Morristown Bus Accidents Attorney
Fighting For Clients Injured in Bus Accidents in New Jersey
On May 17, 2018, three buses transporting school children were headed from Paramus to Waterloo Village in Stanhope, New Jersey for a class trip. A day that was supposed to be filled with fun and leisure for fifth-grade students turned into mayhem and tragedy. One of the bus drivers missed the exit and allegedly tried to turn around, crossing three lanes on the highway to use the utility U-turn access point in the median. The bus collided with a dump truck flipped over and ripped the main compartment from the base. The alleged actions and decisions of the bus driver, in this case, led to the death of a student and a teacher, as well as injuries to forty other people.
Injured as a result of an accident involving a bus? You may be entitled to financial recovery for your injuries. Injuries caused by, or involving buses do happen, often with tragic outcomes like those described above.
If you or one or your loved ones have been involved in a bus-related accident as a bus passenger, or in another means of transportation involved in a bus accident, we recommend looking for legal guidance. Many bus crashes and bus rollovers are caused by negligence either from the bus driver or transportation company. You can count on the experience of Morristown bus accidents attorney Michael P. Burakoff. Call us today 973-455-1567 for a free and confidential consultation, or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment.
Bus Accidents on Morris and Sussex County Roads Can Cause Severe Injuries
We see buses every day in our cities, suburbs, rural areas and on our highways. These vehicles may be used to transport children, commercial passengers, or the general public. To ensure the safety of riders and employees, the State of New Jersey has rules and regulations concerning the operation of buses within the state.
School Bus Accident Lawyers Morristown NJ
For example, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires regular inspections for school buses. The DMV actually has a special School Bus Inspection Unit that inspects all school buses, small school vehicles, dual-purpose vehicles, and summer recreation vehicles. Any bus that is put on the roadway to transport school children must have an initial inspection before it is in service and further inspections twice a year. School bus companies and drivers have to abide by all safety regulations and traffic laws and drivers must be subject to background checks.
Public and Commercial Bus Accident Attorneys Newton NJ
With public and commercial buses, companies must also follow all safety regulations and laws. The drivers are subject to background checks and reviews of their employment references. To further ensure the safety of the public, the state imposes limits on the number of time drivers can be behind the wheel. Tour bus companies and shuttles also have similar laws guiding them to safely transport passengers.
Causes of Bus Accidents From Route 287 to Route 80
Despite various laws and regulations, accidents happen, whether by human error or mechanical error. Prior to even being on the road, buses must be regularly inspected and maintained.
Buses are initially inspected by the Department of Motor Vehicle, but that does not absolve bus companies from continued inspections and repairs. Bus companies are required to maintain and repair their fleets on an ongoing basis and permit only roadworthy vehicles to transport passengers. These repairs range from smaller items to other issues that could pose serious hazards, such as replacing tires and breaks.
Once a bus is properly inspected and on the roadway, the company must adhere to strict compliance standards for its drivers.
Human Error Can Lead to Serious Injury or Wrongful Death
Buses are manned by drivers with specialized licenses, which can only be obtained by undergoing advanced training. Although specially trained and licensed, drivers are people. Bus drivers are required to obey all traffic laws just like the average driver, and yet they can make decisions that are contrary to the safety and welfare of others.
Fatigued Drivers are a Major Cause of Bus Accidents in Northern New Jersey
For example, fatigued drivers cause accidents when they fail to pay attention or react in a timely manner to other occurrences on the road. For this reason, bus drivers can only work a certain number of hours per week and the failure of bus companies to adhere to these regulations can be viewed as negligence by the courts.
Distracted Bus Drivers can be a Danger on the Roadways
Similar to fatigued drivers, distracted bus drivers cause accidents. A bus driver should not be looking at his or her cell phone, talking on the phone, reading a map, or doing anything that takes his attention away from the roadway. This lack of safe driving can also be grounds for a lawsuit.
Insurance, Medical Treatment, and Strict Notice Requirements after a Bus Accident
Any motor vehicle accident in the State of New Jersey requires injured parties to go through motor vehicle insurance carriers for treatment and compensation. Buses are required to have motor vehicle insurance just as private cars do. If you are injured in an accident involving a bus, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can. Public entities, including schools and towns, have strict notice requirements under the tort claims act. Failure to adhere to these time frames may mean you lose the opportunity to sue for damages. Do not delay in reviewing your options and potential for recovery. If you or someone you know has been injured in a bus accident, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer and Let Us Fight for a Fair Compensation on Your Behalf
Attorneys and insurance adjusters, sometimes work on the bus company’s behalf, will do whatever it takes to minimize your situation, and even deny it. They may even offer to set an agreement which in most cases is lower than what you may get if you had experienced counsel by your side.
Call us today to discuss your bus accident case. It is important that you choose an experienced law firm. We have the knowledge, experience, and will work hard to get you fair compensation. Serving clients in Morris County, Sussex County and across New Jersey, call our Morristown or Newton offices 973-455-1567 or feel free to visit our website to fill our online form.
