Victims Planning to Sue After Fatal New Jersey Transit Accident

New Jersey transit accidents are becoming far too common. One of the most recent examples was also one of the most shocking – suggesting that this problem is getting worse. Over 20 injuries and one death occurred after a transit train crashed – and some victims are already planning to sue. If you were injured in a New Jersey transit crash, you might have similar ideas. How easy is it to sue after a bus or train accident in New Jersey? How much compensation could you receive? Do you have to go to court? These are all common questions – and your injury attorney can answer them during a consultation.

River LINE Train Crashes, Causing Numerous Injuries and One Death

In October of 2024, a River LINE train crashed in Burlington County at approximately 6 AM. The impact killed the train operator and caused almost two dozen passengers to suffer various injuries. Officials say that the train somehow impacted a tree, which seems impossible given the fact that trains operated on fixed tracks. Somehow, a train managed to get onto the tracks, and it went straight through the windshield of the train during the high-speed impact.

Experts say that the train may have fallen over at the precise moment the train passed by, which is why many are describing this incident as a “freak accident.” Be that as it may, one might argue that NJ Transit should have identified and removed at-risk trees before this accident occurred. If a tree showed the potential to fall onto the tracks at any time, one has to wonder why it wasn’t cut down.

Some victims and their families are already planning to sue New Jersey Transit after this accident. Specifically, one complaint argues that New Jersey Transit and other relevant organizations should have kept tracks free of trees at all times. This complaint was filed by the family of the train operator, who left behind three young boys.

In the wake of these allegations, one expert proposed an alternative to the “freak accident” explanation. This expert stated that normally, debris and obstructions on the tracks will create a short circuit. This should warn New Jersey Transit of the safety hazard. However, wood often fails to conduct electricity or create a short circuit – leaving the organization unaware of the hazard.

The lawsuit also states that far from being a freak accident, this incident was completely predictable. Numerous train operators have come forward and stated that trees have caused issues on this particular train line for years – prompting numerous complaints that apparently went unheeded. Insiders also noted that dangerous trees were marked on a map but never taken down.

As for the train passengers, there has been very little discussion about the nature of their injuries. However, numerous photographs from the scene show passengers being extracted from the train on stretchers. This implies that at least some of the 23 injured passengers suffered serious injuries. Many of these passengers might decide to sue the train line in the future, especially given the revelations provided by the wrongful death lawsuit.

If it is true that certain trees were marked for removal but never cut down, the injured passengers could use the same argument as the operator’s family. They might also point to various complaints of trees made by operators in the past, challenging the notion that this was a freak accident.

The “Freak Accident” Defense

Defendants regularly try to portray incidents as “freak accidents,” as this may serve as a defense strategy during personal injury lawsuits. The general logic is that you cannot predict freak accidents or “acts of God,” and you shouldn’t be held liable for something you cannot reasonably foresee.

However, these arguments can be challenged with help from experienced injury lawyers. As the train accident case highlights, you may be able to find evidence that the defendant was aware of the hazard and yet did nothing to address it. Plaintiffs should not hesitate to file claims for their injuries, even if it seems like they were caused by freak accidents.

Find an Experienced Transit Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

If you were injured in a New Jersey transit accident, you are not alone on your path toward compensation. Passengers deserve to arrive safely at their destinations, and the New Jersey Transit Authority has a legal duty to make sure this happens. If you were injured in a bus or train accident, you have every right to consider legal action. To learn more about your next steps, consider a consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. With our help, you can strive for justice, compensation, and closure. Get in touch today to get started on an action plan.