Accident with City Bus or Transit Vehicles: What You Should Know?

Car Accidents with city buses and transit vehicles in South Jersey and Philadelphia happen more often than you might think. They are different from typical motor vehicle accidents in several ways, so it is essential to know your rights and the potential legal avenues for compensation.

What Are Common Causes of Bus and Transit Vehicle Accidents?

Accidents involving city buses or transit vehicles can happen for a range of reasons:

• Driver error: Mistakes by the bus or transit vehicle driver, such as distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws.
• Poor road conditions: Weather conditions, road hazards, or poorly maintained streets can contribute to transit accidents.
• Vehicle maintenance issues: Public transit vehicles require regular maintenance and issues such as brake failure or worn-out tires can lead to accidents.
• Passenger distractions: A bus driver may become distracted by passengers, impacting their ability to focus on the road.
• Other driver negligence: Other drivers may cause accidents by cutting off buses, failing to yield, or making sudden stops.

Who Is Liable in a Bus Accident?

Determining liability in a bus accident is often more complicated than in a standard car accident. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The bus driver: If driver error caused the accident, the driver could be held liable.
• The transit company: The agency operating the bus may be responsible if improper hiring practices, lack of driver training, or poor vehicle maintenance contributed to the accident.
• Other drivers: If another vehicle caused the accident by driving recklessly or violating traffic laws, that driver may be held accountable.
• City or state government: Public buses are often owned and operated by government agencies, which may share liability if road conditions or maintenance issues play a role.

How Do Bus Accident Claims Differ from Regular Car Accident Claims?

Claims involving public transit accidents can differ significantly from typical car accident claims due to several factors. To start, government immunity laws may limit or dictate how claims can be filed. Additionally, claims against public entities typically have shorter deadlines than standard personal injury claims.  

Furthermore, claimants may face higher standards of proof when dealing with public agencies protected by government immunity. This often necessitates detailed evidence of negligence to support the claim. It is also important to report the incident to the transit authority, as they may have specific procedures for reporting accidents.

What Compensation Is Available for Bus Accident Injuries?

Individuals injured in bus or transit accidents may be eligible for compensation covering:

• Medical expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injury recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Damages related to physical and emotional pain from injuries.
• Rehabilitation: Costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative treatments.

The type and amount of compensation available will depend on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the injuries and the level of negligence involved.

How Can I Protect My Rights After a Bus Accident?

Protecting your rights following a bus accident may involve a few more steps compared to other kinds of motor vehicle accidents. Two of the most important steps are seeking timely treatment and keeping detailed records of your medical treatment and expenses.

If possible, gather evidence at the accident scene – snap photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and road conditions. The responding officers can speak with the bus or transit driver and help you with getting contact information. You will also want to research the reporting requirements for filing claims against public agencies and consider getting legal representation.

The Skilled Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm Represent Clients Injured in City Bus/Transit Vehicle Crashes

If you were injured in an accident involving a city bus or transit vehicle, you probably have questions about your rights and next steps. The skilled Atlantic City car accident lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, know how these cases work and offer free consultations. To learn more, call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online. We proudly serve clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and South Jersey.