiple parties involved, the attorney may need to invest more time and resources. In these cases, the attorney may charge an hourly rate or a contingency fee.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a public transportation accident, contact an experienced attorney today to discuss your case.
Contingency Fees
A contingency fee is a type of compensation paid to lawyers in which the lawyer agrees to take a percentage of any money recovered as payment for their services. This arrangement is often used in personal injury cases, where the client may not have the resources to pay an hourly rate. If no money is recovered, the lawyer does not get paid.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering hiring a lawyer on a contingency fee basis. First, it’s important to understand that this type of arrangement is not available for all types of cases. For example, most criminal defense lawyers do not work on a contingency fee basis. Second, even in cases where a contingency fee is available, the lawyer may require that you pay some or all the costs associated with pursuing your case.
These costs can include things like court filing fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses. Third, contingency fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the amount recovered, so if you recover a large sum of money, the lawyer’s fee will be correspondingly larger.
If you’re considering hiring a lawyer on a contingency fee basis, it’s important to make sure that you understand all the terms of the arrangement before agreeing to it. Be sure to ask about things like costs, how the fee is calculated, and what happens if you don’t win your case. Getting all this information in writing can help to avoid any misunderstandings later.
To speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who is an expert in public transportation accidents and incidents, immediately call us toll-free at 1–800–923–3456 FREE or contact us online to discuss your legal matter today.
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