January 25, 2012

What to Do if You Have Been Injured in a New Jersey Bus Accident

NJ Bus Accident InjuryVictims of New Jersey bus accidents may seek financial compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses from the at-fault bus driver and the bus company. Unfortunately, it is common for victims to have their claims denied and for insurance companies to cut corners by offering inadequate settlements. To protect your rights, here are a few tips you may wish to consider in the event you or a loved one is injured in a bus accident.

Any time there is an injury accident involving a bus, there should be a police report on the incident. It is important that your name is on the police report showing your involvement in the incident. It would be in your best interest to write down the location and time of the crash. It would also be a good idea to write down as much information as possible including the name of the bus driver, the bus company, the identification number of the bus, and the common carrier insurance information. If you have a cell phone with a camera, be sure to take pictures of where you were sitting, the damage to the bus, the crash site, and even of your own auto accident injuries.

It will also be in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention. Your medical records will serve as evidence of when you were injured and how severe your injuries were. During the healing process, journal your struggles, how you felt, and what you could or could not do as a result of your injuries.

Last, but not least, it is crucial that you contact an experienced lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled Princeton bus accident attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein knows how to hold bus companies and bus drivers accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. If you have been injured in a New Jersey bus accident, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

January 18, 2012

School Bus Collides with Police Cruiser in West Windsor Accident

A West Windsor school bus driver has been charged with careless driving after colliding with a stopped police cruiser and injuring the officer within on the morning of January 17, according to The Princeton Packet. Reportedly, the police cruiser was stopped with its emergency lights flashing on Cranbury Road around 7:15 am in an effort to warn other drivers of the icy road conditions that were present when it was struck.

As the school bus neared the police vehicle, the driver lost control of the vehicle, most likely due to sliding on the icy roads during an attempt to slow down, crossed the center line of the road, and struck the officer’s vehicle, according to West Windsor Police. While neither the school bus driver nor any of the 20 students that were onboard the bus were injured in the crash, the officer suffered a neck injury and had to be taken to a hospital. Further details on the officer’s condition have not been given, but he was not reported to be in serious condition.

The onset of winter in the northeast United States means that there is a much greater likelihood for dangerous road conditions in New Jersey. Winter conditions can leave normally safe roads in hazardous conditions and make already dangerous streets even worse. As such, there is a higher chance that any vehicle could be involved in an accident. New Jersey residents should make sure to take extra caution when on the roads during the winter in order to prevent dangerous accidents.

While buses are involved in far fewer crashes than normal passenger vehicles, the accidents they are involved in often lead to many serious injuries. The New Jersey bus accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein can help you obtain compensation if you have been in such an accident. For more information on how our law team can help, call (609) 240-0040.

November 2, 2011

School Bus Driver Cited for Careless Driving after Linden Accident

A 50-year-old South Plainfield woman was injured in a New Jersey car accident after the school bus in which she was a passenger crashed into another vehicle. According to a news report in My Central Jersey, the bus accident occurred on Orchard Terrace at Melrose Terrace in Linden. A 56-year-old male bus driver was attempting to make a left turn when he struck an Acura Integra driven by a 22-year-old man from Linden.

The female bus passenger sustained head injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. There were no children on the bus at the time of the accident. Officials cited the driver of the Golden Transportation school bus for careless driving.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-97: "A person who drives a vehicle carelessly, or without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of careless driving."

Victims of careless, reckless, and negligent drivers should seek the counsel of a skilled personal injury attorney. Dealing with insurance companies in the aftermath of a car accident can be exhausting for a victim who is trying to recover from his or her injuries. An experienced lawyer will not only help New Jersey passenger injury victims secure fair and full compensation for their injuries and damages, but also hold negligent drivers accountable.

The knowledgeable Princeton bus accident injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight hard for the rights of injured victims and their families. If you or a loved one is the victim of a negligent or reckless driver, please call (609) 240-0040 today to find out how we can help.

October 3, 2011

Teenager Seriously Injured When Struck by School Bus in West Milford

A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident involving a school bus. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the bus accident occurred on Macopin Road near Bubbling Springs Park in West Milford. The boy suffered severe injuries in the pedestrian accident and the driver of the school bus was hospitalized for chest pains. It does not appear that any of the 30 students on the bus were hurt in the crash. Officials are looking into what caused this serious injury collision.

