New Jersey Transit Accident Lawyer
A Millburn attorney who builds strong cases that get results
Millions of people rely on New Jersey Transit for safe transportation. But every year, accidents involving NJ Transit leave people seriously injured. Victims of personal injury caused by negligence deserve financial compensation. But the legal process can be complicated. That’s why you need an experienced attorney on your side.
Attorney David Leigh of The Leigh Law Firm, P.C. helps the injured in Milburn and throughout Essex and Union counties recover the compensation they deserve. He understands the obstacles that people can face when filing a claim and guides them through the process every step of the way. Schedule your free consultation today.
Types of accidents involving New Jersey Transit
NJ Transit has a fleet that includes thousands of buses, more than a thousand trains, and about a hundred light rail vehicles, serving commuters from throughout New Jersey and New York City. People can be injured in:
- Bus accidents – The bus may have collided with another vehicle, hit a pedestrian, or rolled over. A driver may have been speeding, distracted, drowsy, operating recklessly, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Or the bus was not safe to drive because of a mechanical defect or lack of maintenance.
- Train and subway accidents – These include derailments, hitting an obstruction on the tracks, or colliding with another train. The operator or conductor may have been inattentive, distracted, or negligent in some other way. The train or tracks may have been poorly maintained, or needed repairs were never made.
- Platform and station accidents – People can slip and fall on slippery surfaces – for example, when ice and snow aren’t cleared. Some people are hurt in escalator or elevator accidents or fall down stairs due to malfunctions, poor maintenance, or lack of guardrails. Some people are victims of assault due to negligent security.
A transit accident can leave victims with a wide range of serious injuries. These include concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI), back injuries, spinal cord injuries, neck and shoulder injuries, damage to internal organs, and broken bones.
Suddenly, victims need medical treatment and the expenses can add up quickly. These can include the cost of ambulance services, diagnostic tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, surgery, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and multiple follow-up visits. If you can’t work, there is less money coming in. Many people wonder how they will pay their bills.
What should I do if I was injured in an NJ Transit accident?
There are steps you can take – if you are able – that can help protect your health and strengthen your case for compensation. After the accident:
Call police. Or, have someone else call. Police can secure the scene and make sure everyone gets the help they need. They can also fill out a report documenting what happened.
Get medical attention. You may think you feel fine and don’t need a doctor. You should get medical attention anyway. Some injuries have delayed symptoms. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and begin treatment. There will also be medical records of your injury.
Gather information. Ask for the names and contact information of the driver or operator, other passengers, and other witnesses on the scene.
Take photos and video. This can help you document the accident scene. Get photos of any vehicle damage, as well as photos of any visible injuries you have.
Call a lawyer. It’s important that you get legal advice as soon as possible.
Can I sue NJ Transit?
Yes, you can file a legal claim for compensation against a government entity under Title 59 of the Tort Claims Act. However, you need to act fast. The statute of limitations for taking legal action is 90 days following your accident.
In general, you can seek compensation for current and future medical expenses related to your injury, lost wages if you missed time from work, loss of earning capacity, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering, as they apply.
An experienced injury attorney can fight for accountability
Our firm takes your case seriously from the start and puts in the hard work needed to get results. We investigate your transit accident. We gather evidence, review accident reports and inspection records, carefully review photos and video of the accident, and interview witnesses. If needed, we consult expert witnesses.
Attorney Leigh is dedicated to making a difference by helping clients recover the compensation they deserve. He will keep you updated on the progress of your case. And if you ever have questions or concerns, you can call him directly on his cell phone.
If you were injured in an NJ transit accident, don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.