A few days ago, a school bus accident occurred in Yorktown, Westchester County, involving five high school students and an SUV.
The collision took place on Route 132, between Barger and Wildwoods streets, shortly before 9:30 a.m. The impact severely damaged the front of the bus, though the students on board only suffered minor injuries and were taken to Westchester Medical Center with non-life-threatening conditions.
The bus driver was hospitalized for observation. Unfortunately, the SUV driver is in critical condition, potentially due to a medical issue that may have caused the crash.
Understanding Your Rights After a School Bus Accident It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention following a school bus accident, even if no injuries are initially apparent. Trauma-related injuries, such as those from whiplash, can appear days after the incident.
In the Yorktown accident, understanding who is liable is crucial for any potential legal action. The SUV driver’s condition suggests a medical emergency may have been a factor.
Liability could depend on whether this condition was known or should have been recognized by the driver, which complicates negligence issues. However, if the medical emergency was unpredictable, establishing fault becomes more difficult.
The Role of a School Bus Accident Attorney A lawyer specializing in school bus accidents can be a critical resource by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation, including reviewing police and medical reports and gathering eyewitness testimonies.
- Determining liability with solid evidence.
- Managing insurance claims and negotiations to ensure fair representation.
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Settlements for minors may also cover future medical costs and potential long-term impacts.
Given the possibility of medical emergencies, expert medical testimony is vital to determine whether such an episode could have been foreseen and its effect on the driver’s control of the vehicle.
The incident in Yorktown underscores the unpredictability of road accidents and the complex legal and medical issues they can invoke.
Those involved in similar situations should consult a specialized attorney to safeguard their rights and secure appropriate compensation.
Contact Oliveri & Schwartz for any questions relating to these types of accidents at 212-987-1100.
