Bus Accident Lawyers Near You in New Jersey
Whether they’re commuting, going to school, or traveling for fun, millions of people rely on buses for transportation every day. Unfortunately, when bus accidents happen, the consequences can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC, led by Paul M. da Costa, help victims of bus accidents in New Jersey navigate complex claims. If you or a loved one has been injured, our bus accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Why Bus Accident Cases are Complex
Unlike most auto accident claims, bus accident cases often involve multiple parties, catastrophic injuries, and complicated federal and state regulations. Because buses are so large and heavy and transport passengers, a collision can result in life-changing injuries and fatalities.
More than One Party May Be at Fault
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, parties such as the bus driver, transportation company, school district, municipal entity, or manufacturer of a defective part could be liable for damages. Claims against public entities and government agencies have strict notice requirements and short filing deadlines in New Jersey, so it’s important to contact a bus accident attorney as soon as you can.
State and Federal Laws and Regulations Can be Challenging to Navigate
Under New Jersey law, buses are considered “common carriers,” which means they have an obligation to exercise a higher duty of care to protect passengers. Although the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) sets safety standards for school buses and commercial carriers, local municipalities and school district may dictate certain policies, such as routes, maintenance requirements, and driver training.
Buses are also regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This federal organization sets standards for hours of service, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and other regulations.
Because these cases are multi-layered, it’s vital to have an experienced attorney who’s well-versed in the technical aspects of bus crashes and local, state, and federal laws.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
Our experienced personal injury lawyers represent clients who have been hurt in all types of bus-related accidents involving:
- City and public buses operated by NJ Transit or other municipal agencies
- School buses
- Tour and charter buses
- Long-distance motor coaches such as Greyhound
- Paratransit vehicles that transport the elderly and disabled
- Airport and shuttle buses
- Corporate buses that transport workers
From head-on collisions to crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists, our bus accident attorneys have seen it all, and are dedicated to helping injured victims and their families find the accountability and justice they deserve.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can be caused by many different factors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Poor or inadequate driver training
- Speeding and failure to obey traffic signals
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor maintenance
- Mechanical failure
- Defective brakes, tires, or steering systems
- Hazardous road conditions
- Negligence by other motorists
Injuries Sustained in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can result in life-changing injuries that may require extensive medical treatment, such as surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and long-term care.
Common bus accident injuries include:
- Fractured and crushed bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Severe lacerations, burns, and disfigurement
- Internal injuries
- Amputation
- PTSD, depression, and anxiety
Our bus accident lawyers understand that the damage done by these injuries not only results in physical pain and financial losses, but it can also take a serious toll on victims’ mental health, relationships, and quality of life. Our dedicated, compassionate team is here to take some of the weight off your shoulders and fight to make things right for you and your family.
Recovering Damages in Bus Accident Cases
Although no amount of money can change what happened or bring back a loved one, monetary compensation helps victims and their families find a sense of justice and financial stability. Our attorneys can help you pursue damages such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Property damage
If you’ve lost a loved one in a bus accident and you believe that negligence played a part, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. Our bus accident lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you on whether a wrongful death claim is a viable option for recovering compensation.
Why Choose Our New Jersey Bus Accident Attorneys?
Hiring an experienced bus accident attorney gives you a better chance of recovering compensation that covers the full scope of your injuries and losses. Insurance companies are not on your side and do whatever they can to minimize payouts and deny claims. Our bus accident lawyers are familiar with their tactics and negotiate voraciously on your behalf. We know how to thoroughly investigate, gather evidence, and put all the pieces of the puzzle together to prove fault.
Quality Legal Representation You Can Trust
Our firm has represented thousands of clients in New Jersey in complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases. We are recognized for our experience, tenacity, and compassion, and have recovered substantial settlements and awards for victims of negligence.
Paul and members of his team have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® as Tier 1 Personal Injury – Plaintiffs and Tier 1 Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs law firm in New Jersey for 2022 and 2024. This highly respected peer-review publication named Paul Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs for 2025.
The National Law Journal selected Paul and his Medical Malpractice team as recipients of its prestigious 2022 Elite Trial Lawyers Awards in the medical malpractice category. In 2022, Paul was a finalist for New Jersey Law Journal Attorney of the Year.
In 2023, he was selected for the National Law Journal Trailblazers Plaintiff Lawyers. In 2024, he was included on the NJBIZ Law Power 50 list, which recognizes the most influential men and women leading New Jersey’s legal profession. Paul was also chosen for the New Jersey Super Lawyers Top 100 list from 2020 – 2024.
Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC was selected by their peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms Regional Tier 1 – New Jersey, in the areas of:
- Arbitration
- Family Law
- Family Law Mediation
- Mediation
- Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Paul and 16 other attorneys at Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC were chosen to be included in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Near You in New Jersey
At Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims and their families find the justice and compensation they need to move past difficult times in their lives. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Paul M. da Costa, contact us or call us at 973-274-5200. Our bus accident lawyers near you in New Jersey offer several convenient locations, including Roseland, Bridgewater, Hackensack, Morristown, and Eatontown, NJ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents in New Jersey
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a bus accident lawsuit in New Jersey. However, if your claim is against a public entity, such as NJ Transit or a school district, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Why Do I Need a Bus Accident Attorney?
Bus accident cases often involve high policy limits, catastrophic injuries, complex regulations, and multiple parties. Our experienced New Jersey bus accident lawyers give you the best possible chance of recovering fair compensation that covers the full scope of your injuries and losses.
How Much Does a Bus Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our bus accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. Attorneys’ fees and other legal costs are taken from any settlement or court award you receive.
