Bus Accident Injures Princeton Students

What was supposed to be a fun day of tradition and good-natured rivalry almost took a tragic turn last weekend. A busload of Princeton students were en route to the annual football game against their arch-rival, Yale, when an accident occurred.

The Coach USA bus carrying 50 Tigers fans was exiting I-95 on a West Haven, Connecticut, off-ramp when it apparently experienced brake failure. The vehicle laden with Ivy Leaguers careened through an intersection and plowed into a glass company building, destroying the structure. Four students suffered minor injuries in the crash, and were taken to a local hospital as a precaution. The bus’s driver had to be cut from the wreckage, and was also taken to the hospital for minor injuries. Fortunately, no one in the glass company was injured. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

Princeton and Yale first met on the gridiron in 1873, sparking one of American football’s oldest rivalries.

What Should You Do After a Bus Accident?

These students and the bus driver did exactly what they’re supposed to do first: get medical attention. It’s important to get checked out by a doctor after any accident, because some dangerous injuries (like traumatic brain injuries or damage to the internal organs) aren’t always visible at first.

Next, you should take lots of pictures. We all have cell phones now, and they can be put to good use documenting the scene of the accident, the participants, any insurance information exchanged, and any visible injuries.

If you’ve been injured while riding a bus, you certainly aren’t to blame for what happened. In a civil claim, a number of parties may be held liable to compensate you for your medical bills and other expenses tied to the accident, including:

• The bus’s driver: For reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence, etc.
• The driver of another vehicle: If that vehicle hit the bus or caused the accident.
• The manufacturer of the bus, or a part of the bus: If faulty brakes, tires, design, etc., caused the crash.
• The bus company: If they didn’t properly maintain the bus, didn’t screen or train the bus driver, or forced the driver to work while fatigued.
• The municipality that owned or operated the bus: If it is a public transportation bus or a school bus, other laws may apply.
• The bus maintenance company: Some bus companies contract third-party companies to maintain and repair their vehicles. It may be that company’s fault when a part fails and causes a wreck.
• The municipality in charge of maintaining the roadway where the accident happened: If poor signage, potholes, broken traffic signals, or a dangerous road caused the accident, the city or state may be liable. But there are special deadlines for filing these cases, so don’t wait!

If You Have Been Injured in a Bus Accident, Call a Lawyer

While the Princeton student bus crash resulted in only minor injuries (and statistically, buses are the safest mode of transportation next to commercial airlines), people are injured and killed in bus accidents each year.

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a bus accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to significant compensation from the liable party or parties. When you enlist the representation of Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., you’re getting an experienced Princeton personal injury firm with a proven track record of success. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the accident, determine who’s liable, and work to get you the compensation you deserve. Gabriel Lependorf and David Silverstein have been protecting the rights of New Jersey residents for over 25 years, and will put their experience behind your claim at no upfront cost to you. For a free case evaluation, call (609) 240-0040 today.