What to Do if a Family Member is Killed in a Bus Accident in New Jersey?
Bus accidents can produce devastating harm. Some injuries caused by bus accidents may even be fatal. When deadly bus accidents occur, the aftermath can be stressful and traumatic for victims’ families.
After a family member is killed in a bus accident in New Jersey, you should seek financial compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. Wrongful death cases must be brought to court by victims’ personal representatives. However, there are multiple family members who may be compensated.
If your family member was killed in a bus accident in New Jersey, get help recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers by calling The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 for a free case review.
Steps to Take After a Family Member is Killed in a Bus Accident in New Jersey
If your family member was killed in a bus accident in New Jersey, you should pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. There are multiple categories of damages available to victims’ family members. The monetary damages awarded for a wrongful death can provide necessary support during periods of emotional anguish and economic uncertainty.
Wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of your loved one’s death. However, you should not wait to file a claim. Important evidence becomes difficult to collect as time passes. For instance, witnesses may forget crucial information and physical evidence may be misplaced. You should contact our New Jersey car accident lawyers as soon as possible after a fatal bus crash, so we can begin building your case.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Family Member is Killed in a New Jersey Bus Accident?
According to N.J.S.A. § 2A:31-2, a wrongful death case must be filed by the deceased person’s personal representative. A personal representative is someone who was chosen to protect and distribute the assets of the victim’s estate. If a deceased person did not choose a personal representative, then the court can appoint someone to act as an administrator who may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
If a wrongful death claim is successful, the monetary damages awarded will be distributed amongst the victims’ survivors. Accordingly, the following parties may be compensated after a family member is killed in a New Jersey bus accident:
- The victim’s spouse
- The victim’s children and grandchildren
- The victim’s parents
- The victim’s siblings, nieces, and nephews
In most cases, the majority of damages awarded for a wrongful death will go to a deceased person’s spouse and child. If your family member was killed because of a fatal bus accident in New Jersey, our experienced Philadelphia bus accident lawyers can help pursue the compensation available to you.
Who to Sue After a Family Member is Killed in a Bus Accident in New Jersey?
If your family member was killed in a New Jersey bus accident, you should seek damages from the party who caused the crash. There are multiple forms of negligence that can cause devastating bus accidents. Our New Jersey bus accident lawyers can help determine if any of the following parties are liable:
Bus Drivers
When bus drivers act carelessly and recklessly, catastrophic crashes can occur. Bus drivers are often on the roads for extended periods of time. Accordingly, mistakes are often made by tired and inattentive drivers. For example, bus drivers may cause accidents by committing the following negligent acts:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Running red lights
- Improper lane changes
- Improper left turns
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
Accordingly, negligent bus drivers can be held liable for accidents they cause. If your family member was killed because of a bus driver’s negligent behavior, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Bus Companies
Furthermore, bus companies can also be held responsible for their drivers careless or reckless actions. In some cases, a bus driver will not have the resources to pay for all of the damages caused by a crash. Therefore, many victims’ families will seek compensation from bus companies after fatal bus accidents.
Additionally, many bus accidents are caused by poor vehicle maintenance. When vehicles are not properly cared for, serious accidents can happen. Bus companies must keep accurate maintenance records for their vehicles. Specifically, the following maintenance areas should be focused on when ensuring a bus is safe for public transit:
- Brakes and tires
- Mechanical integrity
- Safe flooring
- Accessibility for disabled people
- Lighting
- Signage
- Secure handrails
If your family member was killed because a bus was not properly maintained, our West Chester bus accident lawyers can help hold the bus company accountable.
Manufacturers of Defective Parts
Some bus accidents may occur because of a defective or dangerous part. For example, a fatal crash may happen because of a malfunctioning brake component. In that case, the manufacturer of the defective product may be held liable in a wrongful death claim.
Products can be defective in their design, manufacturing, or marketing. Our New Jersey bus accident lawyers can help investigate whether a crash occurred because of a defective part.
Other Drivers
Lastly, some deadly bus accidents are caused be negligent third-party motorists. For example, a passenger may be killed in a bus accident that occurred because another driver ran a red light. In that case, the driver who caused the crash will be liable.
Typically, damages will be paid out by the at-fault driver’s insurer. However, insurance companies may attempt to dispute various aspects of a plaintiff’s claim. If your family member was killed in a bus accident caused by a third-party driver, our experienced New Jersey bus accident lawyers can help deal with insurance companies and negotiate for fair compensation.
If Your Family Member Was Killed in a Bus Accident in New Jersey, Our Lawyers Can Help
If your family member was killed in a bus accident, seek guidance and support from our experienced Gladwyne bus accident lawyers by calling The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 for a free case review.
