Last month, a passenger bus slammed into exactly 10 vehicles at a stoplight in South Brunswick. The Coach USA bus crashed through two lanes of cars stopped at a red light. The bus mangled several cars, shoved a few vehicles off of the roadway and crushed the rest.
Seven people were injured in the accident, and two of them sustained serious injuries. The victims with the more serious injuries included a 35-year-old man with a fractured back and a 61-year-old woman with a fractured pelvis and ribs. Firefighters were forced to use the Jaws of Life, a hydraulic extrication tool, to free two of the crash victims from their vehicles. Fortunately, the passenger bus was empty.
The bus accident forced the South Brunswick Police Department to shut down the Route 130 for two hours. Though investigators have ruled out weather conditions, police are still investigating the cause of the accident.
What Caused the Route 130 Bus Accident?
In this instance, there are several scenarios regarding who can be held liable for the injuries caused in this violent bus accident. One of the possibilities is a malfunctioning vehicle part on the bus. For example, the brakes may have failed, in which case the victims could file a third party claim against the manufacturing company that makes the brake parts. Or, if the brakes were simply not maintained, the victims could file a claim against the bus company.
Another possible cause of the bus accident could simply be driver error. Was the bus driver intoxicated, be that by alcohol or stimulants? Was the bus driver going too fast or driving aggressively? Or was the driver suffering from fatigue? Bus operators who drive while exhausted are equally as dangerous as those drunk driving or driving aggressively. Was the driver texting or otherwise not paying attention to the road? It is likely investigators will view the bus driver’s phone records to ensure he was not engaged in distracted driving.
Bus Accident Victims Should Always Consult with an Experienced Attorney
Though the bus driver in the Route 130 accident says his brakes failed, however, police tested the breaks and found they worked and had not malfunctioned. So far, no charges have been filed against the driver, but the investigation is ongoing.
Bus drivers are expected to safely transport passengers from one location to the next. Despite their long shifts, they are expected to be alert and drive cautiously. Bus accidents can be complicated for injury victims. Victims who are involved in bus accidents should always consult with an experienced attorney to assess the cause of the situation and examine the available options.
David Spevack is a personal injury attorney who helps victims of bus accidents and other accidents involving driver error in the Iselin, Teaneck and New Brunswick areas of New Jersey.
