Calverton, NY (February 11, 2026) – A head-on collision between a mini-bus and a large SUV sent seven people to area hospitals Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred at the busy intersection of New York State Route 25 and Route 25A in Calverton shortly before 3:00 p.m. on 9th February, 2026.
According to the Riverhead Town Police Department, a mini-bus was traveling westbound on Route 25 when it collided head-on with a Chevrolet Tahoe. The Tahoe was reportedly heading eastbound from Route 25A as it attempted to merge onto Route 25. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles and triggered a large-scale emergency response from local fire and ambulance crews.
Five children—all passengers on the bus—were transported to various hospitals, including Stony Brook University Hospital and Peconic Bay Medical Center. The Shoreham-Wading River School District confirmed that at least one of the students was returning from a BOCES program. The bus operator and the driver of the Tahoe were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police Statement: “The investigation into the cause of the head-on collision remains ongoing. We are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage of the intersection at the time of the incident to contact Riverhead Police at 631-727-4500.”
School Bus Accident in New York
Head-on collisions, especially those involving school transports, present complex legal and insurance challenges. Because New York is a “No-Fault” insurance state, the initial medical expenses for the injured children and the drivers are typically covered by the insurance policy of the vehicle they were in, regardless of who caused the crash. However, in cases of “serious injury” as defined by New York law, victims may pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver to recover damages for pain and suffering.
In a head-on collision at an intersection, liability often centers on right-of-way and failure to yield. An experienced personal injury attorney in New York will help reconstruct the scene to determine the exact point of impact and vehicle speeds through the use of forensic experts. They also work to secure internal camera footage from the mini-bus to confirm the driver’s actions and investigate the SUV driver for signs of distracted driving or improper merging from Route 25A.
Legal deadlines in New York are unforgiving. While you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, the deadline to file for No-Fault benefits is only 30 days from the date of the accident. Furthermore, because a school district or a municipal BOCES program may be involved, a Notice of Claim must often be filed within 90 days to preserve the right to sue a government entity. Prompt action is essential to ensure medical bills are paid, and the long-term needs of the injured children are fully addressed.
If you have questions about your legal rights after a bus accident or a collision involving a school-age child, contact Stanley Law Office at 888-997-3889 for a free, private consultation. We are here to help you find the answers and support your family deserves.