In the year 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted an 11-year report on school bus accidents throughout the United States. During that period, there were more than 26,000 crashes resulting in less than 1,000 incapacitating injuries and over 7,000 non-incapacitating injuries.

Bus drivers have the difficult task of driving safely while having to deal with a bus full of students. While it is not common for passengers to suffer injuries, it only takes a moment of distracted driving on the part of a school bus driver for a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other motorist to suffer a serious injury.

Victims of bus accidents may seek financial compensation for their damages and losses through civil litigation. A personal injury claim can hold an at-fault driver accountable for losses like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In most cases, the bus driver's employer – a bus company or school district – may also be held liable.

The knowledgeable New Jersey bus crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of protecting young injured victims and their families. If you would like to discuss your particular situation or potential claim, call us directly at 609-240-0040 to schedule your free consultation.

September 12, 2011

New Jersey Bus Accident Injures 17

Seventeen people were injured in a New Jersey bus accident involving two trucks that had slowed in traffic. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the serious injury bus accident occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike between Exits 9 and 8a in South Brunswick. The collision involved a DC Trails bus carrying 55 passengers from Brooklyn to Washington, D.C. Traffic had slowed down and the tour bus driver was unable to stop in time. The bus driver and two passengers were critically injured in the collision. Injuries suffered by the 14 other victims include broken bones, cuts, bruises and bumps. The 52-year-old bus driver involved in this truck accident had a good safety record, officials say.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 1,001 buses were involved in non-fatal New Jersey accidents in the year 2010. Over half of those accidents – 563 crashes -- resulted in injuries.

Any time a passenger is injured in a New Jersey bus accident it is important that the victim gets his or her name in on the police report. Additionally, it is in the best interest of the victim to get all possible information about the bus, the bus company, the bus driver and the bus driver's insurance company. Remember, both private and public bus companies owe their passengers the utmost duty of care. That includes hiring drivers with good safety records and maintaining their vehicles properly.

The experienced bus accident attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling New Jersey bus accident cases on behalf of injured victims. We know how to protect the rights of our clients and hold the at-fault party liable for the injuries, damages and losses suffered. Call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

August 25, 2011

One Killed, Two Injured in School Bus Accident in Chester Township

A head-on collision in Morris County resulted in one fatality and two injuries. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the fatal accident occurred on Route 206 in Chester Township. A 76-year-old woman was killed after her minivan crashed head-on into a school bus. The car's driver was killed, but the 56-year-old female driver of the school bus and her 65-year-old male passenger suffered only non-life-threatening injuries. The authorities are not sure what caused the victim's minivan to veer into oncoming traffic and cause this fatal New Jersey bus accident.

Many head-on collisions involve one vehicle veering into opposing lanes of traffic., According to New Jersey Statute 39:4-82.1, “Whenever any highway has been divided into two roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed so as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway and no vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or section.”

If an investigation determines that the driver was solely responsible for veering into oncoming traffic, the at-fault driver's insurance can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the victims. Damages that may be covered in such cases include medical expenses, past and future suffering, lost wages, and more.

The experienced bus accident attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein work with investigators to determine liability for all types of accidents, including bus accidents. We help victims get the compensation they need while holding the negligent party accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in New Jersey, please call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 to schedule your free consultation.

August 15, 2011

Trenton-Bound Bus Crashes, Injures 19

At least 19 people were injured in a bus accident recently after a bus carrying 28 passengers that was on its way to Trenton crashed. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the accident occurred on Route 81 in Upstate New York. The bus was traveling through a rainstorm when it went out of control, rolled down a grass embankment, and overturned. It does not appear that any of the injuries suffered by victims were life-threatening. Officials say the 30-year-old male bus driver was driving at an unsafe rate of speed at the time of the accident.

New Jersey Statute 39:4-98 states: “The driver of every vehicle shall…drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.” This means that motorists must adjust their speed to weather, traffic, and roadway conditions.

When the speeding motorist is a bus driver, there are many people who may suffer because of the driver's negligence. If an accident occurs due to the bus driver's wrongful actions, then, the passengers can seek compensation from the bus company for their injuries, damages, and losses. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, and rehabilitation costs.

There is a limited amount of time that a victim injured in a bus accident in New Jersey can pursue compensation. If you have been injured in a bus crash, please call the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein right away at 609-240-0040 to find out how our bus accident lawyers in Princeton can help.

