New Jersey Bus Accident Attorneys

New Jersey residents rely heavily on public transportation, from NJ Transit buses and light rail to commuter trains and paratransit services. While these systems are generally safe, accidents still happen, and when they do, the results can be devastating.

At Mallon and Tranger, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience helping injured passengers, pedestrians, and drivers recover compensation after public transportation accidents. Whether you were hurt in a bus crash in Monmouth County or suffered injuries while riding the light rail in Ocean County, our team is ready to protect your rights.

Different Types of Public Transportation Accidents

Public transportation is a vital part of daily life in New Jersey. Whether commuting to work, attending medical appointments, or traveling to school, thousands of residents rely on buses, trains, and other forms of transit every day. Unfortunately, accidents involving public transportation vehicles are not uncommon and when they happen, the results can be devastating.

Public transportation accidents can occur:

• While riding or disembarking
• At transit stations or stops
• As a pedestrian near a transit route
• In collisions with other vehicles

These accidents often involve multiple victims and layers of liability, especially when a government agency or public entity like NJ Transit is involved. Injury claims can quickly become complicated, making it vital to understand the type of accident and who may be responsible.

Common types of public transportation accidents include:

• Buses: Including local transit buses, school buses, commuter shuttles, and long-distance carriers. These are among the most common types of public transport accidents due to their high usage and regular stops in high-traffic areas.
• Trains: NJ Transit rail services, Amtrak, and light rail trains can derail or collide with vehicles and pedestrians, especially at crossings or stations.
• NJ Transit vehicles: This includes Access Link vans and paratransit vehicles for disabled passengers. These vehicles often operate in residential areas and require careful handling to ensure safety.
• Taxicabs: These vehicles frequently operate in urban areas with high pedestrian traffic and may be involved in rear-end collisions or intersection crashes.
• Limousines: Often used for special events, limousines are susceptible to multi-passenger accidents, especially if drivers are not familiar with traffic routes or are rushing between destinations.
• Light Rail Line Cars: New Jersey’s River Line, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and other street-level trains can cause serious injuries when involved in vehicle or pedestrian accidents.
• Community Paratransit Vehicles: These serve individuals with disabilities and often require special loading/unloading procedures. Accidents can occur due to operator error, improper restraints, or inadequate training.

Accidents involving public transportation tend to be more complicated than those involving personal vehicles. Government agencies may have special legal protections, and multiple parties, such as transit operators, private contractors, maintenance providers, and vehicle manufacturers, may share responsibility.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents are one of the most frequent and serious types of public transportation incidents in New Jersey. These large, heavy vehicles operate on tight schedules, often in crowded or congested environments. When something goes wrong, whether it's a driver error, equipment failure, or external hazard, the consequences can be severe.

Some of the most common causes of bus accidents include:

• Driver fatigue: Bus and train operators often work long shifts with minimal breaks. Fatigue slows reaction time and increases the likelihood of errors behind the wheel.
• Distracted driving: Distractions like radios, mobile devices, or even interactions with passengers can take a driver’s focus off the road, even for a moment, and result in a serious accident.
• Improper training or supervision: If a transit company fails to adequately train drivers or monitor safety protocols, it can create conditions ripe for accidents.
• Mechanical failure: Buses must undergo regular maintenance. Failing brakes, worn-out tires, and engine problems can all cause crashes if not caught in time.
• Speeding or reckless driving: Pressures to stay on schedule can lead some drivers to exceed speed limits or engage in risky driving behaviors.
• Poor weather conditions: Ice, snow, fog, and heavy rain are common in New Jersey and can drastically reduce visibility and road traction.
• Negligent third-party drivers – Not all bus accidents are the fault of the bus operator. Other drivers on the road who make unsafe lane changes, fail to yield, or drive under the influence can cause collisions involving public transit vehicles.

Related: What should I do after a bus accident in New Jersey?

These accidents can happen almost anywhere, at intersections, on highways, near bus stops, or even at transit terminals. When they do, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists may all be affected. In many cases, buses lack seat belts, and passengers are seated in close proximity or standing. This makes them more susceptible to injuries during sudden stops, turns, or collisions.

Common Injuries in a New Jersey Bus Accident

Injuries sustained in public transportation accidents can vary widely depending on the type of vehicle, the force of the collision, and whether passengers were seated, standing, or boarding at the time. Unlike private cars, public transport vehicles often lack basic safety features like seat belts or airbags, leaving passengers vulnerable.

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries: Rapid jerking movements during a sudden stop or collision can strain or damage the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
• Spinal cord injuries: More serious crashes may result in spinal damage, sometimes leading to partial or full paralysis.
• Herniated discs: Sudden impact can cause vertebral discs to bulge or rupture, resulting in chronic back pain, numbness, or loss of mobility.
• Fractured bones: Broken arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are common in accidents involving high impact or where passengers fall or are thrown from their seats.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Blows to the head from hitting windows, poles, or other hard surfaces inside the vehicle can lead to concussions, memory loss, and long-term cognitive issues.
• Concussions: Even without a visible injury, concussions can cause serious symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, and nausea.
• Lacerations and contusions – Broken glass, sharp objects, or hard surfaces can cause cuts and bruises throughout the body.
• Internal injuries: The force of a collision can also damage internal organs or cause internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent.
• Emotional trauma and PTSD: Many accident victims experience lasting psychological effects, including anxiety, nightmares, or a fear of riding public transportation again.

