In a recently released decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that New Jersey‘s public transit system can be held responsible for injuries that it causes outside of the state of New Jersey. In practical terms, this means that when someone is hurt by a bus or train operated by New Jersey Transit — even if the crash happens in another state like Pennsylvania or New York — the injured person can now bring a lawsuit in the state’s court where the injury occurred instead of being blocked by broad government immunity. 

The accident attorneys at Galfand Berger are here to help make sense of this important decision.

Why This Case Matters

NJ Transit had argued that it should enjoy sovereign immunity — a legal doctrine that protects governments from being sued in other states unless they consent. They said that because they were created by the State of New Jersey and serve a public purpose, the company should be off-limits to private personal injury claims outside New Jersey.

But the Supreme Court made clear:

• New Jersey Transit is not an “arm” of the state, and does not get the same benefits and protections as New Jersey itself.
• A state agency that operates across state lines and injures people cannot automatically claim immunity from injury lawsuits just because it has some government ties.
• Victims hurt by out-of-state buses or trains deserve a day in court — regardless of state borders. 

Impact on Accident Victims

This decision is a win for injured people and justice in several important ways:

1. Injured Victims Can Seek Compensation Where They Were Hurt

If you were hit by a bus or transit vehicle operated by a state agency like New Jersey Transit while in a different state, you now have the right to file your lawsuit in your own state’s court rather than being forced to fight jurisdictional defenses. This removes a major legal hurdle that often blocked meaningful access to justice. 

2. Government-Linked Transit Entities Can Be Held Accountable

This ruling helps ensure that transit agencies — even those established by states — can be held responsible when their negligence causes injuries. It prevents them from using sovereign immunity as a shield when they injure people outside their home state. 

3. Better Safety and Accountability

When public entities know they can be held liable for injuries, they have stronger incentives to operate safely, train drivers properly, and maintain vehicles and infrastructure. This ultimately protects the public and helps prevent future accidents.

What This Means for Your Injury Claim

If you were hurt in a crash involving:

• A state-sponsored transit vehicle.
• A bus or train operated by a public agency.
• A vehicle that was crossing state lines.

You may now have a stronger legal path to pursue full compensation for your injuries — including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care — in your home state’s courts. 

Don’t Let Legal Defenses Block Your Rights

Insurance companies and government defense lawyers will often look for any legal technicality — like sovereign immunity — to avoid paying what victims deserve. That’s why having experienced personal injury attorneys on your side matters.

We help injured people:

• Understand how this new Supreme Court decision affects their case.
• Navigate complex jurisdiction and liability issues.
• Fight for full and fair compensation for what they’ve lost.

We’re Here to Help

If you were injured in a crash involving a transit agency or government-linked vehicle — especially one operated outside your home state — please contact Galfand Berger LLP. for a free, no-obligation case review.

You deserve justice and a legal team that will hold negligent parties accountable. Call today — you don’t pay unless we win for you.  Call us at 1-800-222-8792 or by mail at [email protected].