13 Killed in California Bus Crash
On Sunday, October 23, 2016, at least 13 were killed and dozens more injured after a tour bus ran into a tractor-trailer.
What Happened?
California Highway Patrol authorities said that the bus was on its way to Los Angeles on Interstate 10 when it ran into the tractor-trailer at around 5:00 a.m. Most of the passengers who were killed were in the front of the bus, which was coming back from the Red Earth Casino. Injuries among 31 others were said to be moderate to mild. The tractor-trailer driver was injured in the collision, while the bus driver was unfortunately killed.
What Went Wrong?
Details surrounding the incident are still uncertain, and it is not known if driver fatigue, drugs, or alcohol contributed to the fatal bus accident. Authorities said that the bus was “traveling significantly faster than the tractor-trailer” upon impact, but said that traffic was slow due to maintenance workers in the area. There was not believed to be any fog when the crash occurred.
Desert Regional Medical Center
One doctor at Desert Regional Medical Center said that plastic surgeons were set to operate on some of the injured passengers. He said that most of the victims were not wearing seatbelts and suffered facial injuries as opposed to broken bones from being thrown around the bus upon collision.
Investigations Underway
An investigation by California highway authorities and the National Transportation Safety Board is ongoing. The bus was reported to have passed inspection in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
We extend our condolences and best wishes to the friends and loved ones of those who passed away and to those who were injured in the incident.
Bus Accidents and Resulting Legislation
Safety while driving is important to all Americans, and most traffic crashes and fatalities see a large truck involved in the incident. California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation in 2014 that mandated emergency lighting in buses built after 2020, in response to a crash between a FedEx truck and a bus of high school students.
A separate bus crash in San Francisco resulted in legislation that would have authorities work to increase the number of tour bus inspections.
California Bus Accident Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyers
My office has a team of committed injury attorneys who understand how devastating the aftermath of a bus crash can be, and are ready to commit our state-of-the-art resources to help you recover.
If you or your loved one has been hurt in an accident involving a bus, automobile, or any other vehicle, please give me, Attorney Ed Smith, a call at 916-921-6400 or 800-404-5400 for free and friendly advice.
I’ve been working for over 34 years to ensure that citizens are properly compensated for their serious personal injury and wrongful death claims. I’m also a member of the Million Dollar Forum, which consists of trial lawyers whose settlements and verdicts are worth over US$ 1 million.
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:KB