School bus struck the pedestrian in a marked crosswalk in Hackensack
March 10, 2026 | Hackensack, NJ
A tragic collision claimed the life of 31-year-old Tima J. Asp from Lodi after a school bus struck her in a marked crosswalk at South Summit and West Pleasantview avenues.
Tima J. Asp, 31, died after a school bus struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk at West Pleasantview Avenue and South Summit Avenue in Hackensack.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on a Tuesday in March, when a J&W Financial school bus making a left turn onto South Summit Avenue from West Pleasantview Avenue failed to yield to Asp, who was legally crossing.
Asp was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but passed away from her injuries the following day. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office (BCPO) and Hackensack Police Department are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal pedestrian accident.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details of the incident include:
- Victim: Tima J. Asp, 31, of Lodi, NJ
- Location: Intersection of South Summit Avenue and West Pleasantview Avenue, Hackensack, NJ
- Date and Time: Tuesday, March 10, approximately 8:30 a.m.
- Vehicle Involved: J&W Financial school bus
- Outcome: Asp succumbed to injuries on Wednesday
Authorities report that the bus driver attempted the turn without ensuring the crosswalk was clear, leading to the crash.
Why Do Bus-Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Large vehicles like school buses pose significant risks to pedestrians due to their size and limited visibility for drivers. Common contributing factors in such crashes include:
- Driver distraction, such as phone use or external focus
- Fatigue from long routes or early starts
- Mechanical issues with braking or steering systems
- Inadequate training for handling oversized vehicles
- Failure to yield at intersections and crosswalks
According to Federal Highway Administration data, buses are involved in thousands of accidents annually across the U.S., often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for vulnerable road users like pedestrians.
New Jersey saw a sharp rise in pedestrian deaths, with 221 reported in 2024 by the New Jersey State Police—a 29% increase from the prior year. These statistics underscore the growing dangers on state roadways.
Factor |
Contribution to Bus Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Driver Distraction |
Up to 25% of incidents |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Visibility Limitations |
Common in turns and merges |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Pedestrian Fatalities in NJ (2024) |
221 deaths |
New Jersey State Police |
Annual U.S. Bus Crashes |
Approximately 60,000 |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights
Andrew G. Finkelstein, managing partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, provides a perspective on pedestrian collisions involving commercial vehicles.
“In cases such as this, driver negligence often plays a central role. Distractions like cell phones, rushing through intersections, or failing to scan for pedestrians can lead to devastating outcomes,” Finkelstein stated.
Key takeaways from legal analysis of motor vehicle accidents:
- Negligence by drivers of heavy vehicles frequently results in catastrophic harm to pedestrians.
- Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to victims to minimize compensation.
- Reconstructing the scene is vital to establishing fault and identifying all parties involved.
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death to address losses like companionship and emotional distress.
“When pedestrians are struck by buses, the consequences extend far beyond physical injuries, leaving loved ones to navigate profound grief and financial burdens. Consulting an attorney experienced in these matters ensures rights are protected against powerful insurers,” Finkelstein added.
Pending investigation results, Asp's family could explore options for compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit, covering aspects such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
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Newsline''s national legal analyst Andrew G. Finkelstein has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one need support, he’s available for a free consultation to help guide you.
(Andrew G. Finkelstein, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices to help you, please call 855-976-8163 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).