[05-19-2023] Kern County, CA – At Least One Child Hospitalized After Hit-And-Run Crash Involving Bus in Bakersfield

At least one child was hospitalized following a hit-and-run crash involving a bus in Bakersfield on Friday afternoon, May 19, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash temporarily blocked northbound Highway 99 traffic at the Buck Owens off-ramp.

Authorities stated that a bright green bus collided with a red Ford Explorer. At least one child was taken to the hospital, and the extent of the victim’s injuries is unknown.

No further information was revealed about the crash, the negligent person who fled the scene, or the possible number of victims.

The investigation is still underway; anyone with information should contact the authorities.

Trusted Bus Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, Kern County

Bus accidents need to be reported to an attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies or other parties involved in the bus industry may press you to minimize your compensation.

Bus accidents are more complicated than car accidents. Many other parties, in addition to the driver, may be held liable for your injuries.

You can count on our Bakersfield bus accident attorneys at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to conduct an immediate investigation to determine who is to blame. Our legal team will walk you through all procedures so your case has the highest chance of success.

If you have been injured in a bus accident in California, call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our website’s “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After A Bus Accident

Feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do after a car accident is common. However, taking special precautions to safeguard your health and legal rights is essential. These suggestions can help you maintain composure, assemble pertinent information, and seek compensation for any damages you may have sustained.

• Maintain your composure and ensure everyone’s safety. Before examining others for injuries, evaluate yourself first.
• Prioritize safety by towing disabled vehicles to the roadside. Turn on your emergency lights and relocate to a safe location while waiting for the police.
• Contact an emergency service: Call 911 and report the accident unless it was minor and no injuries or property damage were sustained. The police will document the incident and compile relevant information for an official report.
• Take photos of the automobiles, license plates, and other pertinent details involved in the accident. Do not assign responsibility, especially to the police.
• Contact your primary care physician or go to the hospital as soon as possible for medical assistance. Immediate medical assistance can lessen injuries.
• Inform your insurer of the following: Call your insurance company promptly to report the accident, and then follow the agent’s instructions to file a claim.
• Communicate with insurance adjusters by providing only the required information. Consult an attorney before accepting an insurance settlement offer or recording a statement.
• Maintain documents: Keep all accident-related documents, including the police report, medical invoices, and information on the other driver, in a single location. This will make it simple to monitor the status of your case and any subsequent legal proceedings.

Bus Accident Statistics

Bus accidents are more frequent than we typically believe. According to the data, California registered 100,828 buses in 2020. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 176 fatalities in bus accidents in the same year.

One hundred thirty-one of these fatalities involved school buses and public transit buses. Despite a decline from the previous year (2019), the statistics are still quite significant.

Various factors can contribute to bus collisions. According to the National Safety Council, between 2011 and 2020, occupants of other vehicles accounted for 70% of school bus-related fatalities, while 16% were caused by pedestrians. Distracted bus drivers and jaywalking are among the leading contributors to pedestrian accidents.