8-year-old boy struck and killed by school bus in Rockland County, NY

An 8-year-old boy died after being struck by a school bus in New Square, NY, last Monday morning. The boy was walking home from school when the school bus struck him near the intersection of Clinton Lane and Stern Street. The Ramapo Police, led by Police Lt. Blaine Howell, reported that despite the rapid response of EMS workers, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The bus driver, who stayed and cooperated with police, now faces the harrowing aftermath of this devastating event.

This incident underscores a grim reality that too many communities face: the ever-present danger to our children on their journeys to and from school. As legal professionals specializing in school bus accidents, we have seen the profound impact these tragedies have on families and communities. They raise critical questions about road safety, school transportation protocols, and the measures we take to protect our most vulnerable.

The Ramapo Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Team is currently investigating the specifics of this accident. These investigations are crucial, not only for providing clarity and closure to grieving families but also for identifying systemic issues that may contribute to such tragedies. It is through understanding these details that legal professionals can advocate for necessary changes, seeking justice for victims while working towards preventative measures to ensure no family endures similar heartache.

For families navigating the aftermath of a school bus accident, the path forward can be fraught with confusion and despair. Legal recourse may offer a semblance of justice, though it can never replace what has been lost. Civil litigation in cases involving school bus accidents often revolves around determining negligence, whether on the part of the driver, the school district, or even, in some cases, municipal entities responsible for road safety and traffic management.

Advocating for enhanced safety measures, such as improved training for bus drivers, stricter enforcement of traffic laws around school zones, and the implementation of advanced safety technologies on school buses, is essential. Furthermore, raising awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety education for children can play a critical role in preventing future accidents.

Picture of the location of the accident: courtesy of Google map