When a bus accident happens, the results can be devastating. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver, a collision with a bus can leave you facing serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and months or even years of recovery.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a bus crash in Hackensack or anywhere in Bergen County, legal help is available. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. provides trusted guidance to injury victims who need support during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Call (201) 585-9111 today to speak with a Hackensack bus accident lawyer and find out how we can help you move forward after a serious accident.
Why Bus Accident Victims in Hackensack Turn to Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.
Bus accident claims aren’t like ordinary car accident cases. They often involve powerful companies, public agencies, complex layers of insurance, and serious injuries that change lives forever.
Victims across Hackensack trust Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. because:
- We have extensive experience handling complex transportation injury cases
- We prepare every case for trial from day one, ensuring strong negotiation power
- We work closely with medical, accident reconstruction, and economic experts
- We provide responsive communication and compassionate guidance throughout your case
We are committed to standing by your side and fighting for every dollar you are owed.
The Heavy Toll of a Bus Accident on Your Life
A bus accident can affect far more than just your physical health. Many victims experience major disruptions to their work, family life, financial security, and emotional well-being.
After a serious bus accident, you may be facing:
- Expensive hospital bills and ongoing medical care
- Time away from work and lost income
- Chronic pain or permanent physical limitations
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress
- A reduced ability to enjoy the life you once had
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we work to build claims that recognize the full impact of a bus crash—not just the obvious injuries, but the deeper losses that affect every part of your future.
Local Experience Matters When Handling New Jersey Bus Accident Cases
Handling a bus accident case in New Jersey requires real local insight. Public and private transportation systems in Hackensack and Bergen County operate under different rules, and claims involving New Jersey Transit or municipal bus services come with strict legal requirements.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we understand how local roads, transit operations, and court systems work. We also know how insurance companies defend against bus accident claims—and we are ready to meet those challenges head-on.
When your future is at stake, having a team with local experience can make all the difference.
Typical Causes of Bus Accidents in Hackensack and North Jersey
Bus accidents in Hackensack and surrounding areas can happen for many reasons. Some accidents involve negligence by drivers or bus operators, while others are caused by dangerous road conditions or mechanical failures.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue, especially when bus operators work long hours without proper breaks
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use, eating, or adjusting controls
- Inadequate driver training, particularly with commercial or school bus operators
- Mechanical issues, like brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems
- Poor weather conditions, such as ice or heavy rain, making large vehicles harder to control
- Failure to obey traffic laws, including speeding and ignoring right-of-way rules
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we investigate every angle to identify the true cause of your crash and build a strong case for recovery.
Frequent Injuries From Bus Accidents
Because of their size and the number of passengers involved, bus accidents often result in serious or even catastrophic injuries. Many buses also lack seat belts, leaving riders vulnerable during a crash.
Common injuries from Hackensack bus accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions and lasting cognitive impairments
- Spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis or long-term mobility problems
- Fractured bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and hips
- Internal organ damage, often requiring emergency surgery
- Severe lacerations and scarring from broken glass or impact with hard surfaces
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional trauma
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we make sure the full extent of physical and emotional harm is included in your claim—not just the visible injuries.
Determining Responsibility After a Bus Crash
Finding out who is legally responsible for a bus accident often requires careful investigation. Multiple parties can be involved, and identifying every source of liability can significantly impact the value of your claim.
Parties that may be held liable include:
- Bus drivers, if careless driving contributed to the accident
- Bus companies, for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices
- Government agencies, if public transit buses were poorly maintained or operated unsafely
- Manufacturers, if vehicle defects played a role
- Other motorists, if they caused or contributed to the crash
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we leave no stone unturned when investigating your bus accident. Our goal is to hold every responsible party accountable.
New Jersey’s Comparative Negligence Rules in Bus Accident Cases
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident—so long as you were less than 51% responsible.
- Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
- If you are found 20% responsible, your recovery will be reduced by 20%.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto accident victims to limit payouts. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. knows how to challenge unfair blame-shifting and protect your right to full and fair compensation.
Compensation Available to Bus Accident Victims
A serious bus accident can create financial and emotional burdens that last a lifetime. Victims may be entitled to recover a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, from emergency care to future rehabilitation
- Lost wages, for time missed from work due to injury
- Loss of earning capacity, if the injury impacts your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Costs for mobility aids, home modifications, or long-term care
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we work to ensure that every client’s claim reflects the full impact of their injuries—not just what they have lost today, but what they may lose in the future.
