Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is a New York Plaintiff's personal injury law firm specializing in automobile accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, police misconduct and all types of New York personal injury litigation.

Articles Posted in Bus Accidents

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Imagine the unthinkable pain of losing a child in a tragic school bus accident, only to later discover that the school had chosen a bus company listed as “unacceptable” by state authorities. The shock, anger, and heartbreak that follow such a revelation are unimaginable. In the wake of the recent Orange County, New York bus crash involving Regency Transportation, grieving parents are left grappling with this devastating truth, questioning the choices made by the educational institutions responsible for their children’s safety.

Bus operators on the state’s list of unacceptable operators may still continue to operate, but they face heightened scrutiny and more rigorous inspections from state authorities. This added level of oversight is designed to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent further accidents. The bus involved in the tragic crash had recently been acquired by Regency Transportation in the summer. Surprisingly, the New York Department of Transportation had already inspected it twice before the accident occurred. Both inspections resulted in a passing grade, indicating that the bus met the necessary safety standards. However, this does not tell the whole story.

History of Failed Inspections

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The Brooklyn NYC intersection where the bus collided with the cyclistA school bus and a 44-year-old bicyclist were both traveling in the same direction along Fort Hamilton Parkway when the bus made a right turn onto 41st Street, resulting in the back of the bus striking the cyclist. Despite the immediate response of the bus driver, the bicyclist succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock.

Local residents and witnesses to the accident expressed their condolences for the victim’s family and voiced their concerns about the safety of this particular intersection. They highlighted the area’s reputation as a busy and potentially dangerous spot for both cyclists and motorists alike. Instances like this underscore the urgency of addressing safety concerns on our roads.

In the aftermath of such a tragic incident, investigations are launched to determine the exact cause of the collision. Bicycle accident lawyers play a pivotal role in assisting victims and their families during this challenging time. They:

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accident sceneA bus carrying 40 students from Farmingdale High School and four adults tumbled down a 50-foot ravine on Interstate 84 in Orange County, New York. The accident resulted in the tragic deaths of Gina Pellettiere, 43, and Beatrice Ferrari, 77. Additionally, several students sustained serious injuries, with five in critical condition. More than 40 individuals were injured in total.

Preliminary information suggests that a failure of a front tire may have contributed to the accident. However, a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact causes and identify potential liabilities. In cases like this, multiple parties may be held responsible, including the bus company, the driver, and even the tire manufacturer if a defective tire is found to be a contributing factor.

How Can a Bus Accident Lawyer Help?

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Double_Decker Bus_TopViewA devastating bus collision that occurred in Manhattan last Thursday left  numerous individuals injured. Initial investigations conducted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have revealed that a double-decker tour bus, operated by Topview NYC, was speeding when it collided with an MTA bus at the intersection of 1st Ave and E. 23rd Street.

Eyewitness accounts vividly described the  moment when the MTA bus was struck by the speeding tour bus. The sheer force of the impact shattered the windows of the tour bus, leaving no doubt about the severity of the accident. Prompt response from first responders helped free passengers trapped inside the tour bus and provided immediate aid to those injured on both buses. In total, 36 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, while 10 others received treatment at the accident scene.

Expressing deep concern, MTA President Richard Davey highlighted the reckless driving behavior exhibited by the tour bus operator. Preliminary findings indicate that the tour bus ran a red light, striking the MTA bus not once, but twice, before ultimately rebounding. The excessive speed at which the tour bus was traveling only exacerbates the gravity of the situation. Such irresponsible actions behind the wheel put innocent lives at risk and demand accountability.

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11 crashes injuring 6 occur at Essex and New Lots Ave since April 2023Reckless driving continues to pose a significant risk to public safety in New York City, with recent incidents serving as alarming reminders of the consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. One such incident occurred at the intersection of Essex St. and New Lots Ave. in East New York, where an unlicensed driver triggered a chain-reaction crash involving an MTA bus, injuring 14 people, including the passenger of the unlicensed driver, who remains hospitalized in critical condition.

In addition to addressing the issue of reckless driving, it is essential to examine the dangerous conditions of intersections lacking traffic lights, which contribute to the heightened risk

At the aforementioned intersection, the collision occurred due to the reckless actions of an unlicensed driver. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the absence of traffic lights and reliance solely on stop signs exacerbates the dangers present at this location. Intersections without traffic lights demand heightened caution and adherence to traffic rules from all road users, as they rely on visual cues to determine right-of-way. Without clear signals, accidents become more likely, particularly when combined with reckless driving behaviors. The intersection of Essex and New Lots Avenue has a history of crashes. Over the last three years, between April 2020 and April 2023, 11 crashes occurred at this dangerous intersection, and six people suffered injuries as a result of these accidents. The illustration from Crash Mapper on the left shows that New Lots Avenue is a dangerous street and also clearly indicates that the intersection with Essex Street has a higher risk of accidents than any other intersection on the same Avenue.

