20 Injured After Head-On New Jersey Bus Crash

The simple act of riding a bus in New Jersey has become a risky endeavor. Although this was once one of the safest ways to reach your destination, a number of worrying crashes make riders hesitate to put their safety into the hands of NJ Transit. A recent bus crash highlights these safety concerns with shocking clarity, and over 20 people are now recovering from various injuries. Some of these passengers may decide to explore their legal options alongside injury lawyers. If you were injured in a New Jersey bus accident, you may have similar ideas.

Scores of Passengers Injured in Head-On Bus Crash

In late October of 2024, ABC News reported that over 20 people had suffered various injuries in a bus accident. The accident occurred at around 7:30 AM in Union when a New Jersey Transit bus crashed head-on into a BMW. Authorities say that the BMW veered into oncoming traffic before the collision, causing a major impact that affected everyone on board the bus.

A second bus was traveling behind the first, and the driver was forced to slam on the brakes when the collision occurred. This sudden stop threw numerous bus passengers forward, causing four additional injuries. This highlights the unique hazards associated with bus crashes, most notably the lack of seatbelts.

Over 20 people were transported to nearby hospitals, including the driver of the bus and the driver of the BMW. The hospitalizations included broken ankles, facial injuries, neck injuries, and “general trauma.” Although none of the injuries were life-threatening, this does not necessarily mean they weren’t life-changing.

The presence of facial injuries is particularly worrying. These types of injuries often lead to permanent disfigurements, causing lifelong psychological issues for victims. Examples include lacerations caused by broken glass, broken facial bones, dental injuries, and many others. Police are still investigating the circumstances of the bus crash.

Bus Accidents Have Become All Too Common in New Jersey

This was not the only serious bus accident in October in New Jersey. Earlier in the month, a transit bus was involved in a six-vehicle collision on the New Jersey Turnpike. The other five vehicles included two tractor-trailers, a flatbed truck, a box truck, and a transit van.

Authorities say that the collision resulted in various injuries, but none were life-threatening. The circumstances of this crash were unclear, and ABC News only released a few sparse facts. However, traffic helicopter footage showed a completely disabled bus that had to be towed away – and traffic crews were forced to dump sand on the highway to address a fluid spill.

At around the same time, a New Jersey man was hospitalized after the tire on a nearby transit bus exploded without warning. The 22-year-old was on his way home from work, waiting at a bus stop when the accident occurred. He says that the explosion sprayed glass fragments in his direction, causing serious bleeding and shock.

He was then transported to a nearby hospital, where healthcare providers removed the glass fragments from his body one by one. Although he survived, he was left with bandages across much of his body. The victim claims that if he had not been wearing a heavy sweatshirt that day, he may not have survived. NJ Transit confirmed that a second victim was also struck by glass fragments, suffering similar injuries.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation, and NJ Transit has effectively ruled out any intentional malice. If this was indeed a simple accident, the victims would probably have an opportunity to sue. With so many glass fragments embedded in their bodies, scarring and disfiguration are almost inevitable. This could lead to not only expensive medical treatments but also lasting psychological challenges.

Can I Sue for Disfigurement After a NJ Bus Accident?

“Disfigurement” is a legitimate non-economic damage in New Jersey. If your injuries have permanently altered your appearance, you can claim additional compensation for the psychological challenges you will undoubtedly experience in the future. Speak with an injury lawyer for more information about this source of compensation.

Can a New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A New Jersey bus accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your damages. If your bus crashes, you may struggle with lost income, medical bills, emotional distress, and a range of other damages. You are not alone on the difficult road to recovery, and a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey can guide you toward the compensation you need. To learn more about the next legal steps, contact Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. today.