Despite laws established to protect young people as they get on and off of school buses, serious accidents involving students continue to occur. In some cases, the victims of these incidents suffer catastrophic injuries. While many of these collisions occur because motorists ignore the rules designed to increase safety around school buses, a recent New Jersey lawsuit alleges that a negligent bus driver is also to blame.
Chiara Jones, an 18-year-old Arts High School senior in Newark, had just stepped off her school bus shortly past 10 p.m. after returning from a cheerleading competition in the southern part of the state. While crossing the street, she was struck by a car. According to reports, the suspected driver, 33-year-old Mia’Jah Burton, fled the scene without stopping. Burton was arrested nearly a month later and now faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injuries.
According to her lawsuit, Jones suffered catastrophic injuries in the accident, which have necessitated months of hospital treatments and confined her to a wheelchair. In addition to Burton’s alleged negligence, the complaint claims that the bus driver did not activate the bus’s red flashing lights or extend the arm holding the sign directing nearby vehicles to stop. This failure might have contributed to the accident.
Many times, more than one party bears fault for an incident that causes a serious injury. Someone who is working in school transportation must be especially aware of the danger that exists if safety protocols are not followed. New Jersey drivers are required by law to stop for school buses displaying red flashing lights and a stop arm. Bus drivers, in turn, must ensure these safety devices are in use when students are boarding or exiting their vehicle.
Chiara Jones’s family is now facing not only the emotional toll of her injuries but also potentially significant medical and legal battles. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often face extensive recovery periods, mounting healthcare bills and uncertainty about their legal options. In cases like this, victims and their families may have the right to pursue legal action against negligent parties, including the driver and, potentially, the school district or bus company, for failing to uphold safety standards.
Seigel Law in Ridgewood represents victims of hit-and-run accidents as well as collisions involving school buses. We have extensive experience securing successful results in complex cases where New Jersey plaintiffs have suffered catastrophic injuries. Please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.