Queens Bus Driver Investigated for Fatal Hit-and-Run

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is responsible for one simple task: Transporting people safely from point A to point B. While they might have accomplished this goal relatively easily in previous decades, increasing numbers of people are becoming injured while using this government-funded service. Some are even losing their lives. Recently, it was reported that an MTA bus driver was being investigated in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Queens. What can you do if you were injured in a Forest Hills bus accident?

Police Continue to Investigate Fatal MTA Bus Accident 

In August of 2024, police announced that they were continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to a pedestrian death in Queens. The 31-year-old victim was crossing the road at about 10:30 PM when she was struck by an MTA bus. The bus driver allegedly failed to stop. Although paramedics were relatively quick to arrive at the scene, there was not enough time to transport the victim to hospital. She died within hours of suffering critical injuries.

One has to wonder whether the victim might have survived if the bus driver had stopped. What if the bus driver had pulled over and offered aid? What if the bus driver simply called 9-11 – ensuring the fastest possible assistance for the injured pedestrian? The hit-and-run seems incredibly strange, especially when you consider the fact that MTA drivers are supposed to be professionals.

Predictably, the bus driver was quickly suspended by the MTA. However, no arrests have been made. Putting potential criminal charges aside, the MTA may face a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of the victim. Even though the bus driver may have committed an offense on a personal level by failing to stop, they still represent the MTA. The victim’s loved ones may hold the MTA accountable, especially if they can prove that their hiring practices were negligent.

What if the victim was jaywalking at the time of the offense? This could affect the amount of liability incurred by the MTA. However, it does not prevent a wrongful death lawsuit. New York is a “pure comparative negligence” state, which means that plaintiffs can sue even if the deceased individual was 99% responsible for their own passing. One might argue that fleeing the scene is an act of reckless negligence in its own right.

 Key Takeaways 

• Bus accidents – particularly those involving the MTA – continue at a worrying pace
• People often attempt to flee accidents if they know they are to blame
• Many hit-and-run suspects are eventually caught and brought to justice

Find an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in Forest Hills 

If you were injured in a Forest Hills bus accident, you may have various legal options. You can discuss these options by contacting a New York personal injury lawyer at Cohan Law, PLLC – an established personal injury law firm in New York. We are well aware of the dangers posed by buses – and we may be able to help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages. Reach out today to get started with an action plan.

Sources: 

nydailynews.com/2024/08/16/mta-bus-driver-being-investigated-for-deadly-queens-hit-and-run/

qns.com/2024/08/southeast-queens-woman-identified-ten-days-after-struck-killed-mta-bus/