Transit collision leaves several people injured

Police report that multiple people were injured following a collision between a transit bus and a car that happened on May 1. The incident happened around 2 a.m. at an intersection in Newark. The No. 34 bus of the New Jersey Transit system that operates in the city struck a car that appeared to have run a red light. The car was operating at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.

According to the police, the driver of the car attempted to flee the scene of the crash on foot. Police took the driver into custody on suspicion of drunk driving. A total of eight people were hurt in the accident, with the car’s driver and passenger sustaining the worst injuries. The passenger was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries that were described as critical. The police stated that no one on the bus sustained any life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash.

Car accidents that involve someone who is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may seem straightforward from a legal perspective, but plaintiffs might benefit from retaining legal counsel while attempting to negotiate a settlement. Each plaintiff may need to present an organized list of medical expenses arising from a collision, including anticipated long-term care costs.

Compensation for the negligence of a drunk driver may also be part of a settlement. A lawyer might wish to study the reports assembled by police during the criminal investigation in order to present the plaintiff’s side of the matter during the settlement process. This may be helpful in establishing the level of responsibility of the at-fault driver.

Source: WABC, “Several injured after NJ transit bus, car collide in Newark,” May 1, 2015