What To Do After a New Jersey Bus Accident
On February 14, 2023, at approximately 7:35 a.m. in Elizabeth, New Jersey a NJ Transit Bus crashed into a cement truck on the New Jersey Turnpike, injuring several people. To read more about the accident, click here.
Whether you commute or are traveling by bus for a one-time occurrence, it is important to know what to do if you have been injured as a result of being involved in a bus accident in New Jersey.
What is NJ Transit?
NJ Transit is the primary provider of bus transportation for New Jersey residents. NJ Transit is a public transportation company. As a result, if you are injured on a NJ Transit bus you are subject to the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, N.J.S.A. §59:1-1 et. seq. This law provides certain immunities which protect the agency against claims of negligence. These immunities apply whether you are the passenger on a bus, a pedestrian struck by a NJ Transit bus or a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident with a NJ Transit bus.
Steps to Follow After a New Jersey Bus Accident
One of the time sensitive differences in proceeding against New Jersey Transit for a claim for injuries is the strict requirement that notice be given within ninety (90) days after the accident.
Therefore, even if you are considering a claim while undergoing initial treatment is important to have this notice filed as soon as possible. This notice is unlike a Complaint filed in Court; it is a specialized form which provides specific information. Filing a notice does not mean that you ultimately have to file a car accident lawsuit, it simply makes the public entity aware that you are considering it and protects you should you decide to file a formal complaint at a later time.
There are many other differences between filing a claim against NJ Transit and filing a claim against a private entity. Therefore, it is important that you know your rights and what steps need to be taken to make sure that you do not waive them.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Bus Accident Attorney Today
We at Brady Reilly and Cardoso, LLC are experienced trial attorneys who have handled several of these complex Tort Claim Act cases before. If you or a loved one has been injured by was of the negligence of NJ Transit, or any other public entity, please contact our office for a FREE consultation.