School Bus Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

Fighting For School Bus Accident Victims 

School’s back! After a few glorious months of long days, freedom, and fun in the sun, our kids are off to school again for an exciting new year of life and learning. It’s a time of adjustment, one that we want to unfold safely.

For many of us, our children will get to school this fall by way of bus. Fortunately, school buses are among the safest methods of transportation in the world. They have an incredibly low rate of accident and injury.

In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that riding a bus to school is 13 times safer than riding there in a car — and ten times safer than walking!

But on rare occasions, accidents do happen. Studies show that most of the children who have died in a bus-related accident ranged between ages four and seven. Most were pedestrians and were hit by either the bus or by another vehicle illegally passing the bus.

That’s why it’s so important that parents, students, and motorists alike all educate themselves on school bus safety. Let’s take a look at the relevant laws in New Jersey, as well as a few tips for improving safe driving in school zones.

Call us today at (973) 358-6134 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our New Jersey school bus accident attorney.

New Jersey School Bus Laws

Traffic violations related to school buses are more difficult to defend against than most. Because children’s lives are so precious and their behavior so unpredictable, New Jersey takes school bus safety very seriously, and the penalties can be steep.

As school swings back into session, take a few moments to review these New Jersey school bus laws:

• It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus.
• On undivided roadways, traffic must stop in both directions while children are boarding or unloading from a bus.
• On divided roadways, traffic on the same side as the bus must stop, while traffic on the other side should reduce speed to 10 mph.
• New Jersey school bus laws require you to yield the right of way to any pedestrian crossing the road in a school zone when warning lights are on or blinking.
• Drivers must stop at least 25 feet away from a school bus when its lights are on, its stop sign is displayed, or pedestrians are entering or exiting.

Tips for Safe Driving in School Zones

Consider these helpful hints for safe driving in school zones:

• Remember that children are unpredictable. They may dart out of neighborhoods or playgrounds without warning.
• Never blow your horn at a child, even if they’re moving slowly or violating the right of way.
• Train yourself to associate school buses with caution.
• A child may cross the road and then decide to run back toward the bus because they forgot something. Watch out for that.
• Never resume motion until all passengers have safely left the roadway and are sufficiently far away from your vehicle. Even then, proceed slowly.

If you’re a parent, sit your kids down at the beginning of the school year to review school bus safety in detail. They may have forgotten your advice from previous years. At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., we care about the safety of the kids in our community. Bus accidents are serious and the injuries can be severe. We hope all the drivers in our state will make a commitment to safe driving in school zones this fall. Please be careful, talk with your children about school base safety, and know that if you need help, ours is a Morris County personal injury law firm you can always turn to.

Common Causes & Risks of Bus Accidents 

Bus accidents can happen for many reasons, even when most drivers take steps to avoid them. In New Jersey, busy intersections, heavy traffic near schools, and unpredictable weather conditions all contribute to the risk. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding in school zones, failing to yield to buses, and driver fatigue. Defective equipment, such as worn brakes or malfunctioning signals, can also play a role in bus accidents.

New Jersey’s dense road networks present unique hazards. School buses operate on narrow streets, take tight corners, and often stop along crowded routes where children board or exit. In suburban areas like Morris County and Parsippany, school traffic can create backups during peak hours, raising risks when drivers bypass safety protocols. The law holds both bus drivers and other motorists accountable for observing traffic signals and posted bus markings to keep children safe.

Recognizing these risk factors helps parents, educators, and drivers stay alert and proactive. When families understand what leads to bus accidents in New Jersey, they can discuss safe loading and unloading habits with children. Community members can push for improved signage, bus stop visibility, and road safety upgrades in high-traffic zones to help prevent incidents.

What To Do After a Bus Accident 

The moments after a bus accident can feel overwhelming, but clear steps can make a major difference. Start by making sure everyone is safe, check for injuries, and move to a secure area if possible. Once safe, contact emergency services to report the accident and request medical attention for anyone injured. Stay at the scene to give information to the authorities.

If your child was involved in the accident, collect as many facts as you can. Write down the names of the bus driver, school staff, and witnesses, and take photographs of the scene if you can do so safely. Request a copy of the police report and gather contact details for everyone involved, including any other drivers on the scene.

New Jersey law requires prompt reporting of school bus accidents to local authorities, and sometimes to school administrators. If you suspect negligence by a driver or the bus company, keep all documentation you receive. Track medical visits and treatment for injuries. These records support your case if you decide to pursue compensation for medical bills or other damages. Acting quickly protects your rights and helps initiate dialogue with those responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my child is injured in a school bus accident?

Immediately seek medical attention for your child and report the incident to local authorities. Collect information from witnesses, preserve any communication with the school, and consider contacting a personal injury attorney who understands New Jersey’s bus accident laws to discuss next steps.

Who can be held responsible in a school bus accident case?

Potentially responsible parties include the school bus driver, the school district, the bus company, other drivers involved, or maintenance providers. An attorney can investigate to determine liability based on the facts of the accident and local regulations.

How long do I have to file a claim after a bus accident in New Jersey?

New Jersey sets specific deadlines for filing personal injury claims, which may vary depending on who is at fault. It’s best to act promptly, as waiting too long can affect your ability to seek compensation. Consulting an attorney soon after the accident helps protect your rights.

Contact our New Jersey School Bus Accident Lawyer Today

Your initial consultation is free. If we accept your case, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. In many cases, you must file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. Please call right away to ensure you protect your right to possible compensation.

Contact us today to get started with our school bus accident lawyer in New Jersey.