Bus accidents, more so than almost any other vehicle accident, carries the likelihood of multiple injuries. This is because despite all of its advantages in terms of carrying passengers–their large and sturdy frames, being carefully designed with passenger safety in mind—a bus usually has a large number of people onboard.
Thus, when a bus accident happens in California, these people can experience turbulence and jostling from the impact of the accident. So, while they may be safe from the external factors of an accident, they still have to deal with the internal factors of one.
One Dead, 11 Injured in San Bernardino County Bus Crash
A bus carrying at least a dozen people crashed on the 15 Freeway near Baker in rural San Bernardino County on the night of Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The accident, which occurred around 11:35 p.m. near mile marker 126, saw a bus overturn and eject several of its passengers onto the 15 Freeway, reported YourCentralValley.com.
Of the passengers, one was pronounced dead at the scene by the San Bernardino County Fire Department, which responded to the crash. 11 other passengers were injured, three of which were in critical condition and the other eight minor to moderate. Emergency crews on the scene worked to stabilize the more seriously injured passengers, providing advanced life support until additional crews arrived. Those passengers with moderate injuries were transported to a local hospital by ambulance, while four rescue helicopters transported the critically injured passengers by air to the hospital.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, but due to the amount of injuries, the crash is currently being classified as a “mass casualty incident.”
Maison Law Stands With Bus Accident Victims in California
Obviously, driving a bus is much different than driving a normal car. Not only do bus drivers have to factor in the immense size and weight difference, the sheer amount of passengers that they are responsible for can be enough to make a bus accident, like the one above, extremely serious.
In California, buses are held to the same standard as any other motor vehicle in terms of being liable for accidents. Thus, if bus drivers cause an accident due to negligence, they and the company they work for are liable for the damages. Not only that, but there are number of other potentially liable parties depending on what caused the accident, like:
- The bus company
- Manufacturers whose defective parts contributed to the accident
- The company that leased the bus
- Shippers or loaders of the buses
- Passengers on the bus that distracted the driver
- Maintenance personnel that worked on the bus
While every bus accident has its own unique circumstances, the reality is that if you’ve been involved in one in California, you will likely have suffered injuries or other damages. The extent of these damages can also vary depending on the accident, but the fact remains that you have a legal right to file a claim for damages against the bus driver or the company they work for, among other potentially liable parties.
California Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help You
At Maison Law, our team of experienced, knowledgeable California bus accident lawyers know how to help you if you find yourself in one of these unfortunate accidents. Whether it involves tracking down the liable party, or helping you file a claim for damages against multiple insurance companies, we can make sure you and your family get the support you need for your recovery.
To learn more, contact us for a free consultation.
