Navigating Bus Accident Claims with a Cherry Hill Attorney

Why Cherry Hill Bus Accident Victims Need Specialized Legal Representation

If you’re injured in a bus crash in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, the right bus accident lawyer Cherry Hill can mean the difference between fair compensation and overwhelming bills. Here’s what to do:

Quick Guide: After a Bus Accident in Cherry Hill

Act Fast: Claims against government entities like NJ Transit require notice within 90 days.
Seek Medical Care: Go to Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital or Virtua Marlton Hospital immediately.
Document Everything: Take photos, get witness info, and save all evidence.
Avoid Insurance Adjusters: Don’t give statements or accept offers without legal counsel.
Contact a Local Attorney: Find a lawyer with experience in bus accident claims and knowledge of Cherry Hill routes like Route 70, Route 38, and I-295.

Bus accidents are more complex than car crashes, often involving multiple liable parties like the driver, bus company, government agencies (NJ Transit), or manufacturers. The size of buses and lack of seatbelts can lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.

What makes bus accident claims unique:

Multiple insurance policies and liable parties
Strict government filing deadlines (as short as 90 days)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations
Common carrier laws requiring a higher duty of care
Complex investigation needs

Cherry Hill residents rely on NJ Transit buses along Route 70 and Haddonfield Road and school buses for Cherry Hill East and West. When crashes happen on these roads or I-295, the results are devastating.

I’m Jason Fine, and for over 25 years, I have represented accident victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as a bus accident lawyer Cherry Hill families trust. My firm has recovered over $50 million for injured clients who deserved better than what insurance companies offered.

Understanding Your Rights After a Cherry Hill Bus Accident

After a bus accident in a busy area like Cherry Hill, understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery. Buses are “common carriers,” meaning they owe a higher duty of care to passengers than regular drivers. This is a cornerstone of New Jersey law in bus accident cases, and a skilled bus accident lawyer Cherry Hill will emphasize this.

Bus crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe emotional trauma. Our goal is to help you steer the legal maze while you focus on healing.

Common Causes and Liable Parties in Local Bus Crashes

Bus accidents in Cherry Hill often have multiple causes. We’ve seen cases stemming from:

Driver error: Includes distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or failure to see vehicles in blind spots.
Bus company negligence: This can involve poor maintenance, inadequate driver training, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules.
Defective parts: A mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes, can lead to manufacturer liability.
Third-party drivers: Another motorist’s negligence on roads like Route 70 or I-295 can cause a bus to crash.
Government entities: If an NJ Transit bus is involved, the operating agency may be liable, which introduces unique legal challenges.

Potentially liable parties in a bus accident include:

The bus driver
The bus company or owner
Government entities (NJ Transit, school districts)
Bus or parts manufacturers
Maintenance companies
Other negligent drivers
Entities responsible for road design

Identifying all responsible parties is crucial, and it’s a key area where an experienced bus accident lawyer Cherry Hill provides invaluable assistance.

The Unique Complexities of Bus Accident Claims vs. Car Accidents

A bus accident claim is not just a bigger car accident claim. The differences are significant.

Factor	Car Accident Claim	Bus Accident Claim
Liable Parties	Usually one or two drivers, potentially vehicle owner	Driver, bus company, government entity, manufacturer, maintenance, other drivers
Regulations	State traffic laws, insurance requirements	State and federal (FMCSA) regulations, common carrier laws, specific public transit rules
Evidence	Police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage	Black box data, video footage, maintenance logs, driver records, extensive corporate documents
Deadlines	New Jersey: 2-year statute of limitations	New Jersey: 2-year statute, but 90-day notice for government entities (NJ Transit)
Injuries	Can range from minor to severe	Often catastrophic due to size/weight, lack of seatbelts; multiple victims
Insurance	Personal auto insurance policies	Commercial insurance, multiple policies, self-insurance by large entities
Duty of Care	Standard “reasonable person”	“Common carrier” higher duty of care to passengers

Buses are heavy, hard to stop, and often lack seatbelts, leading to severe injuries. Claims against public entities like NJ Transit have strict notice requirements, sometimes as short as 90 days, making it essential to act quickly. We understand these nuances and are prepared to manage them on your behalf.

What to Do Immediately After a Bus Accident in Cherry Hill

Your actions after a bus accident can significantly impact your legal claim. Here’s what to do:

Call 911: Ensure an official report is filed and medical help is dispatched.
Seek Medical Attention: Go to a hospital like Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital or Virtua Marlton Hospital. Adrenaline can mask injuries that may appear later. This also creates crucial medical records.
Report the Incident: Make sure a police or incident report is filed. It is a vital piece of evidence.
Document the Scene: If you can, take photos and videos of the vehicles, scene, road conditions, and your injuries. Note the location, whether on Route 70, Route 38, or I-295.
Gather Witness Information: Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident.
Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical bills, receipts, and communications about the incident.
Avoid Insurance Adjusters: Do not give recorded statements or accept settlement offers without consulting a bus accident lawyer Cherry Hill. Early offers are almost always too low.
Contact a Lawyer Promptly: The 90-day notice requirement for claims against government entities makes it critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

How a Bus Accident Lawyer in Cherry Hill Can Maximize Your Claim

After a bus accident, your focus should be on recovery. As your bus accident lawyer Cherry Hill, we handle the legal complexities, from investigation to negotiation and litigation. Our comprehensive investigation process includes:

Evidence gathering: Collecting bus maintenance logs, driver records, and employment history.
Black box data: Analyzing data recorders for information on speed, braking, and steering.
Video footage: Seeking surveillance footage from the bus, nearby businesses, or traffic cameras on Cherry Hill roads.
Accident reconstruction: Working with professionals to determine exactly how the crash occurred.

We then calculate your damages, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if needed to maximize your claim. Learn more about our approach at More info about bus accident services.

Calculating and Pursuing Full Compensation for Your Injuries

Compensation after a Cherry Hill bus accident covers more than just initial medical bills. We calculate all your losses, including:

Economic Damages: These are your financial losses.
- Medical Bills: Past and future costs for treatment at facilities like Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, therapy, and medication.
- Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost and future earning potential if your injuries are long-term.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or other damaged property.
Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective losses.
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies and daily activities.
Wrongful Death Claims: For families who have lost a loved one, we pursue claims to cover funeral costs and loss of financial support and companionship.
Punitive Damages: In rare cases of extreme negligence, these may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

We build a detailed case to argue for the full value of your claim.

Navigating Claims Involving NJ Transit and School Buses

Accidents involving government buses, like those from NJ Transit or Cherry Hill Public Schools, have unique challenges under New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act.

The most critical factor is the 90-day notice requirement. You must file a formal “Notice of Claim” with the correct government agency within 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, which is much shorter than the standard two-year statute of limitations.

When a child is injured in a school bus accident, we work to protect their rights and secure their future, addressing both physical and emotional trauma. Our firm’s experience across New Jersey and Pennsylvania means we are also familiar with the strict rules for agencies like SEPTA. For more statistics, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers public data on bus crashes: Data on bus crashes.

Why You Need a Bus Accident Lawyer in Cherry Hill for Your Case

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Cherry Hill, you need an advocate who understands local laws and how to fight for your rights. At J. Fine Law, we offer:

Free consultations to discuss your case.
A contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

Our firm has a 98% success rate and has recovered over $50 million for clients. This track record reflects the justice we’ve secured for families facing immense challenges.

We handle the legal deadlines, insurance adjusters, and case-building so you can focus on healing. Don’t face powerful bus companies alone. Let us be your voice.

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