With each passing month, New Jersey school buses seem to crash with increasing frequency. This should concern not only parents, but also entire communities. While the obvious concern is for the young students riding these vehicles, average drivers and pedestrians may also suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries when school buses crash. Why are so many school buses crashing? Are the drivers to blame? Are school districts responsible? These are the questions that might be running through your mind if someone you love was recently injured in a New Jersey school bus accident.
School Bus Crashes into UPS Truck in Mercer County
On March 13th, 2026, ABC Action News reported that a school bus had crashed into a UPS truck in Mercer County. The accident occurred on Friday morning, when the children were on their way to school. Officials say that the school bus “drifted” into oncoming traffic before striking a stationary UPS truck waiting to make a left-hand turn.
Officials also reported that “several” children between the ages of 11 and 13 were on the bus at the time of the collision, although none suffered injuries. Although officials noted that they were still investigating the incident, one has to assume that the school bus driver was at fault. After all, drivers obviously have a responsibility not to drift across the center line, especially when transporting young children.
A nearby school district subsequently canceled school bus routes, citing high winds and “whiteout” conditions. School representatives said that these conditions were contributing to crashes, so weather may have been a factor in the previous crash.
Woman Pinned Underneath School Bus in Hackensack
On March 10th, 2026, Daily Voice reported that a woman had been struck and severely injured by a school bus in Hackensack. Officials say that the 31-year-old victim was trying to cross a crosswalk when a school bus collided with her and pinned her underneath. First responders arrived as quickly as possible and used a special jack to lift the school bus off her body, but this was not enough to prevent the victim from suffering serious injuries.
Several special needs students aboard the bus witnessed the incident, and the school bus driver was reportedly “visibly upset.” An investigation is underway, although the authorities have not yet announced any criminal charges. The fact that the woman was inside the crosswalk at the time of the impact suggests she had the right of way.
One Child Injured After School Bus Crash in Lindenwold
In late February of 2026, another school bus accident occurred in Lindenwold. This accident left one child injured, although the nature of their injuries was never clarified by officials. According to CBS News, the school bus in question may have rear-ended an SUV.
Are School Districts Liable for Crashes Involving School Buses?
School districts are supposed to exercise considerable caution when hiring school bus drivers. These drivers are employees of the district, so the district is responsible for their conduct. If a school bus driver commits an obvious traffic infraction, the district is likely liable. These infractions might include failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or veering into oncoming traffic.
An official investigation by law enforcement may determine what actually caused the accident. If the root cause of the accident is driver negligence, then the driver may face various consequences under New Jersey’s driver licensing laws. The driver could also face criminal consequences.
A civil lawsuit could also ensure some degree of accountability for bus drivers who crash and endanger innocent people. Often, bus drivers escape criminal penalties. This might be because their conduct does not rise to the level of criminality, or because there just isn’t enough evidence to convict them. The burden of proof in a civil lawsuit is lower, which gives you a better chance of ensuring accountability. A lawsuit could also ensure the bus driver never has a chance to endanger children again.
Can a New Jersey School Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If a school bus accident in New Jersey injured you or someone you love, a personal injury attorney may be able to help. At face value, it doesn’t make sense why so many school buses are crashing in the Garden State, even if this is the most populous area in the country. Each case is different, and it is impossible to determine who might be liable for a crash without discussing your unique circumstances with an attorney. Move past online research and schedule your first consultation with Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., today. Contact us at (609) 240-0040, or find us online.
The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.
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