August 2, 2011

One Killed, 20 Injured in Truck and Bus Collision in Waterloo

A 59-year-old truck driver was killed and approximately 20 people were injured in a recent bus accident that involved a tour bus and a tractor-trailer. According to NJ.com, the fatal accident occurred on the Interstate 90 in Waterloo. Both the vehicles that collided caught fire. The man driving the truck was killed in the crash and at least 20 of the 50 occupants of the tour bus were injured. It is not clear who caused the New Jersey bus crash. An investigation is ongoing.

This bus accident is not the first of its kind this year. In fact, The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report that, nationwide, 32 people have been killed and 323 have been injured in a total of 17 tour bus accidents already this year. Tour bus drivers have come under greater scrutiny recently, particularly since the fatal bus accident on March 12, 2011, that involved a bus driver falling asleep at the wheel.

The family of someone killed in a bus accident in New Jersey may seek financial compensation for their losses by filing a wrongful death claim. Surviving victims of these types of collisions may seek compensation for their losses as well by filing a personal injury claim. In either case, a skilled attorney can help prove liability and pursue fair and full compensation for the damages suffered.

The experienced Princeton bus accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling serious injury accident cases. To discuss how to pursue financial compensation for the injuries or losses you have sustained, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 today. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations to injured victims and their families.

June 16, 2011

Investigation Finds Uneven Pavement Caused Bus Crash in Ocean County

A local police investigation has determined that an uneven roadway was a contributing factor in a bus accident in Ocean County that resulted in two people being injured. According to The Press of Atlantic City, the bus crash occurred on May 17, 2011, on Route 9 in Ocean County. The tires of the bus slipped off the pavement, causing the vehicle to strike a utility pole and crash into a home. Two people were hospitalized with injuries following the New Jersey bus crash. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) has repaved a portion of the roadway near the accident site and they have plans to continue the repairs. The report does not state if this crash will encourage the DOT to take a harder look at many of the dangerous roadways throughout New Jersey.

When the quality or design of the roadway is a contributing factor in a bus accident in New Jersey, the governing body in charge of the design and upkeep of the roadway may be held liable for any accidents that result. Common examples of dangerous roadway conditions include loose gravel, large potholes, uneven surfaces, and hazardous curves and slopes.

Holding the government liable for damages suffered in a bus collision is not easy. Injured victims would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable attorney. With skilled representation, an injured victim may pursue financial compensation for losses such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In many cases, civil lawsuits have forced governmental agencies to make roadways safer to prevent future accidents.

The experienced bus accident lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to determine liability for a bus crash in New Jersey. We have a successful track record of securing fair compensation for our injured clients in cases that involve public entities. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

March 29, 2011

Boy Injured in New Jersey School Bus Accident on Route 35

A 9-year-old boy was injured in New Jersey when the school bus in which he was a passenger collided with a Jeep. According to The Star-Ledger, the bus accident occurred on Route 35 in Woodbridge Township. Police believe the crash was caused by a 31-year-old man who turned his Jeep directly in front of the school bus. Of the 10 special education students on the bus, only the 9-year-old boy was injured. The driver of the Jeep has been cited for failing to yield right-of-way to a school bus.

Drivers making a left turn must yield right-of-way to all oncoming traffic. A failure to properly yield right-of-way may result in a serious injury accident. Drivers who violate New Jersey Statute 39:4-115 by failing to yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles may be held liable for the accidents they cause.

According to the 2009 Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 13 people were killed in New Jersey bus accidents. During that same year, 1,243 people were injured in New Jersey bus crashes. Bus companies, including school bus operators, have a legal obligation to provide the utmost duty of care to their passengers. This means that by law bus companies must act quickly to provide compensation to anyone injured while riding on one of their buses.

The family of a child injured in a New Jersey school bus accident would be well-advised to speak to a skilled personal injury lawyer to better understand their legal rights and options. The experienced Princeton child injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have had a successful track record representing injured victims and their families. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

March 16, 2011

Tour Bus Crash Proves Fatal on the New Jersey Turnpike

Two people were killed, two were critically injured and 40 others sustained injuries in a bus accident on the New Jersey Turnpike, the night of March 14, 2011. According to a UPI news report, the tour bus bound for Chinatown was traveling south on the turnpike when it went off the left side of the road, onto the grassy median, and hit the overpass support. The bus driver and a 20-year-old passenger were killed. Two other passengers were taken to local hospitals in critical condition. This bus crash occurred two days after a casino bus, also headed to Chinatown, crashed on the Interstate 95 in the Bronx resulting in the deaths of 15 people.

