Recent Incidents Raise Questions About Public Transit Safety in New Jersey

How safe is public transit in New Jersey? This is a question that many residents are asking after a string of safety incidents across the State’s public transit system. These include not only fatal and catastrophic crashes but also incidents of serious violence. If you depend on public transit, you might have no other choice but to expose yourself to these hazards. A bus or a train might be the most economical option for your specific needs. Perhaps you prefer public transit for sustainability reasons. If you have already suffered injuries in a New Jersey bus accident, you might be considering legal action. 

New Jersey Bus Accidents are Occurring All the Time

New Jersey bus accidents seem to happen on a regular basis across the entire state. In April of 2024, seven people were injured after a New Jersey transit bus crashed into a light pole. The accident occurred in Egg Harbor Township near a shopping mall parking lot – and the bus driver seems to have crashed for no discernable reason. Seven people were on board the bus when it crashed, and six of these people were hospitalized with various injuries. Perhaps most notably, the bus driver was given a traffic ticket for careless driving. 

Later that month, another seven people suffered injuries in a different New Jersey bus accident. This time, the accident occurred in Woodbridge – and it involved a bus crashing into a ditch. The authorities say that 16 people were on board the bus at the time of the accident, and at least two other vehicles were struck by the out-of-control transit vehicle. When the bus finally came to a halt, it “ended up face down in a ditch,” according to reporters. There was no word on what caused the crash or how serious the injuries were. 

People are Starting to Sue New Jersey Transit Companies for Injuries and Deaths

While some injured bus riders are simply accepting their damages without a fight, others are pushing back. The family of a man killed by a fatal bus accident recently filed a lawsuit against the transit company – and the State of New Jersey. In 2024, this individual was struck by a transit bus while walking across the street in Fort Lee. It was later determined that the bus driver had made an “improper left turn” prior to the collision. Investigators concluded that this improper maneuver made it impossible to spot the pedestrian. 

In the end, the bus driver received traffic tickets for careless driving and an improper left turn. However, this did little to alleviate the life-altering consequences felt by the victim’s family. They decided to file a lawsuit to pursue additional damages for everything they had been forced to endure. 

Many of these lawsuits are proving successful. In August of 2024, LAW360 reported that a charter bus company and the State of New Jersey had agreed to pay $26 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit. This specific lawsuit involved a man who had suffered fatal head injuries after being struck by a county bus. 

Crashes are Not the Only Threat Associated with New Jersey Buses

Putting crashes aside, you might encounter all kinds of additional threats while riding buses in New Jersey. The most obvious example is violence, and this can occur in many different ways. Transit authorities have been accused of failing to protect commuters from muggings, criminals, and other violent individuals. 

But can transit authorities protect commuters from their own bus drivers? This is a question that recently arose after a bus driver was arrested in Newark for violently beating a passenger. Police say that the fight began when the passenger spat on the bus driver. This prompted the bus driver to repeatedly strike and choke the passenger – and the entire incident was caught on camera. He was subsequently charged with aggravated assault and taken into custody.  

Find an Experienced New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyer

Fortunately, those injured by New Jersey bus accidents can turn to experienced lawyers for help. Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. can guide you through the legal process ahead of time, ensuring you get access to high-quality medical treatment. We can also help you cover any lost income you might have incurred due to your public transit crash. Finally, it may be possible to recover additional compensation for non-economic damages. Remember, online research only gets you so far. To discuss your legal options in more detail, consider booking a consultation with us today.