New Jersey Bus Driver Arrested after Causing Death of Passenger

The driver of a New Jersey Transit bus has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a passenger at an intersection in Passaic last month. The collision occurred after the man exited the bus and tried to cross in front of it as the driver accelerated through the intersection, according to a news report. Documents filed in the case allege that the bus driver ran a red light, hit the passenger and refused to stop despite that fact that passengers were yelling for her to stop. The driver has been a New Jersey Transit driver for 25 years.

Bus Accidents Are Common

Bus accidents are far more common than most people realize. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were more than 11,000 bus accidents across the country in 2008, injuring about 24,000 people. For those who depend on buses for transportation, these statistics can be disconcerting. Private charters and public transit buses are held to many of the same standards as tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles. The driver of a bus must hold a commercial driver's license and obey federal safety rules.

Although the bus driver in the Passaic crash faces criminal charges, this will do very little to compensate the victim's family for their loss. The criminal justice system is designed to punish those who violate the law, not compensate victims.

No amount of money will bring back a lost loved one; however, when a family member is killed as the result of another party's negligence, the survivors are often entitled to compensation for the loss of future earnings, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. For a victim's family to pursue compensation, however, they must turn to the civil legal system and possibly file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Get a Free Claim Review from a Pennsylvania Injury Accident Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one as a result of a crash involving a bus other vehicle, you should consult an experienced automobile accident lawyer as soon as possible. The bus accident attorneys at the Pennsylvania law firm of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys are dedicated to helping victims and surviving family members receive the compensation they deserve.

For your free, no-obligation, claim review, take a few minutes to fill out our online contact form.