The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., Calls for Nationwide Seatbelt Laws and Stronger Safety Reforms After I-90 Bus Crash

ROCHELLE PARK, N.J., Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following Friday's devastating bus crash on the New York Thruway (I-90) that injured dozens, including New Jersey residents, new and left communities across the Northeast reeling, Michael J. Epstein, trial lawyer and managing partner of The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., is calling for urgent changes in bus safety laws and regulations.

In a new article, The Road Ahead After the I-90 Bus Crash: Why a Robust Investigation Is Critical, Epstein outlines the immediate steps investigators must take—and the long-term reforms needed to prevent future tragedies.

"Families put their trust in bus companies when they board a coach. That trust demands accountability," said Epstein. "A tragedy like this must not end in grief alone—it must drive thoughtful and meaningful change."

The Path Forward: Key Safety and Policy Reforms
Epstein highlights four crucial reforms to strengthen passenger safety nationwide:

Uniform seatbelt laws: A nationwide requirement that passengers wear seatbelts on motorcoaches, eliminating the dangerous patchwork of state rules.

Better passenger education: Clear, mandatory safety briefings by tour operators, modeled after airline protocols.

Stronger company accountability: Regulators must ensure that operators with poor safety records cannot continue unchecked.

Investment in safer bus design: Beyond belts, improvements in rollover protection, shatter-resistant windows, and reinforced roofs can save lives.

The Importance of a Thorough Investigation
Epstein also stresses that a full and transparent investigation is the first step to justice. That includes preserving physical evidence from the bus, reviewing driver health and fatigue records, collecting black box data, and securing witness testimony. Attorneys for victims often send "spoliation letters" to ensure that critical evidence is not lost.

Accountability for Victims and Families
For those injured and the families who lost loved ones, Epstein underscores that legal action is not about blame—it is about accountability, answers, and systemic change. Lawsuits in cases like this often uncover failures in training, maintenance, or regulatory oversight that must be addressed industry-wide.

A Call to Action
"This crash shows why safety on America's highways should not depend on what state a bus is driving through—or how seriously a company takes its obligations," Epstein added. "We need consistency, accountability, and reform now."

About The Epstein Law Firm, P.A.

Founded by Barry Epstein over half a century ago, our firm values every client equally. With decades of experience as exceptional personal injury and civil trial lawyers, we are dedicated to mentoring the next generation while delivering personalized, honest communication. We stand by our clients at every step, committed to their pursuit of justice. 

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SOURCE The Epstein Law Firm, P.A.