Driving in New York can be tricky, especially when the already narrow streets are blocked with construction barricades or delivery trucks. Those whose daily commute takes them through the city often find the trip too harrowing to make on their own, so they take advantage of public transportation. Additionally, sightseers may use tour buses to see the attractions without the stress of driving. Nevertheless, even these modes of transportation may not protect a passenger from an accident that leads to a personal injury claim.
Recently, a double-decker tour bus approached the Richard Rogers Theater around 9 a.m. For unknown reasons, the bus driver went over the curb onto the sidewalk and through several barricades. A box delivery truck was just pulling into a space along the curb when the bus crashed into it from behind, pushing the truck into a light pole. The truck then hit the police car that was parked in front of it.
Witnesses say the accident could have been tragic. The delivery truck stopped the momentum of the bus, which otherwise may have continued onto the sidewalk into a crowd of people. Fortunately, this did not happen, although there were injuries in the incident. In addition to the driver, whose legs were pinned under the steering wheel, two other people were transported to the hospital.
As the investigation into the accident continues, many aspects will be scrutinized, but fingers may point to the bus driver. However, there may be any number of causes for the accident, including a mechanical defect in the bus that prevented the driver from stopping. While the insurance provider for the New York tour bus company will certainly want more information as it considers any claims, the injured may file a personal injury claim against which the driver and his company have every right to seek legal assistance.
Source: New York Daily News, “Bus driver sparks 3-vehicle crash in front of ‘Hamilton’ theater“, Adam Shrier, Nov. 29, 2017