When people drive around New York, they probably rarely notice the signs that appear on overpasses and other structures that warn them of the clearance level available.  That's because most people do not drive vehicles where clearance would ever be an issue.  However, those who drive double-decker buses must be wary of all clearances in order to avoid disaster.  Tragically, disaster is exactly what occurred on Saturday as a double-decker bus crashed into an overpass that was too low for the vehicle, killing four people.

According to New York State Police, this fatal New York bus accident occurred on Saturday morning at approximately 2:30 a.m. on the Onondaga Lake Parkway in Salina near Syracuse.  The bus, which was a tour bus that was carrying 20 people, was too tall to fit under an overpass, and the vehicle smashed into the structure, ripping off part of the top of the vehicle and pushing and peeling it backward.  For unknown reasons, the bus was off course at the time, and authorities are still gathering statistics regarding the number of people who were injured.

New York Car Accident Statistics

First, we'd like to offer our condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed, and we hope that those who were injured are able to recover from their pain and suffering quickly.  In addition, this fatal New York bus accident will only add to the overall statistics regarding New York traffic accidents state-wide.  Every year, approximately 187,000 people are injured and more than 1,200 are killed in these occurrences.

New York Tour Bus Accident Lawyers

Based on the facts available, it seems that there was some form of negligence present on the part of either the driver, the tour company or both, but more facts would need to be uncovered before such a determination could be made with finality.  Regardless, the families of those who were killed and those who were injured could file New York personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against the bus company.  If these claims were successful, the plaintiffs could be compensated with damages that help them recover their losses for medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been injured in this type of incident, you need the help of New York personal injury lawyers who have been holding negligent drivers and their employers when proper accountable for the harm they have caused.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.