Amish Bus Accident New York: Amish Boy Injured In Kirkwood Minibus Accident After Falling Through Bus Window Onto Interstate 81 Freeway
KIRKWOOD, NEW YORK (December 15, 2019) – An Amish boy between the ages of 3 -5 years old was injured after he fell through the window of a minibus on the Interstate 81 Freeway in Broome County.
New York State Police are saying that the accident took place around 5:00 p.m. The young boy involved in the accident was part of an Amish group originally from Lancaster Pennsylvania.
The boy may have leaned on an emergency window when it gave way sending the young child tumbling out of the moving minibus. The driver of two vehicles saw what happened and turned around in order to help the young boy.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. He was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment and then released.
An investigation into the Kirkwood bus accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In New York Bus Accidents
Bus companies are considered “common carriers” under the law. As such, they are held to a very high standard in terms of driving safely. According to Squaw Valley Ski Corporation v. Superior Court, “The elevated standard of care for common carriers is “based on a recognition that the privilege of serving the public as a common carrier necessarily entails great responsibility, requiring common carriers to exercise a high duty of care towards their customers.”
Bus companies must do periodic maintenance on their buses including all of the windows. If a bus company fails to keep their bus in a reasonably safe manner and a child falls out of one of the bus’ windows they may be liable. Victims of window fall accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including broken bones, lacerations and organ damage. FMCSA guidelines require buses that can carry 16 or more passengers to carry at least $5,000,000 in liability insurance to help victims who are injured.
Any person that is injured in a New York bus accident may be able to seek damages through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, bus companies will often fight vehemently to deny liability for an accident. A bus accident attorney can investigate your case free of cost and make sure that you get the medical support that you deserve. It doesn’t cost anything to hire an attorney and they can make sure your rights are being protected.
Investigating A Kirkwood Bus Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the young child injured in this bus accident. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to the New York State Police. It is our sincere hope that measures are put in place to prevent additional incidents like this.