The victim has been identified as Amira Aminova, a Brooklyn resident. The collision occurred shortly after 3 p.m. at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Bath Avenue, a time when children and families are routinely crossing local streets after school.
The video below reviewed by investigators shows Amira standing at the corner with the right of way before entering the crosswalk as a school bus made a turn. Police allege the bus failed to yield to the pedestrian and that the driver did not exercise due care. Sun glare and the size of the vehicle were cited by a witness as potential contributing factors—conditions that experienced commercial drivers are trained to anticipate and manage.
Amira was transported to Maimonides Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities say the 62-year-old bus driver did not remain at the scene and was located by police several hours later elsewhere in Brooklyn. The driver now faces charges including failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care.
What This Case Raises for School Bus Safety in NYC
School buses operate under heightened legal responsibilities in New York City, particularly during pickup and drop-off hours:
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Duty to Yield and Maintain Vigilance: Bus drivers must anticipate pedestrian movement, especially children who may act unpredictably near intersections.
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Visibility and Turning Protocols: Large vehicles require strict adherence to mirror checks, turn speeds, and sightline management—sun glare and blind spots are known risks that demand additional caution.
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Post-Crash Obligations: Drivers are required to stop, render aid, and remain at the scene following a collision.
When these standards are not met, civil liability may extend beyond the individual driver to include employers, contractors, or other responsible parties.
Legal Options for Families After a School Bus Crash
In the aftermath of a fatal school bus accident, families may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to address the full scope of losses, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and the long-term impact of a child’s death. These cases often involve complex investigations, video evidence, driver history, and safety-policy compliance.
Because evidence can disappear quickly, prompt legal review is critical.
Contact Experienced NYC School Bus Accident Attorneys
Fatal school bus crashes demand immediate, high-level investigation. Video footage, vehicle data, driver records, and safety protocols must be preserved before critical evidence is lost.
Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf has represented families of pedestrians across New York City in some of the most serious and high-stakes injury claims and wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles, including school buses. The firm’s trial attorneys are known for holding drivers, contractors, and institutions accountable when preventable failures lead to catastrophic harm.
If your child or a loved one was injured or killed in a school bus accident in Brooklyn or anywhere in NYC, time matters.
Call 212-943-1090 for a free consultation or contact us online to speak with NYC school bus accident attorneys experienced in complex pedestrian and child-injury cases.