School Bus Driver Faces Criminal Charges After Hitting 11-Year-Old Girl in Brooklyn

Parents are voicing renewed concerns over the safety of school buses after a major accident in Brooklyn. The crash has claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl, and it shows how dangerous school buses can be in New York. What if your child was injured in a Brooklyn school bus crash? Can you pursue compensation with help from an experienced bus accident lawyer?

Police Say 11-Year-Old Girl Had the Right of Way Before School Bus Collision 

In February of 2026, CBS News reported that an 11-year-old child had lost her life after a school bus collision in Brooklyn. Officials say that the girl was walking across a crosswalk at the time of the collision, and she had the right of way. The school bus driver was reportedly attempting to make a turn when he struck the small child and killed her.

This driver claims to have been completely unaware of the impact, and he continued driving until police officers pulled him over. He now faces charges of failing to yield and failing to exercise due care. However, police neglected to charge him with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, presumably believing his story about not noticing the impact.

Surveillance footage shows that before the school bus driver began his right-hand turn at the intersection, the girl was already in the middle of the crosswalk. From the footage alone, it seems surprising that the school bus driver did not notice the girl before running her over. This criminal investigation is obviously in its early stages, and the authorities will probably try to determine whether the bus driver might have been distracted at the time.

Like so many school bus drivers in New York, this individual was an elderly person in his 60s. Investigators may also look into the man’s health, especially any signs of vision problems or cognitive decline. That said, some observers have noted that glare from the window could have obstructed the driver’s view. Because school bus drivers sit much higher than the road, various objects may have also made it difficult to see the girl. He has no prior arrests and a clean driving record, according to various sources.

Understanding the Civil Case: Vicarious Liability

A motorist, including a school bus driver, could bear criminal culpability for a crash. Still, it is a civil case, not just the criminal case, that is key for getting justice for the victims and their family. In New York, school bus accident claims often turn on vicarious liability. Under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 388, the owner of a motor vehicle is liable for injuries caused by the negligent operation of that vehicle by a permissive driver. If the bus driver acted within the scope of employment at the time of the crash, the employer or bus company may be held liable under respondeat superior.

In other words, the focus in the civil case is often not truly on the individual driver. It is on the entity. From a legal perspective, that distinction matters. A claim may proceed against the private bus contractor, the school district, or both, depending on ownership and contractual relationships. If a municipal entity is involved, strict procedural rules apply. A Notice of Claim must generally be served within ninety days. Families need to talk to a New York City attorney right away. A thorough investigation of the accident is a must. Claimants must still prove negligence to bring a successful case. A criminal charge (or conviction) could be relevant.

Key Takeaways

• A school bus driver is under arrest after hitting an 11-year-old girl in Brooklyn
• Parents may be able to sue school districts if their children become injured in crashes like these
• Vicarious liability is a key legal concept to be aware of in school bus accident cases

Can a School Bus Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn Help Me?

If your child was injured or killed in a school bus accident, consider speaking with an experienced bus accident lawyer in Brooklyn. These legal professionals are well aware of how dangerous school buses have become in New York, and they may be able to guide your family toward closure and compensation. Contact Cohan Law, PLLC today to learn more about your next potential steps. With an office in Brooklyn, we handle school bus accident claims throughout the region.

Sources: 

cbsnews.com/newyork/news/11-year-old-girl-killed-brooklyn-school-bus-driver-charged/

abc7ny.com/post/11-year-old-girl-struck-killed-school-bus-brooklyn-identified-driver-charged/18552778/