New Jersey School Bus Crashes are Spiraling Out of Control

Parents around the Garden State are becoming increasingly concerned as school buses continue to crash at a rapid pace. The most recent incident made headlines around the nation, and it injured dozens of people – including children. While this might have been one of the most severe school bus crashes of recent memory, the truth is that these incidents are nothing new in New Jersey. Within the past few weeks alone, many other school buses have crashed. The government is vowing to take action – but what can you do if your child is injured in a New Jersey school bus crash?

15 Confirmed Injuries After School Bus Crashes in Montvale

Authorities say that 15 people suffered various injuries when a school bus crashed on the Garden State Parkway in March of 2025. The incident occurred at about 7:30 PM when the driver veered off the road, causing the bus to overturn on the right side of the parkway. Images from the crash scene show the bus overturned and facing the wrong direction.

Numerous injuries were reported as the bus was filled with children and adults at the time of the crash. The driver suffered what first responders described as “moderate injuries,” but at least one child was in critical condition after the accident. This 14-year-old child was pinned underneath the overturned bus at the time of the crash, and first responders were able to lift the heavy vehicle off his body. They then determined that the boy was still alive, and they transported him to a nearby hospital.

Witnesses reported seeing several other children loaded onto stretchers at the crash scene. Details are still somewhat unclear, but there were reportedly over 30 people on the bus at the time. This school bus was not associated with any public school district in New Jersey. Officials say that it was transporting students from a rabbinical school and that the passengers were traveling to a wedding celebration.

School Bus Collides With Medical Transport Van in Medford

A few days before this shocking incident, another school bus crash occurred in Medford. This incident involved a school bus colliding with a medical transport van at about 7:00 AM, causing injuries for both drivers. Fortunately, there were no passengers on board either vehicle. There was no word on what caused the accident or who might be to blame. The van veered off the road after the collision and overturned in a grassy area.

Although no students or patients were involved, the driver of the van suffered serious injuries. This individual had to be airlifted from the crash scene and transported to a nearby hospital. On the other hand, the school bus driver suffered some kind of arm injury, and she was also hospitalized.

School Bus Flips Over in Essex County

In late February, another school bus crash occurred in Essex County. This accident involved a school bus driver who attempted a left-hand turn before colliding with a sedan. It is worth mentioning that left-turning drivers must yield to essentially all other vehicles. This particular crash resulted in minor and moderate injuries for both drivers. Fortunately, no children were on board the bus at the time of the crash.

Parents Accuse New Jersey of Insufficient School Bus Safety Reforms

In reaction to a recent string of serious school bus accidents, the State of New Jersey has attempted to pass various reforms to improve safety. However, many parents say that these reforms are not enough. The Department of Education has promised to make various reforms, including a new school bus contractor training program. The government has also promised to overhaul its system for annual school bus driver certification requirements.

Assembly Bill A-5142 may also mandate the installation of certain safety features on buses, such as video cameras and GPS systems. However, not everyone is enthusiastic about these proposed changes – especially since so many of them are vague.

Can a New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyer Help After a School Bus Crash?

If a school bus crash in New Jersey hurt you or someone you love, you may be able to take legal action with help from an auto accident lawyer. These legal professionals can hold negligent parties accountable – including school boards and reckless bus drivers. Lependporf & Silverstein, P.C. is well aware of how dangerous school buses have become in New Jersey – and we can guide parents toward justice. To learn more about your legal options, schedule a consultation with us today.