[04-05-2024] San Bernardino County, CA – One Person Killed, Another Severely Injured After Bus Vs. Vehicle Crash in Baker

One person was killed, while another was severely injured, after a bus vs. vehicle crash in Baker, San Bernardino County, on Friday afternoon, April 5, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal collision happened at about 1:05 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Interstate 15.

Reports indicate that a tour bus was struck by a white Dodge Ram for still unknown reasons. Upon arrival, officers found one person unresponsive and another suffering from serious injuries.

The former was declared dead at the scene after life-saving measures failed. Meanwhile, the latter was transported via a ground ambulance to a Las Vegas hospital after declining airlift due to adverse weather conditions.

The identities of the two victims were not immediately released. It is also unclear in which vehicle the two were occupying prior to the collision.

Additional information was not available, and authorities are still gathering all the necessary evidence to determine the factors leading to the incident.

Potential witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHP to assist with the investigations.

Award-Winning Bus Accident Attorneys in San Bernardino County

When a bus accident occurs, it may be possible to claim compensation for the victims and their families, especially if they were injured or lost a loved one in the accident. In any case, the best chance of achieving maximum settlement is by hiring a competent injury lawyer. Worry not, our San Bernardino County personal injury law firm is here for you!

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case with our dedicated injury lawyers. They are qualified legal professionals who will guide you through the necessary steps and consider all other factors affecting your settlement offer. Additionally, they can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.

Consult with our renowned San Bernardino County bus accident attorneys, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who will assist you with your insurance claim or represent you throughout these proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our California clients.

If you want to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After a Bus Accident in San Bernardino County

No one can predict a bus collision, but you can prepare for one. An accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a bus crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your contacts or written down if the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision.

Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a bus accident:

1. Get to a Safe Location – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions.
2. Stay Composed – Stay on the scene, check yourself for injuries first, and then check others.
3. Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. They can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
4. Exchange Information – Ask for the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other important details.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer,r but be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
6. Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital or your primary doctor immediately. Immediate medical care can help lessen the harm you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
7. Report to Your Insurance Company – Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Contact immediately and follow the agent’s directions for reporting the collision.
8. Speak to Insurance Adjusters – You may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company as soon as the day of the accident. If you wish to speak with the claims adjuster, do not provide any more information than is absolutely necessary. Consult an attorney before recording a statement or accepting an insurance settlement offer.
9. Create a File – Organize and maintain accident-related documents. A copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected should be included in your file.
10. Consult with our award-winning bus accident attorneys in California – We offer free consultations so that you can discuss your bus crash without risk or obligation. Our California bus accident attorneys can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Bus Accident Statistics

The number of registered buses in California was nearly 94,900 as of 2021, according to Statista. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records indicated 204 fatalities related to bus accidents during that same period, a concerning increase from the particular metric recorded from the previous year (164 in 2020).

In 2021, the FMCSA data shows that 80 school buses, 17 intercity buses, and 78 transit buses were involved in fatal crashes.

An accident involving a bus may have a variety of causes and consequences. In many cases, distracted driving on the part of the bus driver or even jaywalking on the part of the pedestrian is what causes these unfortunate incidents. Whether you are walking or diving, you need to know how bus accidents are caused.

From 2010 to 2021, school buses accounted for 37% of all buses involved in fatal crashes. 36% were transit buses, while 11% were intercity buses.