Liability still to be established in Times Square bus crash

By now, many of you may have heard about the serious bus accident in Times Square that injured at least 15 people. The crash occurred just days ago when a Gray Line bus crashed into a double-decker tour bus then jumped the curb, travelling along the sidewalk before coming to rest at the edge of the plaza.

Although the driver of the Grey Line bus, a 58-year-old man who police say has a history of license suspensions due to administrative infractions, was initially arrested on an impaired driving charge, he was released recently. Police say they are awaiting the results of a full toxicology report before they decide whether to move forward with prosecution.

Although the driver insists that he is innocent, it’s important to point out that there are a number of things that can impair a driver besides alcohol and drugs, both of which were not found in the driver’s system after the crash. Everything from driver fatigue to prescription medication can interfere with a person’s ability to drive, making them a danger on the roadway.

If a driver is aware of these dangers and decides to drive anyways, their actions could be considered reckless or negligent. This can lead to civil litigation, especially in serious accidents where there are injuries or deaths.

Though it’s unknown from reports, it’s possible that this could end up being the case with this most recent crash. The victims on the bus as well as any pedestrians who were injured when the bus travelled along the sidewalk may be entitled to compensation if they decide to take legal action. Of course, because liability does not appear to have been established in this case at this time, it’s difficult to say where this compensation will come from.

Source: The New York Times, “Bus Operator Arrested in Times Square Crash Is Released,” Matt Flegenheimer and Marc Santora, Aug. 6, 2014