A serious bus accident occurred Thursday morning on the New York State Thruway near Syracuse, resulting in injuries to ten passengers. The incident happened at approximately 11:10 a.m. on the ramp from the eastbound Thruway to Interstate 81 in the town of Salina.
According to state police reports, a bus carrying 15 passengers rolled over after being clipped by a tractor-trailer. The bus had reportedly missed Exit 36 and was attempting to merge back into traffic when the collision occurred. While the tractor-trailer driver was uninjured, ten bus passengers sustained minor injuries in the rollover. The accident caused significant traffic delays, with Exit 36 being closed and eastbound traffic backed up approximately one mile by 12:40 p.m. For more details on this developing story, you can read the original report at https://www.syracuse.com/news/2025/06/10-injured-after-bus-rolls-over-on-thruway-near-syracuse.html.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
- Driver Error and Fatigue: Bus drivers may become fatigued from long hours, leading to poor judgment, delayed reactions, or difficulty maintaining proper lane position
- Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or other equipment defects can cause drivers to lose control of large commercial vehicles
- Improper Lane Changes and Merging: The size and weight of buses make lane changes more challenging, especially when drivers misjudge distances or fail to check blind spots
- Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, or poor road maintenance can make it difficult for heavy buses to stop or navigate safely
- Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, GPS navigation, or other distractions can take a driver's attention away from the road
- Inadequate Training: Insufficient training on handling large commercial vehicles or emergency situations can contribute to accidents
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Driving too fast for conditions or making sudden maneuvers can lead to loss of control, especially with heavy vehicles
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain brakes, tires, steering systems, and other critical components increases accident risk
When negligence contributes to a bus accident, injured victims may be entitled to legal compensation for their injuries and losses.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can result in significant personal injury claims due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles involved. Passengers often suffer serious injuries even in seemingly minor accidents because buses typically lack the safety restraints found in personal vehicles. When negligence contributes to a bus accident, multiple parties may be held liable for damages.
Potential liable parties in bus accident cases include negligent bus drivers, bus companies that fail to properly train or supervise drivers, vehicle manufacturers if defective parts contributed to the accident, maintenance companies that improperly serviced the vehicle, and other motorists whose actions caused or contributed to the crash. In cases involving government-operated transit buses, municipalities may also bear responsibility. Compensation in these cases can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care, rehabilitation costs, and in tragic cases involving fatalities, wrongful death damages for surviving family members. Each case is unique, and the specific circumstances will determine the available legal options and potential compensation.
Damages and Compensation in Bus Accident Cases
Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash. Understanding the types of damages available can help injured parties make informed decisions about their legal options.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses such as medical bills, hospital expenses, prescription medications, physical therapy, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. These damages are typically easier to calculate as they involve specific dollar amounts and documented expenses.
Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts of an injury, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. While more difficult to quantify, these damages recognize that accidents affect victims beyond just financial costs.
Future damages may also be awarded when injuries result in ongoing medical needs, long-term care requirements, or permanent inability to work. Expert testimony from medical professionals and economists often helps establish the long-term financial impact of serious injuries.
Compensation serves multiple purposes: restoring victims to their pre-accident condition as much as possible, holding negligent parties accountable for their actions, and deterring future careless behavior. The amount of compensation depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, the degree of negligence involved, the victim's age and earning capacity, and the strength of the evidence supporting the claim.
If you've been injured in a bus accident, documenting your injuries, medical treatment, and financial losses is crucial for building a strong compensation claim. Our experienced legal team can help evaluate your case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Seeking Legal Help After a Bus Accident
Bus accident cases often involve complex legal issues, including federal and state transportation regulations, multiple insurance policies, and corporate liability questions. Commercial bus companies and their insurance providers typically have experienced legal teams working to minimize their liability and reduce settlement amounts.
Having skilled legal representation is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation. An experienced bus accident attorney can investigate the cause of the crash, identify all potentially liable parties, gather critical evidence before it's lost or destroyed, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Time limits apply to personal injury claims in New York, so it's important to contact an attorney promptly after an accident. Early involvement of legal counsel can help preserve crucial evidence and witness testimony that may be vital to your case. For questions about your legal options, contact our team at info@porterlawteam.com or through our online contact form.
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Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The attorneys at Porter Law Group bring decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by serious transportation accidents. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts in courts throughout New York State, building a reputation as a statewide firm that provides personalized, hometown service to every client.
Our clients turn to us seeking guidance, answers, and results during some of the most challenging times in their lives. With seasoned trial lawyers on our team, Porter Law Group has the resources and expertise necessary to handle complex cases against large insurance companies and corporations that will fight to minimize your compensation.
We understand that you only get one opportunity to choose the right legal representation for you and your family. That's why so many clients and fellow attorneys recommend Porter Law Group – because we consistently deliver superior results while treating every client with the compassion and respect they deserve.
When you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a bus accident or other serious incident in New York, don't make a decision about legal representation without first speaking with Porter Law Group. Let us show you why so many clients are grateful they trusted us with their case during their time of greatest need.
Contact Porter Law Group for Your Free Consultation
If you've been injured in a bus accident in New York, don't wait to seek the legal help you need. The experienced legal team at Porter Law Group is ready to provide you with a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
We serve clients throughout all of New York State and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation.
Time is critical after any accident – evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories can fade, and legal deadlines must be met. Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of your situation. Call Porter Law Group today and let us begin fighting for the compensation and justice you deserve.
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.
