While being involved in any type of accident could be devastating, bus accidents are often made even more intense than other motor vehicle crashes attributable to the size, weight, and passenger capacity of most buses. Cases involving bus accidents could also be further complicated by the fact that some buses are privately owned and operated while others are run by local or state governments.
If you are injured in a collision with any kind of bus, the first step you should take after seeking medical care is to contact a Washington Township bus accident lawyer. Our skilled personal injury attorneys may be able to help you quantify your damages, prepare necessary legal paperwork, and build a case for the compensation you deserve.
Common Carrier Standards
Buses fall under the category of “common carriers,” and are subject to serious federal regulations. Consequently, there are four main expectations that buses must meet under the law:
- All buses must provide safe entrances and exits for passengers
- All buses must be operated by a trained, licensed driver
- Any design flaws must be corrected, and all systems must be properly monitored
- Maintenance must be performed on all buses regularly
If a bus company fails to adhere to these expectations, they could be considered in breach of the standard duty of care for common carriers. This may also hold true when the government is responsible for the bus through mass transit systems, school buses, prison buses, and similar situations. With a Washington Township bus accident lawyer on your side, you may be able to prove a breach of a duty of care and strengthen your case for compensation.
Deadlines for Filing Claims
There are statutes of limitations for filing personal injury claims for bus accidents in New Jersey. Since failing to file a claim within the proper time-frame could mean that you may lose the right to receive compensation, it may be critically important to contact a bus accident attorney in Washington Township to determine which deadline applies to your individual situation.
What is the Statue of Limitations for Claims Involving Privately Owned Buses?
When the bus involved in an accident is privately owned, the general statute of limitations for most other personal injury claims applies. In New Jersey, this deadline is set at two years after the date of the accident.
There is one caveat to this statute of limitations: it could be extended for far longer if the injured person is a minor. In that case, the minor has two years from the date of their 18th birthday to file their personal injury claim. Plaintiffs are recommended to contact a diligent attorney if he or she seeks to file his or her injury claim within the allotted time.
What is the Filing Deadline for Cases against Government-Owned Buses?
If the bus is owned and operated by a municipal government or public entity, the statute of limitations is much shorter. You must notify the proper government agency of your intent to file a personal injury claim within 90 days of the accident. Since this deadline is significantly less than two years, you may want to seek assistance from an experienced attorney immediately.
There is one caveat to this shorter statute of limitations: it could be extended for far longer if the injured person is a minor. In that case, the minor has 90 days from the date of their 18th birthday to file their personal injury claim.
Types of Damages Available Following a Bus Collision
Injuries caused by bus accidents may have a snowball effect. In conjunction with the medical bills, the injury could also affect your ability to work, your relationships, and the activities you may perform for the rest of your life.
In New Jersey, there are three kinds of damages for which an injured person could seek compensation:
- Economic damages for medical bills, lost wages, the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, and other objective expenses
- Non-economic damages for more subjective damages like pain and suffering, loss of consortium with a spouse, and the toll of disfigurement or loss of limb
- Punitive damages, as per New Jersey Legislative Statute §2A:15-5.14, can only be awarded when there is evidence of total disregard of human safety and are capped at either five times the sum of the other damages or $350,000, whichever is greater
Talk to a Washington Township Bus Accident Attorney
If you have suffered injuries from a bus accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. With help from a Washington Township bus accident lawyer, you may be able to receive appropriate compensation for your damages and set your life back on track.
You and your family should not have to pay for injuries that due to another person’s negligence. Contact us today to learn about your legal options and begin building a strong case.
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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