It’s unusual for New York residents to learn that an MTA bus driver was killed in an accident while on the job. However, in a recent tragedy, a New York bus driver died in a car accident after being struck by a stolen truck. Five other people were injured in this incident.
The accident occurred early Wednesday morning. Authorities determined that the accident happened when the driver of a stolen truck collided with a bus, causing both vehicles to crash into a Chase bank. The impact caused the bus driver to be thrown from the vehicle. Also involved in the accident was a street vendor who was discovered laying on the ground in pain from his injuries. In addition, two pedestrians on the sidewalk and a bus passenger were among the injured.
Sadly, the bus driver died from his injuries at the scene. The driver of the stolen truck also suffered unspecified injuries and was transported to a hospital. While being treated, law enforcement officers questioned him and took him into custody. Charges against the man are pending. Authorities were able to obtain surveillance footage that shows the driver of the stolen truck wandering around a hotel in the truck’s vicinity before he entered the vehicle and drove off.
Victims are usually traumatized after being in a car accident. In addition to the initial trauma, victims are often burdened with medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. The family of the deceased bus driver may wish to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver of the stolen truck. The injured victims may also have similar rights to pursue personal injury claims to recoup damages. The civil court system in New York may award the victims and surviving family members damages if evidence demonstrates the driver of the truck acted in a negligent manner that caused or contributed to injury and death.
Source: The New York Times, Truck Thief???s Getaway Try Ends in a Bus Driver???s Death, Michael Schwirtz, Marc Santora, Feb. 12, 2014
