Coach Bus Carrying Members of Airline Crew to JFK Airport Flips Into Oncoming Traffic on the Long Island Expressway
QUEENS, NEW YORK – Two people tragically died and at least 20 people were injured in a Queens coach bus accident on the Long Island Expressway by Greenpoint Avenue.
New York City officials are saying that the accident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Monday. A coach bus was heading down the westbound lanes of the LIE when it overturned by Greenpoint Avenue.
The bus continued into opposing lanes of traffic after flipping over and struck two vehicles. The driver of the bus and a passenger were both killed due to the severe injuries.
An estimated 20 other people were injured in the collision. Of those victims, three people were listed in critical condition. Photos of the accident site showed two passenger vehicles with major damage.
Over 70 fire and EMS workers were called to the scene of the crash to help all of the victims. It remains unclear what may have caused the bus to initially flip over.
A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability for New York City Bus Accidents
Bus drivers are considered common carriers and are expected to operate with an abundance of caution to avoid collision with other vehicles. This requires that they maintain a safe speed at all times. According to NY Veh & Traf L § 1180, “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.” There are several factors that may contribute to any bus accident.
- Top Heavy: Buses have a high center of gravity and are much more susceptible to flipping over than smaller passenger vehicles.
- Fatigue: Drivers are often asked to work long hours and may actually become fatigued over the course of their route.
- Maintenance: Much like commercial trucks, buses have a high utilization rate. This puts an enormous amount of wear and tear on the tires and other parts of the bus.
- Medical Conditions: A number of bus accidents involve drivers who suffered medical conditions before losing control of their vehicle.
If a bus driver allows their vehicle to drift into opposing lanes of traffic, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Drivers are expected to operate their vehicle safely at all times. They must pull over in the event of an emergency. In the event that a bus driver’s medical emergency causes a collision, the employer could also be liable for any resulting injuries. Liability for a bus accident could extend to several parties beyond any specific driver or their employer. This includes the company responsible for maintaining the bus. Tire blowouts and other mechanical failures routinely lead to bus rollovers.
Steps to Take After New York City Bus Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you are not alone. These incidents are unfortunately quite common. According to The Journalist’s Resource, “about 63,000 buses [of all kinds] are involved in an accident each year; about 14,000 result in an injured person, and 325 result in a fatal injury. About 50 passengers (including the driver) are killed, on average, in a given year.” It is important for accident victims to consider taking certain steps after any bus accident.
- Seeking medical aid should be a top priority after a bus crash. Many victims make the mistake of not seeking treatment because they feel all right. But not all injuries are immediately obvious after a crash.
- All of the work records related to the driver involved should be carefully reviewed. It matters whether or not the bus driver was properly licensed or had a history of safety violations.
- Accident victims should consider their legal options with an experienced bus accident attorney. An attorney can help victims recover financial compensation for all of the ways that they’ve been harmed in a bus crash.
Buses can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. Even a low impact collision can result in absolutely catastrophic injuries. These injuries can prevent victims from returning to work for long periods of time. They may also burden them with high medical bills. Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a bus company may be able to pursue some measure of justice and accountability through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Investigating New York City Bus Accidents
We at GLK Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the two people killed in this crash. It is our sincere hope that the dozens of other victims will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable crash that should’ve never taken place. Many important questions have yet to be answered. What was the speed of the bus prior to the collision? What is the safety record of the company that owned the bus? Were any other vehicles involved before the bus rolled over?
Have you ever had a loved one injured in a New York City bus accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of experienced New York City bus accident attorneys is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and holding negligent parties fully accountable for all the harm that they’ve done. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to help get you the support and justice you are entitled to. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
