Paramus, NJ (May 23, 2025) – A school bus carrying staff members but no students crashed on May 20 in Paramus, injuring a 58-year-old adult aide. The incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Farview Avenue near Our Lady of Visitation Church. The bus, owned by Leckie Bus Company, struck multiple utility poles before coming to a stop.
The driver, a 63-year-old woman from Hackensack, was transporting the aide and a nurse from Carlstadt when the accident happened. According to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti, officers responded swiftly, managed traffic control, and provided medical support. The aide was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for evaluation. The nurse declined further treatment at the scene, and the driver was reportedly uninjured.
Authorities confirmed that the bus was en route to collect four students with autism from New Bridges Middle and High School, a specialized school under Bergen County Special Services. Fortunately, no students were on board at the time of the crash. Utility crews from PSE&G were called in to handle the damaged poles, prompting a temporary closure of Farview Avenue. The bus sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
We hope the injured aide experiences a full and quick recovery.
Bus Accidents in New Jersey
Each year in New Jersey, transportation accidents involving buses pose serious safety concerns for both passengers and drivers. Although school buses are statistically among the safest forms of travel, incidents involving them can still lead to serious injuries. In 2023, dozens of bus-related injury crashes were recorded across the state, many of which involved private or special services vehicles.
Bus crashes can result in a variety of challenges for victims and their families. Here’s a closer look at common consequences of school bus crashes:
- Occupational Injury for Bus Staff: Aides, nurses, and drivers often sustain injuries while performing their duties. Whether it’s from a sudden impact or being jolted within the vehicle, these professionals can face time off work, medical bills, and physical therapy needs.
- Psychological Impact: Even in cases where physical injuries are minimal, being involved in a crash—especially one en route to pick up vulnerable students—can cause anxiety, trauma, or stress. Some may need counseling to work through these effects.
- Delays in Student Transportation: Crashes involving special services buses can disrupt the transportation routine of students who rely on structure. Rescheduling, alternate transport, and staffing changes are often necessary after such incidents.
- Property Damage and Repairs: Utility damage, vehicle replacement, and cleanup costs add significant strain to the agencies and companies involved. These factors often lead to insurance complications and operational setbacks.
- Investigation and Compliance Review: A bus crash can trigger an in-depth investigation into driver training, maintenance records, and company practices. This process is essential for improving safety but can also uncover lapses that might lead to fines or policy changes.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a crash involving a bus or commercial vehicle, it’s important to reach out to a bus accident attorney right away. Legal guidance is vital in helping injured individuals navigate medical care, insurance claims, and potential long-term compensation. It also ensures your story is documented accurately and your rights are preserved.
At Metro Law, we’ve supported victims across New Jersey for nearly four decades. Attorney Robert A. Solomon and our compassionate team are ready to listen and fight for justice on your behalf. Whether the case involves personal injury, vehicle accidents, or complex claims, our mission remains the same: support the injured and seek fair results. We offer evening and weekend appointments, speak Spanish and Portuguese, and we’ll meet you where you are. Call Metro Law today at 800-469-6476 for a free consultation. We’re proud to be the voice of those who need it most.
