Serious Bus and Transit Accidents Cause Mayhem Across New Jersey

Riding on the bus used to be a relatively safe method of transport in New Jersey. You could rely on a bus driver to get you safely from point A to point B. These professional drivers also kept a watchful eye out for pedestrians and cyclists – helping to keep our roads safe for everyone. Today, it seems that riding a bus is riskier than ever before. With each passing week, new bus and transit accidents in New Jersey kill or maim victims. What can you do if you were injured in one of these accidents? Is it possible to take legal action? Can you recover compensation for your medical expenses, missed wages, and emotional distress?

Man Wins Over $25 Million After Catastrophic Bus Accident in New Jersey

In late August of 2024, the Courier Post reported that a man from Pemberton Township had won a settlement of over $25 million after a catastrophic bus accident. The crash occurred seven years prior, when the plaintiff was riding his motorcycle at the age of just 18. When approaching an intersection, a BurLINK bus failed to stop at a stop sign – moving into the path of the teen motorcyclist and ejecting him from the bike. 

The victim fell into a coma after the accident due to a traumatic brain injury. Although doctors only gave him a slim chance of survival, he fought the odds and underwent years of surgery and rehab. However, the settlement amount implies that he remains permanently disabled – and he will probably never enjoy the pleasures of youth. 

New Jersey Pressured to Change School Bus Laws After Deadly Crash

In September of 2024, the New Jersey government faced mounting pressure to change its school bus safety regulations. A representative introduced several new bills aimed at improving school bus safety, and these changes are largely inspired by a fatal school bus accident that occurred back in 2018. The infamous crash killed a fifth grader and injured 43 other children after their bus crashed on I-80. 

This new legislation could enforce seatbelts on school buses. In addition, it would require all school districts to conduct more extensive background checks on school bus drivers. These are obvious improvements that probably should have been made decades ago. 

In August of 2024, ten children and one adult were injured in a school bus crash in Hunterdon County. The driver reportedly “lost control” before hitting a mailbox and crashing into a ditch. Police are investigating the crash, which is yet another example of how unsafe school buses have become in New Jersey. 

“Commuting Nightmare” Highlights Transit Issues in New Jersey

On September 10th, numerous sources reported on a “commuting nightmare” that unfolded in New Jersey. Cars were stuck in the Lincoln Tunnel for almost two hours after a bus stalled and blocked one of the tubes. A motorcycle accident blocked a second tube, while the remaining tube was closed for repairs. 

Many commuters left their buses and walked out of the tunnel “in disgust,” according to ABC News. In order to address the delay, New Jersey Transit attempted to divert buses toward Secaucus instead. The goal was to put the bus passengers on trains – but a power outage shut down the rail lines and left Penn Station completely out of commission. 

While no injuries were reported, images from this catastrophe were shocking. Passengers were jumping out of buses before crossing a busy roadway alongside fast-moving vehicles. When the transit system fails in such spectacular fashion, passengers often find themselves in dangerous situations. If one of these passengers had been struck, New Jersey Transit could have been liable. 

Questions Raised Over Jersey City Bus Accident

In late August of 2024, Jersey City Times ran a story on a questionable bus accident that killed a scooter rider. The police report seems to indicate that the bus driver ran a red light before striking a man on a scooter. Safety advocates are demanding access to dashcam footage from the bus in an attempt to gain further insights into this incident. 

Contact a New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyer Today

A New Jersey bus accident lawyer may be able to help you strive for compensation and justice after a bus accident. We know how common these accidents have become in the Garden State – and we know how life-changing they can be. Contact Lependorf & Silverstein today to get started with an action plan – and pursue the compensation you need for your damages.