Your child is hurt on a school bus in Cherry Hill. The driver ran a red light. It should be simple. In New Jersey, it is not.
The Tort Claims Act makes bus accident cases more complicated. It limits when you can sue and how much you can recover. It also creates strict deadlines. But complicated does not mean impossible.
The New Jersey Challenge
Government entities like school districts and NJ Transit are heavily protected. Families face short notice periods, strict rules, and capped damages.
Here is what makes New Jersey different:
- Notice deadlines can be as short as 90 days
- Damage caps apply to some injuries
- Higher standards are required to prove negligence
- Public bus operators have limited liability
- Filing deadlines are shorter than in most states
Miss a deadline and your case may end before it begins.
Ways Forward
After more than 25 years handling New Jersey bus accident cases, we know the rules. We also know the exceptions. The toughest cases often have solutions.
When New Jersey Cases Are Strong
Private bus companies have full liability. This includes casino shuttles, tour buses, and private school transportation. Serious permanent injuries such as fractures, surgeries, or brain injuries can break through damage limits. Cross-border crashes may allow families to file in Pennsylvania courts with more favorable laws. Federal routes with interstate or federally funded service may avoid state restrictions. Private contractors working under NJ Transit or school districts can create options.
Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle
School Bus Accidents
- Buses run by private contractors
- Injuries while boarding or exiting
- Crashes involving out-of-state vehicles
- Failures in maintenance and inspection
NJ Transit Accidents
- Cases where private contractors are involved
- Severe injuries that exceed limits
- Cross-border accidents linked to Pennsylvania
- Accidents on interstate or federally supported routes
Private Bus Accidents
- Casino shuttle crashes
- Tour bus accidents
- Corporate transportation
- Interstate carriers like Greyhound, Peter Pan, and Megabus
High Risk Areas in New Jersey
- Camden County: Route 70 in Cherry Hill, Admiral Wilson Boulevard, Haddonfield Road
- Essex County: Broad Street Newark, Central Avenue, NJ Transit hubs
- Bergen County: Route 4, Route 17, George Washington Bridge approaches
- Mercer County: Route 1 in Princeton and Trenton, university and government shuttles
Common Questions
Can you sue NJ Transit?
Sometimes. It depends on private contractors, federal funding, the severity of injuries, or cross-border issues.
What if my child was hurt on a school bus?
Private companies are easier to sue. School districts face stronger protection. Serious injuries may still allow recovery.
Are deadlines really that short?
Yes. Notice is usually due within 90 days. Lawsuits must be filed within two years. Many strong cases have been lost because families waited.
What about accidents near Pennsylvania?
Sometimes you can file in Pennsylvania courts. This can give families better options.
Steps to Take After a New Jersey Bus Accident
- Get medical care and document injuries.
- Report the accident right away. Deadlines are strict.
- Identify the operator. Was it a district, NJ Transit, or private company?
- Contact a lawyer quickly.
- Do not speak with insurance adjusters before you know your rights.
Why Families Choose Us
We know the Tort Claims Act and its exceptions. We have handled New Jersey cases for more than 25 years. We understand cross-border cases between PA and NJ. We give honest answers about your chances. We have helped many families recover after serious accidents.
Counties We Serve
Primary: Camden, Essex, Bergen, and Mercer. Also handling: Hudson, Union, Morris, and Passaic when cases are strong.
The Reality of New Jersey Bus Cases
The law makes these cases harder than they should be. Government operators are protected. Damages can be capped. Deadlines are short.
But serious cases are winnable. Success depends on knowing who can be sued, how to meet deadlines, and when cross-border or federal law applies. We have handled cases that looked impossible at first and found a path forward.
Free Case Review
If your child or family member was seriously injured in a New Jersey bus accident, we will explain your options. The consultation is free.
📞 Call 1-800-CANT-WORK or contact us online at www.1800cantwork.com.
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The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore — helping New Jersey families since 1999.