What You Should Do Immediately After a Bus Accident
What you do in the minutes and hours after a bus accident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation later. Even if you feel overwhelmed, taking certain steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
If you are involved in a bus accident in Hackensack:
- Seek medical care immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to bus authorities, police, or appropriate transit officials.
- Document the scene with photos of the bus, vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Collect witness information, including names and phone numbers.
- Avoid making recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney.
- Contact a Hackensack bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. can help guide you through these critical early steps and ensure your case gets the strongest possible start.
Challenges Specific to Bus Accident Claims in New Jersey
Bus accident claims in New Jersey present unique legal hurdles that injury victims need to be aware of.
Some of the most common challenges include:
- Sovereign immunity defenses, when suing public transportation agencies like New Jersey Transit
- Multiple layers of insurance, involving public and private carriers, contractors, or third parties
- Shortened deadlines, including strict Notice of Claim requirements for government-related accidents
- Complex accident investigations, sometimes involving multiple vehicles or intersections
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we know how to navigate these challenges and fight back when bus companies and government agencies try to avoid responsibility.
Why Preserving Evidence Quickly Is Critical
In bus accident cases, evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be erased, maintenance records might go missing, and witnesses’ memories can fade.
That’s why it’s crucial to move fast:
- Photographs of the accident scene should be taken right away
- Witness statements should be collected while details are fresh
- Bus inspection and maintenance records must be secured before they can be altered or lost
- Video footage from inside the bus or surrounding areas must be requested immediately
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we act quickly to protect crucial evidence and build a case that stands up to even the most aggressive defense tactics.
The Role of Medical and Accident Experts in Strengthening Your Claim
Bus accidents often involve complicated injury patterns and disputed fault. To prove these cases, experienced lawyers frequently turn to expert witnesses.
Experts we may work with include:
- Accident reconstruction specialists, who analyze how and why the crash occurred
- Medical experts, who document the extent of injuries and future care needs
- Economic experts, who calculate lost earnings and future financial impacts
- Vehicle safety experts, who inspect the condition of the bus and mechanical systems
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. collaborates with trusted experts to support every aspect of your claim and make sure your case is backed by strong, credible evidence.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits After Fatal Bus Accidents
Sadly, some bus accidents lead to fatalities. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash involving a bus, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under New Jersey law.
Compensation in wrongful death claims may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Loss of financial support and future earnings
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and household contributions
- Pain and suffering endured by the victim prior to death
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we handle wrongful death claims with the compassion, attention, and determination that grieving families deserve.
Deadlines for Filing Bus Accident Claims in New Jersey
New Jersey law sets strict deadlines for bringing personal injury claims after a bus accident:
- For private companies (like charter or tour buses): Victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- For public entities (such as New Jersey Transit): You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within two years.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we take swift action to ensure all claims are filed correctly and on time.
Bus Accident Injuries Often Have Long-Term Consequences
Even when initial injuries seem treatable, many bus accident victims find that the physical, emotional, and financial effects last far longer than expected.
It’s important to account for these long-term impacts when seeking compensation.
Some lasting consequences can include:
- Chronic pain that limits mobility and daily activities
- Ongoing physical therapy or surgical procedures
- Permanent disability, requiring assistive devices or home modifications
- Psychological trauma, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression
- Loss of career opportunities, if returning to prior work becomes impossible
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we work to ensure your claim reflects the true cost of your injuries—not just for today, but for the future you deserve to rebuild.
Fight for Your Future With a Hackensack Bus Accident Lawyer Who Cares
After a bus accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to focus on healing and rebuilding your life. You deserve a legal team that understands the seriousness of your injuries, the complexity of bus accident cases, and the importance of protecting your future.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we are committed to helping Hackensack accident victims stand up to large transportation companies, government agencies, and insurance carriers. We offer personalized attention, detailed case preparation, and aggressive advocacy to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
You shouldn’t have to face this battle alone. Let us help you every step of the way.
Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus accident in Hackensack or anywhere in Bergen County, don’t wait to protect your rights. Critical evidence can disappear quickly, and strict legal deadlines may apply.
Call (201) 585-9111 today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Hackensack bus accident lawyer at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.