Recently, a Ford Explorer traveling in Marlborough collided with a school bus pulling out of the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. Two passengers and the driver of the Ford Explorer involved in the car crash suffered injuries. The passenger with the more severe injuries was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center.
Thankfully, the bus was not full when the car collision occurred. There were only two people on the school bus at the time of the crash. They reportedly did not suffer any injuries.
The Marlborough police are currently investigating the accident, and the state police sent in a reconstruction team to investigate as well. The Marlborough Police detective did not know for certain if the passengers and driver of the SUV had their seatbelts on at the time of the accident. He indicated that both vehicles sustained a great deal of property damage.
At this point, there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident. It is unknown whether either driver was negligently operating his vehicle. Often, factors such as excessive speed, sleepiness, carelessness or distraction from cell phones can contribute to losing proper control of a vehicle. In addition, a driver under the influence of alcohol or other drugs can fail to be aware of their surroundings and thereby cause an accident.
If it is established that the bus driver was negligent in colliding with the SUV, the passengers can file a legal action against the negligent driver. Monetary damages for loss of wages, reimbursement of medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering can be recovered in this type of action.
Source: The Metro West Daily News, “Marlborough accident closes Rte. 85, two taken to hospitals,” Kendall Hatch, Nov. 6, 2012
