Many people in and around Mercer County rely on buses for commuting throughout the state and into other cities, tour guides, and transporting students. Individuals trust public transit companies and bus operators to provide safe and reliable transportation. Unfortunately, bus accidents do occur and often result in severe losses for everyone involved.
If you or a loved one sustained an injury in a public transit vehicle collision, you may face mounting bills and a sudden loss of income due to missed work. A personal injury claim can present many complexities, so it might be in your best interests to reach out to a local legal professional. A Mercer County bus accident lawyer could evaluate your case and help determine your options for recovery.
Who May be Responsible for a Bus Accident in Mercer County?
Many factors can contribute to the cause and severity of bus accidents, and many public transit vehicle collisions have multiple liable parties. While determining who is responsible for a particular bus crash typically requires an extensive investigation and will likely depend on the accident’s circumstances, the following parties are often involved in public transit vehicle accident claims:
- Bus operators
- Bus companies or owners
- Bus manufacturers or retailers
- Bus maintenance companies
- State and local agencies or entities
- Drivers of other vehicles
Investigating the circumstances surrounding a bus accident generally requires accessing investigative reports from state or local police departments and other agencies. A knowledgeable lawyer could help evaluate a bus crash case to determine who may be responsible for the accident.
Understanding Liability for Bus Crashes
Bus operators and their employers are held to a higher legal standard than other motorists because they are considered common carriers. The duty of care typically afforded to other motorists on the road extends to a bus’s passengers.
Many factors could contribute to a bus operator or their employer’s breach of care, including poor driver training and qualifications, lack of vehicle maintenance, and defective bus design and/or manufacturing. If an injured passenger can establish that a bus driver or their employer’s breach of care resulted in otherwise preventable injuries, they may be permitted to seek compensation for their damages from all liable parties.
Under state and federal laws, buses are typically required to satisfy inspections and maintenance requirements to help ensure that the vehicles are safe for public use. The bus operators are also required to make a note of any malfunctioning mechanicals or safety equipment that could cause potential hazards to passengers.
The bus company that employs drivers could also impact a civil lawsuit. For instance, if a bus is owned by a school district or a state or local government entity, there may be increased requirements that an injured individual must follow to file a claim. Additionally, negotiating with the insurance company that insures the liable bus company or other entity may be difficult without a seasoned Mercer County attorney.
Statute of Limitations for Bus Crash Claims
State law imposes a time limit on claims for injuries sustained in bus accidents. Known as the statute of limitations, the time limit for bus crash claims is generally two years after the date of the accident, according to New Jersey Revised Statutes §2A:14-2. However, there are exceptions that can lengthen or shorten the statute of limitations, depending on the circumstances of the case.
If an injured party fails to file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations, their right to recover damages may be barred. For this reason, it is best to let an experienced lawyer in the Mercer County area help determine the relevant filing window for a particular bus collision case.
Contact a Mercer County Bus Accident Attorney Today
When you suffer severe damages in a bus accident, a civil claim for compensation could be complicated and will likely require extensive investigations. No matter how an injury occurs in a bus crash, you should seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. A Mercer County bus accident lawyer understands how to determine who is liable for a public transit vehicle crash and how to hold a negligent driver and their employer accountable for your losses. Schedule your initial consultation today.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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