Bus accidents in New Jersey could occur for a variety of reasons. In any tour bus accident, several questions arise. Did the bus driver suffer a medical condition? Was the driver fatigued or asleep at the wheel? Did auto defects or mechanical malfunctions play a part? In any serious bus accident, investigations can take weeks or months to get completed. It could be several months before investigators even determine the cause of the crash.

However, it would not be in the best interests of the injured victims of a bus crash or the families of deceased victims of a bus crash to wait that long to file a claim. Mass carriers, whether they are public or private, have an obligation to provide their passengers the "utmost duty of care." What this means is that bus companies are responsible for the safe transport of their passengers. If the accident is the result of driver negligence or poor vehicle maintenance, the bus company can be held liable for injuries, damages and losses.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New Jersey bus accident, please contact the experienced New Jersey bus crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, who will remain on your side through the complex legal process, fight for your rights and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses. Call us today at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

December 30, 2010

New Jersey Transit Bus Involved in Lincoln Tunnel Crash

Recently, a New Jersey Transit bus crashed into four vehicles, causing injuries to at least five people. According to a Wall Street Journal news report, the bus accident occurred in Weehawken in the south tube of the Lincoln Tunnel. None of the bus passengers were injured; however, the bus driver, three occupants of a Mercedes Benz, and one occupant of another vehicle sustained non-life threatening injuries. Police believe that the bus driver suffered a seizure before crashing into the other vehicles.

It is the legal obligation of mass carrier companies to hire safe drivers. Allowing a dangerous driver or a driver with a serious medical condition to get behind the wheel of a large bus can lead to a devastating New Jersey bus accident. In this case, it is not known if the bus driver had a prior condition. A thorough investigation will likely reveal precisely what caused this injury-causing bus crash.

The statute of limitations is the amount of time a victim has to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Once that time has passed, an injured victim will no longer be able to pursue compensation for their losses suffered from an accident. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations on a personal injury claim is two years. A skilled personal injury lawyer will work diligently to get your claim processed before your time runs out.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in New Jersey, the Princeton bus accident lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein will help you understand and evaluate your legal options. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your rights and receiving full and fair compensation for all your injuries, damages, and losses sustained from a New Jersey bus accident.

December 20, 2010

New Jersey School Bus Accident Injures Seven

Recently, seven children were injured in a New Jersey school bus accident when a bus driver lost control of the vehicle. According to a Fox News report, the bus accident occurred on Garden State Parkway in Woodcliff Lake when the bus veered out of control and crashed into the guardrail and some trees. All 14 students on the school bus were evaluated at a nearby hospital and seven of them sustained minor injuries. An investigation is underway to determine why the bus driver lost control of the vehicle.

Families put their trust in bus drivers and schools for providing safe transit for their children. There are many reasons why New Jersey bus accidents occur. In some cases, the accident is the bus driver’s fault. Other bus crashes occur because the buses are not properly maintained by a school district or if the vehicle has a manufacturing flaw. If the accident occurs as a result of driver or the bus company’s fault, then, they could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused by the bus crash. In some cases, the school district can also be held accountable. Compensation may be available for all accident-related medical costs and therapy fees. In cases involving serious injuries, additional compensation may be available for pain and suffering.

The New Jersey bus accident attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein strive tirelessly to protect the rights of injured victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash in New Jersey, please contact our law office by calling 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

November 8, 2010

High School Students Injured in Warren County School Bus Crash

A New Jersey school bus accident occurred in Warren County on Wednesday, November 3, according to NJ.com. The bus crash occurred near Millbrook Village on Route 602 when the school bus’ brakes apparently failed, causing the vehicle to crash into another bus and then veer off the road. Between the two school buses, there were 90 occupants aboard, and 11 were taken to local hospitals, including one of the bus drivers.

It is unclear as to why the brakes of the first school bus failed, which ultimately caused the New Jersey bus crash. However, further investigation may conclude that the brakes were defective, in which case, may entitle parents and students aboard the buses to monetary compensation. Those injured in this accident would be well advised to contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney as soon as possible to learn about their rights.

