Several injured and two in critical condition after bus crash
No matter if a driver is running early, on time or late, morning commuters are normally in a rush to get to their destination. Morning traffic includes various motor vehicles such as automobiles, trucks and buses. Given the volume of vehicles on the road, larger vehicles can pose additional risks on the road. For example, a collision involving a bus – or worse, two – can prove particularly traumatic for those involved.
During their morning commute on Route 9, for example, a commuter bus collided with a mini school bus. The collision occurred when the Academy bus struck the school bus from behind. The commuter bus then drove off the highway and hit a tree.
Emergency crews responded to the incident and assessed the condition of all the people involved. The driver of the commuter bus and one of the passengers on the bus were found to be in critical condition and were transported to the hospital. About 17 passengers on the commuter bus were treated for injuries such as cuts and bruises. No students were on board the school bus at the time of the collision and no injuries were reported to the driver of the school bus.
The investigation of the accident is ongoing. Causation and liability have not been reported and no citations have been issued at this time.
A person injured in an incident like this might have a personal injury claim. Aside from a negligent driver, a bus company may also be liable in such accidents because they owe a duty to each passenger to hire and train safe drivers. In the event that liability exists, medical bills, lost wages, damages and pain and suffering could be covered with the compensation awarded from the suit to help the victims cope with the difficulties that result from an unfortunate accident.
Source: nj.com, “Driver in Old Bridge bus crash in critical condition, undergoing surgery,” Sue Epstein, Jan. 10, 2013
