A serious motor vehicle accident in Lockport has left a 15-year-old student hospitalized with severe leg injuries and resulted in multiple criminal charges against a teenage driver. The incident occurred on September 4, 2025, just before 7 a.m. on Beattie Avenue in the Town of Lockport, when a 17-year-old driver allegedly left the roadway, traveled through a front yard, and struck a parked vehicle in a driveway.
The impact caused the parked vehicle to hit the 15-year-old student who was waiting for his school bus. Both the injured student and the driver were transported to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) for treatment. According to investigators, the teenage driver showed signs of drug impairment at the scene, and toxicological samples were taken for analysis. During their examination of the 2004 Ford Explorer, state troopers discovered two unfinished ghost gun lower frames. The 17-year-old driver now faces serious charges including Assault in the 2nd Degree, Vehicular Assault in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, and several Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was arraigned at Niagara County Court and remanded to jail on $100,000 cash bail. You can read more details about this incident in the original news report.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Student Bus Stops
This tragic incident highlights the serious dangers that students face while waiting for school transportation. Motor vehicle accidents near school bus stops can occur for several reasons:
- Impaired driving - Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications that affect judgment and reaction time
- Distracted driving - Texting, talking on phones, or other activities that take attention away from the road
- Excessive speeding - Driving too fast for road conditions, especially in residential areas and school zones
- Reckless or aggressive driving - Making dangerous maneuvers, tailgating, or disregarding traffic laws
- Fatigue and drowsiness - Operating a vehicle while tired, particularly during early morning hours when students wait for buses
- Poor vehicle maintenance - Mechanical failures such as brake problems or tire blowouts that cause drivers to lose control
- Weather-related factors - Rain, snow, ice, or fog that create hazardous driving conditions
- Inexperienced drivers - Young or new drivers who lack the skills to handle emergency situations
When negligence on the part of another driver, vehicle manufacturer, or other party contributes to an accident, injured victims and their families may be entitled to pursue legal compensation for their damages and losses.
Personal Injury Claims for Motor Vehicle Accidents in Lockport, New York
Motor vehicle accidents like this one can result in devastating consequences for victims and their families, often leading to significant personal injury claims. In cases involving serious injuries to minors, families may pursue compensation for immediate medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation costs, lost future earning capacity, and the profound physical and emotional trauma experienced by young victims.
Potential liable parties in motor vehicle accidents may include negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers (in cases of defective parts), municipalities (for dangerous road conditions), and in some cases, establishments that served alcohol to impaired drivers. Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in the most tragic cases, wrongful death damages. While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by a serious accident, successful legal action can provide crucial financial support for recovery and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Damages and Compensation in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
Economic Damages include quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, hospital expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future earning capacity. These damages also cover property damage to vehicles and other personal belongings.
Non-Economic Damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. For young victims, these damages may include the long-term impact on their development and future opportunities.
Future Losses are particularly important in cases involving serious injuries to minors, as they may require ongoing medical care, therapy, and accommodations throughout their lives. This can include future surgeries, assistive devices, home modifications, and educational support.
Compensation calculations require extensive documentation including medical records, expert testimony, employment records, and evidence of how injuries have affected daily life. The purpose of legal compensation extends beyond financial restoration—it serves to hold negligent parties accountable and deter similar dangerous behavior in the future. An experienced personal injury attorney can help families navigate the complex process of building a strong case and negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
For families dealing with serious injuries from motor vehicle accidents, seeking experienced legal representation is essential. The consultation process allows families to understand their rights and options during an incredibly difficult time. If you need immediate assistance, you can reach our team at info@porterlawteam.com to discuss your case.
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The attorneys at Porter Law Group bring decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by serious motor vehicle accidents. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts in courts throughout New York State, combining the resources of a state-wide firm with the personal attention of a hometown practice.
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Get the Legal Help You Deserve After a Motor Vehicle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in New York, don't wait to seek experienced legal representation. The skilled attorneys at Porter Law Group are ready to provide the guidance and advocacy you need during this difficult time. We offer free initial consultations and serve clients throughout all of New York State.
Time is critical in personal injury cases, as evidence must be preserved and legal deadlines must be met. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. Let our experienced legal team put our knowledge and resources to work for you while you focus on recovery and healing.
Call 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. Time may be limited for filing your claim, so reach out today to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.
