New Jersey police are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that recently occurred in Jersey City. An 11-year-old boy was walking to school when he was struck by a jitney bus. When car accidents prove fatal, criminal charges may be filed against those believed responsible. In this particular case, the bus driver was arrested shortly after the incident and is facing several charges for his role in the crash.
According to reports, the victim was crossing the street at Kennedy Boulevard and Neptune Avenue when he was struck by the bus. Authorities believe that a delivery truck parked on the side of the road made it difficult for both the victim and the driver to see each other. The bus is said to have hit the child and dragged his body across the intersection before coming to a stop. The child was taken to a medical center for care, but his injuries were simply to great to overcome.
The driver of the bus did remain on scene after the accident occurred. He was arrested and has since been charged with causing death while driving with a suspended license. He was transported to an area detention center and bond was set in his case at $50,000.
People who live near where this accident occurred claim that speeding is a very real problem in the area. However, police have not indicated whether speed was a contributing factor in this particular case. Following fatal car accidents, determining if negligence contributed to such events is necessary, though, not always easy. In this case, if negligence can be established against the bus driver and/or his employer, the child’s family may be able to achieve compensation for their losses through successfully litigating a wrongful death claim in a New Jersey civil court.
Source: CBS New York, “Boy, 11, Dies After Being Struck By Bus In New Jersey“, Oct. 14, 2016