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Steve Kherkher - August 24, 2025
A tragic bus crash in upstate New York has left five people dead and dozens injured after a tour bus returning from Niagara Falls overturned on Interstate 90 near Buffalo. The incident has raised questions about bus safety, distracted driving, and the legal rights of victims and families affected by such devastating accidents.
When negligence contributes to a bus crash, survivors and grieving families may have the right to pursue compensation through personal injury or wrongful death claims. Below, the bus accident attorneys at Kherkher Garcia provide information for families who may need legal guidance following an accident.
On Friday, August 22, 2025, a tour bus traveling eastbound on I-90 in Pembroke lost control, veered into the median, over-corrected, and ultimately rolled down an embankment. The bus overturned, ejecting some passengers and trapping others inside. Five adults were pronounced dead at the scene, while nearly all other passengers suffered injuries ranging from minor abrasions to serious trauma.
The bus operator, a 55-year-old man, showed no signs of impairment, and state police confirmed there was no mechanical failure. Investigators believe the crash may have been caused by driver distraction and subsequent over-correction. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to investigate the incident further.
Bus crashes are less common than other motor vehicle accidents, but when they do occur, they often result in multiple injuries and fatalities. The sheer size and weight of buses mean passengers, as well as other motorists, are at high risk when an accident happens. Survivors often face long recovery periods, massive medical expenses, and emotional trauma.
While every case is unique, several common factors often play a role in bus accidents:
When a bus driver becomes distracted, even for a moment, the results can be catastrophic. Unlike smaller vehicles, buses require significant time and distance to slow down or maneuver safely. If investigators determine that distraction or inattention caused this crash, victims and families may have grounds for legal claims against the bus operator or the company employing them.
Victims of bus crashes and families who lose loved ones should consider taking the following steps:
Although no charges have been filed at this time, criminal proceedings and civil lawsuits are separate. Even if the bus driver is not charged with a crime, victims and families may still pursue civil claims for compensation. Civil liability focuses on negligence and responsibility for damages, not criminal guilt.
Injured survivors may file personal injury claims to recover compensation for:
An attorney can help ensure victims receive fair compensation and are not pressured into quick, inadequate settlements.
For families who have lost loved ones, wrongful death claims may provide compensation for:
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can hold negligent parties accountable and provide financial stability during a devastating time.
Liability may extend to the bus driver, the bus company, maintenance providers, or even third parties if another driver contributed to the crash.
An attorney can investigate independently, gathering witness statements, black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs to establish liability.
No. While official investigations can provide useful evidence, victims can begin pursuing legal action immediately.
Each state has a statute of limitations. In New York, for example, personal injury and wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years, though timeframes may vary depending on the circumstances.
At Kherkher Garcia, we understand the immense pain and hardship caused by devastating accidents like the recent New York tour bus crash. Our experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys have successfully represented victims of negligence, holding bus operators and companies accountable for the harm they cause.
If you or a loved one were injured in a bus crash, or if you lost a family member due to driver negligence, we are here to fight for justice on your behalf. Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Get started now by calling us at 713-333-1030. You can also request more information by completing our online contact form.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
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