At around 11:00 p.m. on January 14th, 2020, eight people, including the driver, were injured when a city bus crashed and was left dangling from an overpass in the Bronx. The accident victims have been transported to nearby hospitals. No arrests have been made.
According to an NYPD spokesperson, the accident occurred when the bus driver was “unable to navigate the roadway” and eventually crashed through an overpass barrier. The incident happened on the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway and University Avenue.
In an Instagram post shared by the FDNY, Deputy Chief Paul Hopper said “the bus fell approximately 50 feet onto the access road. The patients suffered injuries consistent with a fall from such a great height.” Images show a BX-35 bus broken in half, with the front half hanging beyond the expressway barrier. Acting Battalion Chief Steven Moore explained that the vehicle’s fuel and other hazardous materials needed to be secured before the bus could be pulled down onto the roadway.
Reports say one person was seriously injured in the accident, three people suffered non-life threatening injuries, and four passengers were left with minor injuries. Thankfully, no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved in the accident.
Officials are investigating the incident. MTA spokesperson Tim Morton says it is still too early to speculate the cause of the crash, though he mentioned that the bus’s route usually requires the driver to make a left turn onto the expressway, which the driver missed.
Our hearts are with the passengers involved in this frightening accident. We wish a full and quick recovery for those who were injured.
A bus accident can have devastating consequences for those riding in the vehicle and for anyone in the surrounding area. Bus drivers legally owe their passengers a reasonable duty of care, meaning they must maintain a certain degree of caution and concern for the safety of their selves and those around them. If an accident occurs as a result of the driver breaching their duty of care, those who suffered injuries as a result of the accident have a legal right to fair compensation for their losses.
Bus injury lawsuits can be complex, especially if they involve government entities such as the MTA. Accident victims will likely need the help of an experienced attorney with knowledge of state and local traffic laws and bus regulations as well as the rules and regulations specific to any government entity involved.
It is important to understand that more than one party can be held liable for a bus accident. The driver operating a bus was employed by a company that owns the vehicle. As long as the accident occurred while the driver was on the job, the driver’s employer can be considered vicariously liable. Meaning, even if the driver was directly involved in the accident, his or her employer can be found partially responsible. In some instances, entities like the MTA can be found directly liable for the accident if it is determined that they did not properly train or background check the driver involved in the accident.
There are many circumstances to consider in every case. If you were injured in an accident resulting from the negligence of another party, it may be in your best interest to contact a lawyer who can guide you through the legal process. The bus accident lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are well-versed in state and local traffic law and are dedicated to helping accident victims obtain fair compensation for their injuries. Notable case results include a $6,000,000 settlement for a city bus passenger who suffered severe injuries requiring surgery after the bus he was riding in crashed into another vehicle as well as a $3,000,000 settlement for a man who was injured when he was hit by a bus attempting to make a left turn.
To speak with one of our skilled lawyers, call 212-736-5300 or fill out our online contact form.