Syracuse Bus Accident
Lawyer

Bus accidents can result in devastating injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. When these collisions are caused by negligence, persons who are injured and family members of those who are killed have the right to pursue compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Syracuse, understanding your legal rights is essential to securing the financial damages you deserve.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents in Syracuse and throughout New York happen for various reasons. Driver error remains one of the leading causes, including fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield the right of way. Commercial bus operators are required to adhere to strict federal and state regulations related to hours of service. Still, violations do occur, particularly when drivers exceed allowable driving hours without adequate rest.

Mechanical failures also cause bus accidents. Poor maintenance, brake system malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering defects can cause bus drivers to lose control. Bus companies have a legal duty to properly maintain their vehicles, ensure driver training, and conduct regular safety inspections. When they don’t, they can be considered negligent, and accidents can happen.

Weather conditions also pose a threat to bus operators in Central New York. Snow, sleet, ice, heavy rain, and reduced visibility increase the risk of collisions. Other contributing factors include improper loading of passengers/luggage and dangerous road conditions like fallen debris, gravel, and oil slicks.

Bus Accident Statistics

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), tracks data on large trucks and buses through multiple reporting systems, including the Fatality Analysis Reporting System maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Bus accidents represent a significant public safety concern across the United States.

Nationally, thousands of people are injured in bus-related crashes each year. According to NHTSA data, school bus crashes alone resulted in approximately 13,200 injuries annually during a recent 10-year period. There were 976 fatal school bus accidents resulting in 1,082 deaths during this period—an average of 108 fatalities per year.

In New York State, buses and large trucks are involved in hundreds of crashes annually. The state has implemented comprehensive safety regulations and monitoring systems to reduce these incidents. However, when accidents do occur, they often result in multiple casualties due to the number of passengers buses carry and the size disparity between buses and other vehicles.

Examples of Syracuse Bus Accidents Where Passengers Were Injured

Syracuse has experienced several significant bus accidents that resulted in passenger injuries, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns surrounding public transportation:

• Pickup Truck-Bus Collision: A pickup truck became partially lodged in a Centro public bus after it swerved and crashed into the bus. Several passengers sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals. The bus driver suffered chest pain and was taken to Crouse Hospital. The collision happened when the pickup driver swerved off an exit ramp to avoid stopped traffic and struck the bus, which was stopped at a traffic light.
• Coach Bus-Car Accident: A collision occurred involving a coach bus and a car at Harborside Drive and Destiny USA Drive. A 69-year-old man driving the car suffered injuries to his legs and hip and was taken to Upstate University Hospital. The bus had 24 passengers on board at the time.
• Megabus Bridge Collision: A double-decker Megabus traveling from Philadelphia to Toronto struck a low railway bridge in Syracuse, killing four passengers and injuring many others. The bus was carrying 29 people, including seven Canadians. All survivors were injured, with several requiring hospitalization. The impact crushed the top level of the bus where the fatalities occurred.
• Niagara Falls Tour Bus Crash: While not in Syracuse proper, this accident affected Central New York residents. A tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls with 54 people aboard crashed and rolled over, killing five passengers and injuring more than 40 others. Most passengers were not wearing seat belts.

Syracuse Hospitals Treating Bus Accident Survivors

When bus accidents occur in Syracuse, injured victims typically receive emergency treatment at one of three major hospital systems:

• Upstate University Hospital (750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210) serves as the region’s only Level I trauma center. This designation means the hospital maintains the highest level of surgical care for trauma patients and operates 24-hour coverage by specialized trauma surgeons.
• Crouse Hospital (736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210) has operated since 1887 and maintains 506 acute-care adult beds. The hospital serves more than 56,000 emergency services visits annually.
• St. Joseph’s Health Hospital (301 Prospect Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203) provides 451 inpatient beds and has been recognized as a top hospital in the Syracuse metro area by U.S. News & World Report. The facility, part of Trinity Health, offers comprehensive emergency services.

Dangerous Roads in Syracuse Where Accidents Happen

Several roadways in Syracuse experience significantly higher accident rates than the statewide average, creating hazards for buses and other vehicles:

1. Interstate 81: This major north-south corridor through downtown Syracuse has been identified as one of the 15 worst urban highways in America by a 2021 Congress for the New Urbanism report.  The elevated viaduct section experiences accident rates more than three times the statewide average.  Approximately one accident occurs every day on a single one-mile section of I-81 through Syracuse.
2. Teall Avenue and Burnet Avenue Intersection: This busy four-way intersection requires vehicles to merge with traffic exiting Interstate 690. The intersection sees higher-than-average accident rates due to complex traffic patterns.
3. Erie Boulevard: This east-west commercial corridor experiences high accident rates due to the constant mix of through traffic and drivers slowing to access businesses. The boulevard is lined with shopping centers, restaurants, and gas stations, creating conditions ideal for rear-end collisions.
4. West Fayette Street and South West Street Intersection: This intersection has been the site of multiple fatal accidents and poses significant safety risks. Following several crashes in a short period, many people are concerned about traffic control and visibility at this downtown intersection.
5. Interstate 81/Interstate 690 Interchange: This intersection and surrounding areas experience an accident rate that’s five times the statewide average. The complex interchange requires rapid lane changes and merging, creating dangerous conditions, especially during peak traffic hours.

Catalano Law Will Fight for Your Rights After a Bus Accident

At Catalano Law, our skilled and experienced bus accident lawyers fight to protect our clients’ legal rights. If you have been injured in a bus accident in Syracuse, taking prompt action is essential.

Bus accident cases often involve complex liability issues and multiple responsible parties. A personal injury attorney at our firm can conduct a thorough investigation, negotiate with insurance companies, retain expert witnesses when necessary, and pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Understanding your rights under New York law is our job, and we will pursue legal action on your behalf while you focus on your medical recovery. Our caring legal team treats clients with compassion and respect because we know you’ve been through a very difficult experience. Our work speaks for itself, as do the outstanding results we’ve achieved.

To find out more about how we can help, contact us for a free initial consultation.