While the actual number of school bus accidents in New York City stayed fairly constant over this past year when compared to figures collected in prior years, one report suggests that might change in the very near future. The report, released in August of 2019, found the number of school bus service interruptions (including those caused by vehicle breakdowns) increased by a massive 73% over the past four years. During the period between 2018 and 2019, there were over 109,000 service interruptions. While 60% of those were blamed on traffic congestion, nearly 10,000 of those were caused by mechanical failures.
When we send our children on the bus, we expect that the school or the school system is doing its utmost to protect them. However, with the system ferrying 150,000 kids on a daily basis over 9,000 routes, the potential for danger is very real.
Beside motor vehicle accidents, are the individuals operating these buses safe and reliable as we hope the actual vehicles are?
Last year there were nearly 1,000 allegations of misconduct filed by concerned parents against the drivers of these buses. An investigation found that only 9% of these allegations between January and June of 2019 deserved further investigation. But even 9% is not comforting -especially when young children at risk.
So, as a concerned parent, what can you do if your child is hurt in a school bus accident in New York City? Can you hold the private school or the City (if a public school is involved) responsible? What is your recourse if the bus is being operated by a private company?
Because there can be so many layers to the way school bus operations are organized in New York, finding your way through the financial recovery process after an accident or incident can be very confusing. That’s why you need an experienced school bus accident attorney in New York City on your side.
Contact the legal experts at the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel today. Call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation.