If you were hurt in a bus crash, you might be facing medical bills, missed work, and a lot of pain. Bus accidents often involve multiple parties, from the driver to the bus company to the drivers of other vehicles.
Whether you were a passenger on the bus, in another vehicle, or even a pedestrian, bus accidents can cause serious harm. Figuring out how to claim damages in Hackensack bus accident cases can be overwhelming.
If the bus was owned/operated by New Jersey Transit or another government agency, you have limited time to file a claim and need to speak with a bus crash lawyer immediately. We discuss this further below.
A bus accident lawyer can help guide you through the legal process and determine what damages you may be entitled to. Our experienced attorneys can investigate the crash, gather the necessary evidence, and represent you in pursuing the financial support you deserve.
Choosing a firm such as O’Cathain Law Group Personal Injury Law Department means you are not just hiring a law office—your case will be overseen by Domhnall O’Cathain, a respected, experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyer, as well as with a dedicated personal injury law paralegal. Your personal injury law team will fight to get you the financial compensation you need.
If you were injured in a bus accident in Hackensack, you can pursue several types of damages depending on how you were harmed. These may include economic losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering or emotional distress—are the main part of the claim.
As public or private transit companies usually operate buses, there may be unique considerations when filing a claim. For instance, claims involving New Jersey Transit or municipal buses often have stricter deadlines under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 59:8-8), which requires a formal notice of claim to be filed within 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can impact your ability to recover compensation, so it is vital to act quickly.
If you were injured in a bus wreck, you may benefit from working with a personal injury law attorney who understands how these public claims processes work and can help protect your rights from the start. The lawyer can help get you to the right doctors for your injuries.
More than one party may be legally responsible for a bus crash, which is why these cases can be complex. The driver might be at fault for negligence—for example, through distracted driving or speeding—but the transit company could also be held accountable for failing to train their staff or maintain their vehicles. In some cases, a manufacturer or outside contractor may even be liable.
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:15-5.1, which means that you can recover damages after a bus crash in Hackensack, as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your share of the blame. You are not in any way responsible if you were a passenger on the bus.
Because of these nuances, working with a personal injury law attorney familiar with local laws can be critical. We can work to identify all responsible parties and help build a solid claim that supports your case for maximum compensation.
Insurance companies often try to settle bus accident cases quickly and for the lowest amount possible. If you are recovering from a traumatic injury, you might feel pressured to accept an early offer. But doing so could mean accepting less money—which could be problematic if you have not yet discovered the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs.
Hackensack-based O’Cathain Law Group Personal Injury Law Department has experience handling cases involving bus accidents, and we can review the offer and negotiate damages on your behalf. In some cases, filing a lawsuit might be the best way to pursue fair compensation, especially when serious injuries, permanent disability, or loss of life are involved.
If you were injured in a bus accident, now is the time to understand your legal rights and options. Our personal injury law lawyers can help you pursue damages in Hackensack bus accident cases by evaluating your situation, explaining what damages may be available, and helping you build a strong claim.
Reach out to O’Cathain Law Group today to speak with a team that cares about your story and is ready to fight for your recovery. The consultation is free, and we’re here to help you Move Forward.