Who Can be Held Liable After a Bus Accident?
Posted July 3rd, 2014 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Auto Accidents.
Jersey City is a commuter haven. The New Jersey side of the Holland Tunnel resides in Jersey City, with access via Routes 1 and 9 and the New Jersey Turnpike. It is also the location of a large transportation hub right in the center of Journal Square. It is difficult to estimate exactly how many people travel through the city to reach their ultimate destination. Many use bus services as a means of transportation. What happens if the bus has an accident and there are injuries? Who pays the medical bills?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is a component of residential automobile policies. It might seem that all claims involving motor vehicles should fall under this insurance. However, the law is quite specific. It covers accidents related to automobiles; therefore, a bus passenger is excluded from applying for PIP benefits. (Notwithstanding, some policies carry nominal amounts for Extended Medical Benefits, which may still available.)
Obviously, there are different scenarios that may stem from bus accidents. A passenger who is injured in a bus accident may make a claim against the bus company’s PIP coverage or other medical payment insurance. Not all bus companies carry this type of insurance. Medpay insurance is often minimal. With luck, the injured party will be permitted to submit claims to their health insurance provider.
The law concerning bus accidents can be complicated. There is different insurance available to pedestrians who are involved with bus accidents. Buses can range from school buses, to commuter buses, to tour buses. Often, the bus company will make a small offer of money in an attempt to dismiss a claim. The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone suggests that all settlement offers are reviewed by an attorney prior to acceptance.
Some bus companies are operated by public entities and therefore are subject to a 90-day notification rule. For example, some school districts run their own buses. New Jersey Transit is another organization that requires notification of claim within ninety days. Even a substantial injury can be barred from recovery without proper notice.
There are many reasons to contact an attorney when involved in a bus accident. The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone has handled personal injury claims arising from bus accidents for more than 25 years. Please contact us today or call at 201 963-6000 for a complimentary consultation to discuss your claim.