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Traffic accidents near JFK airportLast week 15 people were injured in a bus accident and a teenager was killed when the car she was in collided with a truck. Both accidents took place near JFK Airport, which is currently undergoing a major makeover. The aim of this $19 billion project is to rejuvenate the airport by providing modern facilities and improved terminals. However, this extensive renovation comes at a cost: roadways are being torn up and closed, resulting in significant traffic disruptions that are projected to last for several years. Consequently, various modes of transportation, including driving, public transit, taxis, and ride-hailing services, will be affected, potentially causing substantial congestion, delays, and safety concerns.

Last Friday a collision occurred between a Delta Airlines bus and a commuter van on the Van Wyck Expressway, resulting in 15 injuries. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by commuters in and around JFK Airport and southeast Queens. Local leaders, such as Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, have been advocating for clearer signs, speed warnings, and overall safer street designs as part of the JFK Airport overhaul. Additionally, Richards highlighted the peril of driving on North and South Conduit Avenue, where a 14-year-old girl was killed in a car accident just two days prior. The accident took place on North Conduit Avenue near 160th Street. The 14-year-old was a passenger in a BMW driven by a 16-year-old driver. The young driver, who was not supposed to be driving alone, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a UPS truck, resulting in the death of his passenger and friend.

As predicted by Frommers, commuting to JFK airport, is currently and will continue to be a nightmare for years to come.

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Location of the school bus accident in the BronxAs NYC bus accident attorneys,  it is our responsibility to shed light on the unfortunate incidents that occur on our roads and advocate for justice. In a recent chain-reaction crash in the Bronx, a yellow school bus carrying special needs students and a pregnant woman became entangled with a reckless driver, resulting in a devastating collision involving multiple vehicles.

The accident occurred yesterday afternoon after 3:00 pm. A silver Jeep traveling northbound on the Hutchinson River Parkway service road failed to stop at a traffic light near Co-op City in Baychester. The Jeep disregarded the red light and collided with a yellow school bus heading eastbound, initiating a chain reaction that impacted a southbound Chrysler Sebring carrying three individuals and a Co-op City maintenance van. The force of the collision sent all vehicles spiraling across the intersection, causing chaos and panic. The driver of the jeep has a history of reckless driving. Since 2109, the driver accumulated 15 violations including one red-light camera violation and 12 school zone speed camera violations according to how’s my driving NY.

Justice Kwansa, a pharmacist at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Bronx and an eyewitness to the crash, described the moment of impact as a deafening boom. Reacting swiftly, he rushed to the scene in his slippers, attempting to assist the trapped occupants of the Jeep. Despite the imminent danger of a potential explosion, Kwansa displayed immense bravery, recognizing the urgency of rescuing those in need. Amidst the chaos, the school bus passengers, including special needs students, experienced understandable panic and distress.

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schoolbus1Less than one week after a car crashed into a school bus in Westchester county, a pickup truck collided with a school bus near Meadowbrook Elementary School in East Meadow, LI, yesterday afternoon. The bus was carrying 41 students between the ages of 5 and 11. Thirteen students, as well as the bus driver, were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The pickup truck driver also sustained minor injuries and was pulled from his vehicle.

All injuries related to the school bus crash were said to be minor, including that of the pickup driver who had to be pulled from his wrecked truck. According to Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, the blue pickup smashed into the bus while making a left turn from a school parking lot around dismissal time. It’s not clear what led to the crash, though Ryder said speed and distracted driving were being eyed as possible causes. It is not believed that alcohol played any role. An investigation is ongoing.

Is it safer for parents to drive their children to school?

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Teen driving crashes infographicAs car accident lawyers, it is heartbreaking to hear about the recent crash in Westchester County that left several teenagers seriously injured, some with life-threatening injuries. This tragedy once again highlights the dangers of teen driving and the devastating consequences that can result when young drivers are not properly trained and licensed.

According to reports, the crash occurred when an unlicensed 16-year-old driver lost control of his Honda Accord while driving with three passengers. The car crossed into the lanes of oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a school bus carrying multiple passengers, including several high school students.

The impact of the crash was severe, and several people suffered serious injuries

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deadly intersection of Queens Boulevard and Jackson AveAnother fatal traffic accident occurred on Queens Boulevard also known as “Boulevard of Death”. This time, it was a moped rider who lost their life after being struck by a school bus driver at a dangerous intersection. According to the NYPD, the deceased was traversing the chaotic area southbound on Jackson Avenue “against the red light,” leading the statement to effectively blame the victim for their own death.

As personal injury attorneys who have been representing the interest of victim of bus accidents and their families, we know that while the NYPD’s statement might appear to place the fault on the deceased, it’s crucial to investigate the accident’s specifics to determine who is at fault legally. The impact of the collision was so intense that it knocked the victim off the moped and onto the ground, leading to severe injuries that eventually led to their death. It’s worth noting that witnesses observed the 54-year-old driver taking a sobriety test, but the police refused to confirm it.

The intersection where the accident occurred, at the corner of Queens Boulevard and Jackson Avenue, has seen 103 crashes since 2020, causing 47 injuries