Tragic Accident Sparks Lawsuit: Newark Cheerleader's Family Seeks Justice

The parents of a 19-year-old Newark cheerleader, Chiara Jones, who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident earlier this year, have filed a civil lawsuit against the school district's board of education and other entities. The lawsuit alleges that the school and transportation authorities failed to enforce essential safety procedures, contributing to the tragic event that left the young student with life-altering injuries.

Seeking Accountability and Closure in a Heartbreaking Tragedy

Tragic Incident and Ongoing Struggles

On February 4th, Chiara Jones, an 18-year-old Arts High School student, was returning to her school campus after a cheerleading competition in Toms River. As she exited the school bus, she attempted to cross the street, but the law firm representing her family alleges that the bus driver failed to activate the required safety measures, such as the red flashing lights and stop arm. Consequently, Chiara was struck by a passing sedan, whose driver then fled the scene.The impact of the collision left Chiara with a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and the loss of several teeth. She was initially in a coma, and while she has since regained consciousness, she remains confined to a wheelchair or bed, requiring full-time assistance for even the most basic daily tasks. Chiara's ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation efforts have been a testament to her resilience, but the road to recovery has been arduous.

Seeking Accountability and Justice

The decision to file the civil lawsuit came after the Lynch Law Firm, representing the Jones family, obtained what they described as "substantiated additional pertinent facts related to the tragic evening with disturbing new video evidence." The lawsuit names the Newark Board of Education, the high school, the school district, the bus company (Best Choice Transportation), the county, the state, the school bus driver, and the driver who allegedly hit Chiara as defendants.According to the law firm, "There are many who bear responsibility in this absolutely heart-wrenching tragedy." The attorneys argue that both the bus driver and the sedan driver were "reckless in operating their vehicles," and that the school and education authorities were "grossly negligent by failing to properly enforce and supervise essential safety procedures with bus disembarkation."

Ongoing Legal Battle and Potential Implications

The civil lawsuit was filed on Monday in Essex County Superior Court, marking the latest step in the Jones family's pursuit of justice and accountability. The lawsuit comes after the law firm filed a notice claim against the same parties in March, and the subsequent failure to reach a settlement between the parties.A spokesperson for the Office of the General Counsel, which represents the Newark Public School District, has stated that the office does not comment on pending litigation. However, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, not only for the Jones family but also for the broader community and the safety protocols in place for student transportation.As the legal battle unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that Chiara Jones and her family receive the support and justice they deserve, while also highlighting the importance of prioritizing student safety and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions or inactions.