If you or a loved one has sustained injury in a bus crash, the knowledgeable New Jersey bus accident lawyers at Lependorf Silverstein can help. Any injury suffered due to someone else's negligence can have a devastating effect on a family, not only physically, but mentally and financially as well. At the Princeton law firm of Lependorf Silverstein, we'll examine every detail of your accident case to determine a fair and just compensation package, which may include coverage for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, rehabilitation and other damages. With nearly twenty years experience per attorney, we have handled a wide variety of New Jersey bus and large truck accident cases. For a free and confidential consultation, call (609) 240-0040 today.

October 14, 2010

Minivan, School Bus Fatal Collision in Vernon

According to a news report from NJ.com, a driver of a minivan was killed this morning in an accident with a Vernon school bus. The crash occurred shortly before 9 a.m. in the Highland Lakes section of town on Route 638, near Old Homestead Road. The school bus was en route to Rolling Hills Primary School with 37 children. The children aboard the bus were students in second, third, and fourth grades. The New Jersey bus accident is believed to have been caused because the minivan crossed lanes.

All student injuries were reported as minor, according to a statement by district Superintendent John Alfieri. Twenty-one of the children were taken to local hospitals to be checked. The other 16 were released to their parents/guardians at the scene of the New Jersey bus crash. Alfieri said counselors will be made available at Rolling Hills Primary School for children or families requiring assistance. The bus driver was not injured.

In 2005, there were over 40,000 auto accident related deaths in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That same year, over 6 million motor vehicle accidents were reported to law enforcement, with approximately 2.7 million injuries sustained in those crashes. In New Jersey, there were 722 fatal car accidents in 2006.

Although bus accidents do not occur as frequently as other types of motor vehicle collisions, these crashes can place bus passengers at more risk of serious injury and death due to a lack of seat belts and air bags.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a New Jersey bus accident, particularly if you believe the accident was caused by the negligence of another, you have the legal right to hold the responsible party liable. You could receive compensation for costly medical expenses, hospital bills, funeral costs, car repairs, pain and suffering, and more.

The skilled New Jersey bus crash attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein will ensure you are fairly compensated and that all negligent persons are held accountable. Our lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies and the court system and will work tirelessly on your New Jersey motor vehicle accident case. Call us today for a free consultation at 609-240-0040.

November 19, 2009

Garden State Parkway to Have New Bus and Truck Inspection Facility

According to an app.com article, the construction of a new bus and truck inspection facility should be finished along the Garden State Parkway by June 30, 2011 on the spot of the existing Herbertsville facility. Located at mile marker 94.6 on the southbound side of the highway, the new facility will contain a waiting area for passengers of buses that are determined to be unsafe after being inspected. The executive director of this project stated, “It’s not our intention to delay passengers, but if the bus shows signs of being unsafe, we need to pull it off the road.”

Based on authority reports, the article also mentions that approximately 1,185 buses have been stopped so far this year by State Police from Troop “E” based in Middletown, and 122 buses have been inspected by troopers and the Department of Transportation’s motor carrier and bus inspection unit. And buses aren’t the only vehicles being examined. Apparently 964 trucks out of 7,140 stopped were also inspected by DOT officials and State troopers for appearing to be unsafe.

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October 20, 2009

Greyhound Bus Collides with Tractor Trailer on New Jersey Turnpike

Citizens across the United States put their lives in the hands of bus drivers on a daily basis. Transit companies have the responsibility of properly training drivers to operate their large vehicles efficiently and safely so that passengers and other drivers on the road can travel without harm befalling them. This degree of trust, however, becomes shaken from time to time, as a recent Greyhound bus collision on the New Jersey turnpike demonstrates.

According to an article, the Greyhound bus was carrying five passengers at the time it collided with a tractor-trailer. The bus driver and all passengers were injured, but the condition of the truck driver was not provided. The degree of the bus driver’s injuries is not known at this time; however, she was flown to a hospital after having been trapped inside the bus. It was reported that the passengers’ injuries were not serious.

Although it has not yet been determined what exactly caused the Greyhound bus to crash into the tractor-trailer along the New Jersey Turnpike, contributing factors may have been driver inattention or distraction, dangerous road conditions, or even a defective auto part. Investigators may also examine whether or not cell phone use caused the bus accident. A victim of a bus accident may be able to seek compensation from those responsible for the incident to help pay for costs associated with any injuries sustained. However, in order for a bus accident victim to be successful, the services of an experienced personal injury attorney are usually required.

