Woman Died In MTA Bus Accident Along Broadway Not Far From Union Square Park
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (June 9, 2023) – A 70-year-old woman was killed in a Manhattan MTA bus accident along Broadway not far from Union Square Park.
New York City police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. A disabled woman was crossing the street when she was hit by a city bus heading south.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, the elderly woman died due to her injuries.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
Liability For Manhattan Bus Accidents
MTA bus accidents are far more common than many people may realize. According to one report from the New York Post, “At least 2,520 people — or 2.7 per day — were injured [from 2015 – 2018], according to the MTA. At least 14 people died, including a 25-year-old skateboarder, a 62-year-old pedestrian, a 60-year-old motorist and a 70-year-old with a walker who was mutilated by a hit-and-run bus.” Buses can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians for many different reasons.
- Buses have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of pedestrians.
- Buses have a wide turning radius as they round corners.
- Buses have a high center of gravity making it more likely that pedestrians are sucked underneath the bus.
All bus drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1180, no person is allowed to operate a motor vehicle faster than what would be prudent or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a bus driver was speeding prior to an accident, this could create the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, the company or city that a bus driver worked for could be held at fault for a collision. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior employers are principally responsible for the negligent actions of their employees. According to Judith M. v. Sisters of Charity Hosp., 93 N.Y.2d 932, 933 (1999) respondeat superior will apply “so long as the tortious conduct is generally foreseeable and a natural incident of the employment.” Victims of bus accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
It can be hard to know where to begin after any collision. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. The family of any person that died in a bus accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. It is important that all evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
Investigating A Manhattan Bus Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman that died in this collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about a Manhattan bus accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
