Last week, a bus driver returning to Queens from the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut reportedly lost control on southbound Interstate 95 in New Rochelle. According to Sgt. John Maasz of the New York State Police, the bus was traveling too fast on the wet roadway and hit a cement guardrail. The bus reportedly crossed three lanes of traffic and skid along the outer guardrail before coming to a stop. Following the crash, the bus driver and all 23 passengers were taken to area hospitals for minor injuries.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Robert Benz, emergency personnel who initially responded to the crash found the bus still skidding along the interstate guardrail without a driver. The bus was reportedly still in gear and rescue personnel had to board the motor coach in order to stop it. Some witnesses claimed that the driver, Wei Chen, jumped out of the bus after he lost control of the vehicle. Emergency workers reportedly found Chen on the ground approximately 300 yards away from the final stopping point of the bus. Chen was allegedly the most severely injured of the 24 accident victims.
The owner of the bus involved in the crash, Star Tag Bus Company, has reportedly received four unsafe driving violations over the past two years, including citations for driver fatigue and a citation for speeding in excess of 15 miles above the posted limit. Each recorded inspection of a Star Tag bus also allegedly resulted in at least one vehicle maintenance violation.
Currently, it is unclear whether the driver was ejected or jumped from the bus. Although no charges have been filed, the accident remains under investigation. If authorities determine that Chen jumped from the motor coach, reckless endangerment or other charges may be filed against him.
Last week's accident occurred only a few miles away from the site of a similar casino bus crash that killed 15 people in the Bronx last year. If you were injured while traveling on a casino or other bus in New York, you need a skilled personal injury attorney to help you protect your interests. Motor coach and other vehicle crash victims may be eligible to receive damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, suffering, pain, and related financial losses. If you were hurt as a result of a bus company's negligence, you need a capable New York personal injury lawyer on your side.
At Korngut Paleudis LLC, our hardworking White Plains personal injury attorneys are available to help clients who were hurt as a result of a driver's negligence receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. With more than 45 years of combined experience, our dedicated lawyers represent accident victims throughout New York. To speak with an experienced accident attorney today, please call Korngut Paleudis LLC at (212) 835-6768 in New York City. You may also contact our knowledgeable attorneys through the law firm's website.
Charges Possible Following Tour Bus Accident That Injured Several On I-95 In New Rochelle, newyork.cbslocal.com
Bus accident on I-95, by Luke Funk, myfox.com
24 hurt in New Rochelle tour bus accident, WABC-TV New York