Family of man killed by NJ Transit bus in Fort Lee files claim for $50M lawsuit
Jordan Miller, 56, was struck and killed by the bus on Jan. 10.
The brother of actor Jason Patric and grandson of actor Jackie Gleason was killed by a New Jersey Transit bus in Fort Lee in January.
On Tuesday, the family's attorney filed a claim for a $50 million lawsuit. They're also demanding changes within the transportation system.
That tragic incident happened on Jan. 10. According to Fort Lee police, an NJ Transit bus traveling north on Lemoine Avenue hit 56-year-old Jordan Miller while trying to turn left onto Bridge Plaza South as Miller was crossing. He was taken to Englewood Hospital and later pronounced dead.
Miller's 19-year-old son, Jack Miller, told News 12, “He worked in New York, and he did the same thing every day for over a decade. He went to grab the jitney, went to go across the bridge and then he took the subway to the port authority where he worked.”
The 60-year-old bus driver was cited by police for careless driving and making an improper left turn.
News 12's Amanda Lee sat down with Miller Estate attorney, James Lynch who said, "In this case, we know a driver who was experienced at New Jersey Transit made a left turn that was completely improper, endangering anyone on the streets."
Lynch said, "One of the things were looking for in this case also is to have New Jersey Transit look at their policies and procedures and training of drivers relative to left turns."
Jordan Miller's death is still being investigated by the Fort Lee Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff's Office.
His family says they were shocked because Miller was known to be happy and physically fit.
Jack Miller told News 12 that his father "Loved his life, loved my mom, he loved me, loved his job, loved it. He couldn't talk about it enough and was just someone who really lived life to the fullest."
The state of New Jersey has six months to evaluate the claim. If they don't settle within that time, Lynch says they will file a proper lawsuit.
Jordan Miller worked in customer service at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Police say there were no passengers on the bus during the time of the crash.
