Why are Bus Accidents in New Jersey So Common?

Bus accidents in New Jersey continue to occur at a worrying pace, injuring many innocent people in the process. The Garden State seems like a particularly common place for school bus accidents, although tour bus accidents have also proved catastrophic in the past. Transit accidents are another frequent problem in New Jersey, and these incidents are often fatal. If a bus accident in New Jersey has harmed you or someone you love, consider speaking with an experienced injury attorney to review your next potential steps.

Woman Injured in Atlantic City School Bus Accident

In February of 2026, ABC Action News reported that a woman had been injured by a school bus accident in Atlantic City. The crash occurred at around 9:00 AM, and there were no children on board at the time. Due to these circumstances, the school bus driver had probably just finished dropping off children before the first school bell

Officials say that the woman’s vehicle was “badly damaged” in the collision. While the school bus driver walked away unharmed, the woman suffered unspecified injuries and had to be hospitalized by first responders. Officials did not reveal who might be to blame for this collision.

School Bus Bursts Into Flames in Cherry Hill

In another February incident, a bus burst into flames under uncertain circumstances in Cherry Hill. Officials say that the vehicle was “severely damaged” by the inferno, and images from the scene show the bus almost completely blackened. Again, officials were quite tight-lipped about the circumstances of this accident. Officials later revealed that no students were on board when the fire broke out, although the cause of the blaze remains unclear. However, the images seem to show that the fire may have started in the engine area.

New Jersey Transit Bus Driver Faces Criminal Charges for Fatal Accident

Also in February, various sources reported that a New Jersey Transit bus driver had been indicted for leaving the scene of a fatal accident in 2025. The crash claimed the life of a 63-year-old pedestrian in Abescon, and the bus driver did not stop or call for help. This announcement comes after a considerable investigation carried out by Atlantic County and Abescon law enforcement officials. If convicted, the bus driver faces up to 10 years in prison.

Numerous NJ Transit Train Fatalities Reported

Another cause of concern is the frequency of fatalities on NJ Transit train lines. In late January, a man died after a fatal collision with a train at Plainfield Station. Officials revealed few details about this incident, other than the fact that first responders quickly transported the victim to a nearby hospital. Doctors declared him dead shortly thereafter.

Just a few weeks later, in mid-February, another man died after being struck by a train at the Mountain Road crossing in Clinton near Lebanon Station. Officials referred to this individual as a “trespasser.” Officials stated that they were actively investigating the incident, although not many additional details were available.

Poor Drivers Could Explain the Frequency of Bus Accidents

One potential explanation for the frequency of bus accidents in New Jersey is poor drivers behind the wheel. In the aforementioned crash in Abescon, the driver allegedly committed a felony when he fled the scene of a fatal accident. One has to wonder how NJ Transit could have hired such an irresponsible individual, assuming the allegations are true.

Bus drivers may also find themselves behind the wheel despite being clearly unqualified to fill this role. One might argue that bus drivers should be among the most responsible people on the road, as they are tasked with transporting vulnerable children. In reality, poor hiring standards and unattractive pay cause school districts to hire extremely questionable candidates.

If you believe that your bus accident was caused by a negligent driver, you might be right. With help from an experienced attorney, you may be able to look into the background of the driver in question and determine whether they should never have been hired in the first place.

Can a New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A consultation with a bus accident lawyer in New Jersey could be a positive step if you are serious about holding negligent parties accountable. You have every right to pursue compensation in this situation, and an injury claim can help you cover medical bills, lost earnings, and many other types of damages. Consider expanding on this conversation by contacting Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., at (609) 240-0040. You can also get in touch by visiting us online.