Seriously Injured Passenger Sues Bus Company After Deadly Accident
A popular old advertising campaign for a bus line promised that passengers could “leave the driving to us.” That’s what people typically think when they purchase a ticket for bus ride. Instead of worrying about road dangers, they can trust a professional vehicle operator to keep them safe while they rest, read or enjoy the scenery. Unfortunately, there are situations where, without warning, passengers on a bus are injured or killed.
In 2022, a tragic accident on the New Jersey Turnpike occurred when a Megabus overturned near the Thomas Edison Service Area in Woodbridge, killing two passengers and leaving 17 others injured. Among the survivors was Kimberly Clay, a passenger who alleges that she suffered severe injuries that have resulted in severe physical and mental pain, as well as extensive medical bills. Accordingly, Clay has filed a lawsuit seeking appropriate compensation for the harm she experienced as a result of the crash.
Bus companies have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers. This includes maintaining their vehicles in proper working condition, adequately training their drivers and adhering to all safety regulations. When these duties are neglected, the results can be catastrophic.
As part of her complaint, Clay alleges that Megabus and its corporate parent Coach USA failed to use proper care in the hiring and supervision of bus driver Eugene Naughton. Claims in other lawsuits arising from the Megabus crash state that Naughton had been in six previous accidents and incurred multiple moving violations. Allegations have also been made regarding the bus company’s awareness that the vehicle in question required repairs.
When a bus gets in an accident, particularly one where it rolls over, passengers are not just in danger of experiencing the common injuries associated with vehicle crashes, but also harm caused by secondary impact with other passengers or objects within the bus. Taking on a mass transit authority or a large private transportation line can be a serious challenge. If you or someone was hurt as a passenger in a bus or another vehicle, it’s time to hire a seasoned personal injury litigator.
Certified Civil Trial Attorney Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq. handles all types of passenger injury clams for clients in Morris and Sussex counties, as well as other parts of New Jersey. Please call 973-940-8970 or contact me online to make an appointment for a meeting at my Succasunna office if you or someone you love was hurt while riding in someone else’s vehicle.