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October 13, 2009

Bayonne Pedestrian Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Hit by School Bus

A recent pedestrian accident should serve as a reminder to all motorists how important it is to be aware of individuals crossing the street. There is really no excuse for an automobile, bus, truck, or motorcycle to strike a pedestrian, especially during broad daylight. According to a recent article, a 26-year-old woman endured several injuries after she was hit by a school bus that was making a left-hand turn at Avenue C and 54th Street. The Bayonne woman suffered leg fractures and head trauma and was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center where she was reported to be in critical condition.

This accident was almost a hit-and-run since the bus driver was oblivious to the fact that he had struck a pedestrian. Another driver had to follow the bus half a block to get the bus driver’s attention. The bus driver told police that he did in fact see a woman lying in the street when he looked in his rearview mirror, but that he had no reason to believe that he was involved. As of now, the 69-year-old bus driver, who is a retired Bayonne police officer, is not facing any charges for the accident.

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June 25, 2009

Franklin Township School Bus Accident Seriously Injures Driver

A driver sustained serious injuries after two school buses collided in a New Jersey bus accident, according to an Associated Press news report. Some students also suffered minor injuries in this crash. Authorities say the driver of a Delsea Regional High School bus, which was not carrying any students, ran a stop sign and crashed into a bus carrying students from St. Augustine Prep School in Buena Vista and Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Franklin Township. Merisa Tolentino, a 37-year-old woman who was driving the private bus, suffered head, neck and back injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

Not following traffic rules -- such as stopping at stop signs, waiting at a red light or yielding to pedestrians -- is usually treated as negligence on the part of the driver. If you have been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related expenses that include cost of hospitalization, medical costs, future treatment and loss of wages if you had to miss work because of your injuries and/or hospitalization.

If you were on the job at the time of your injury, then you are entitled to NJ workers compensation benefits from your employer. If the negligent party was also on the job at the time of the crash, then that individual's employer could also be held liable for your injuries and loss. Knowledgeable and experienced New Jersey auto accident lawyers will be able to explain these issues and guide you through a complicated legal process after a personal injury accident.

Please call our skilled Princeton personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will fight for your legal rights and make sure you are fairly compensation for your injuries and loss.

May 28, 2009

School Bus Crash In Jackson

A South River school bus carrying 36 children was struck from behind on May 27 by a Toyota Camry. Seven children were injured in the rear-end collision. The driver of the Camry was issued a summons for careless driving.

The bus was traveling northbound on Cedar Swamp Road and was stopped at a red light at the intersection of East Commodore Boulevard when it was struck from behind. The 36 students, ages 12 and 13, were returning to South River from a class trip to Bunker Hill Bogs in Jackson. Seven children were taken to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold for treatment following the New Jersey bus crash.

The call that any parent receives about their son or daughter being involved in an accident is always heart stopping. It is imperative that the parent consult with an experienced New Jersey bus accident attorney as soon as possible. Because the children are under the age of 18, it is up to the parent(s) to contact an attorney, and they must act as the Guardian ad Litem (G.A.L.) and sign all of the necessary paperwork with the attorney and the court.

With children, it is often difficult to know at first how injured they are. Sometimes they do not fully express themselves or they may have injuries that become more evident through the years with their growth. That is why it is always imperative to contact an experienced New Jersey bus accident attorney as soon as possible.

If your son or daughter has been involved in an accident, call the NJ personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein as soon as possible for your free consultation.

February 25, 2009

Saddle Brook Township Woman Seriously Injured in School Bus Accident

A 21-year-old Saddle Brook Township woman suffered critical injuries after she was struck by a school bus and her legs got caught in one of the bus’ rear wheel wells. According to this news report, the woman was crossing Nedellec Drive when she was struck by the school bus. She was removed from under the bus and taken to an area hospital where she was in critical condition. The school bus was reportedly transporting three students. None of the students was injured. The bus was operated by Atlantic Express of Jersey City, the news report said.

If a bus accident in New Jersey occurs because of the bus driver’s negligence, the driver and his employer could be held liable for the accident and the injuries caused as a result. When pedestrians are struck by buses, it often results in catastrophic injuries or death because of the sheer size of the large vehicle that is striking the individual.

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