It’s important to note that not all injuries are immediately visible. Soft tissue injuries, head trauma, and internal bleeding may take hours or even days to manifest symptoms. That’s why it’s absolutely critical to seek medical attention immediately after any public transportation accident, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Public Transportation Accident?

Determining who is legally responsible for a public transportation accident is often far more complicated than a standard car crash. These incidents may involve both public entities (like NJ Transit or municipal governments) and private companies (such as taxi or rideshare services), making the investigation more complex and the legal process more restrictive.

Depending on how the accident occurred, several different parties may be held accountable. Liability could lie with one entity or multiple parties simultaneously, each contributing to the unsafe conditions that caused the crash.

Parties who may be held liable include:

• Bus or Train Operators: Public transportation drivers are held to a high standard of care due to the number of passengers they transport. If an operator was speeding, distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise driving recklessly, they may be personally liable for the accident.
• Public Transportation Agencies: Government agencies such as NJ Transit are responsible for hiring, training, and supervising operators, as well as maintaining vehicles and infrastructure. If they fail in these duties, whether through negligent hiring, inadequate training, or poor maintenance, they may be legally responsible.
• Private Transportation Companies: Not all public transportation is government-owned. Accidents involving charter buses, limousines, or taxis are typically the responsibility of the private company operating them. These businesses are obligated to ensure their drivers are qualified, their vehicles are safe, and their policies follow all relevant laws.
• Third-Party Drivers: In some cases, another vehicle may be at fault. For example, a distracted or speeding driver who crashes into a bus or train may bear partial or total liability for the injuries caused.
• Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a defective product, such as failed brakes, a malfunctioning engine, or a faulty restraint system, the manufacturer of the vehicle or part could be liable under product liability laws.
• Maintenance Providers or Contractors: Many public transportation agencies and private companies outsource their vehicle maintenance. If a third-party contractor failed to repair or inspect the vehicle properly, they might also be liable for negligence.

It’s important to note that when government entities are involved, strict deadlines and procedural requirements apply. In New Jersey, claims against public agencies often require a Notice of Tort Claim to be filed within 90 days of the incident. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to compensation altogether. That’s why it is critical to speak with an experienced public transportation accident attorney as soon as possible.

How Can an Attorney Help After a New Jersey Public Transportation Accident?

Pursuing a legal claim after a public transportation accident is not the same as filing a routine car accident claim. These cases are often heavily defended, involve multiple parties, and require navigating a tangle of legal rules, insurance policies, and government immunity protections.

At Mallon and Tranger, we understand the challenges you’re up against and we know how to fight back. With more than 40 years of combined experience representing injured victims in Monmouth and Ocean counties, our firm is equipped to handle even the most complex transit injury cases.

Here’s how our attorneys can help:

• Identify all potentially liable parties: We’ll investigate the crash from every angle to determine whether liability rests with the operator, agency, third-party driver, manufacturer, or others.
• Collect crucial evidence: We gather accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, driver logs, and more to build a compelling case.
• Work with experts: We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, and medical professionals to understand exactly what went wrong and how it has impacted your life.
• Calculate your full damages: Beyond immediate medical bills, we factor in long-term rehabilitation costs, lost income, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
• Manage all legal requirements: Public transportation cases often involve strict deadlines and government procedures. We ensure every document is filed correctly and on time, including the Notice of Tort Claim, if required.
• Negotiate and litigate on your behalf: Whether we're negotiating with government lawyers or battling insurance companies in court, we aggressively advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

We don’t treat public transportation accidents as just another injury case. We understand the legal nuances, the emotional toll, and the financial burden these accidents place on you and your family. Whether you were injured on an NJ Transit bus, in a paratransit vehicle, or during a taxi ride across Freehold or Point Pleasant, our team is ready to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

In addition to public transportation accident claims, Mallon and Tranger represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Construction site accidents
• Wrongful death
• Catastrophic injuries
• Workplace accidents and workers’ compensation
• And more

If you've been seriously injured due to someone else's negligence, our experienced legal team is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact Mallon and Tranger After a Public Transportation Accident

If you were injured in a public transportation accident, time is of the essence. Claims involving government entities like NJ Transit come with strict deadlines; in some cases, you must file a Notice of Tort Claim within just 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely.

At Mallon and Tranger, we understand the urgency and complexity of these cases. Whether you were hurt while riding a bus, boarding a train, exiting a taxi, or walking near a transit vehicle, our legal team is ready to stand by your side. We serve clients in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties with the aggressive, compassionate representation they deserve.

Let us help you get the financial support and medical care you need. Call us today at (732) 780-0230 or fill out ouronline contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information in New Jersey

• Preventing Work-Related Traffic Injuries and Fatalities: This NIOSH alert (Publication No. 98-142) addresses the high rate of worker deaths and injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes, one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities in the United States. It provides actionable guidance for employers and employees on reducing crash risks through safe driving practices, consistent seat-belt use, fatigue management, proper vehicle maintenance, and workplace policies that prioritize road safety.
• Effective Practices for Bus Transit Safety & Emergency Response – FTA Guidance: Discover the Federal Transit Administration’s voluntary recommendations and proven examples for improving bus transit safety and emergency response procedures nationwide. Learn best practices transit agencies can adopt to protect riders in New Jersey and beyond.
• NJ Transit Bus and Rail Safety Information: The New Jersey Transit Safety page provides important resources and guidelines on bus and rail passenger safety. It outlines accident prevention measures, emergency procedures, and reporting options for riders across the state, helping ensure safer travel for commuters in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout New Jersey.