[08-23-2023] San Bernardino County, CA – 13-Year-Old Student Injured Following Two-Vehicle Collision Involving School Bus in Yucca Valley

A 13-year-old student was injured after a two-vehicle collision involving a school bus in Yucca Valley on Wednesday afternoon, August 23, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at the intersection of Onaga Trail and Valley Vista Avenue at around 1:00 p.m.

A Morongo Unified School District bus carrying 28 La Content Middle School students was traveling on Onaga Trail, while a 2012 Nissan Murano was heading southbound on Valley Vista Avenue. The Nissan driver drove straight through a stop sign at the intersection and hit the school bus.

The young victim sustained minor injuries and was brought to a nearby hospital. The Nissan driver also suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

The students whose parents could be reached were picked up at the scene, while the rest were transported on a different school bus.

It is unclear if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision, pending an investigation.

Dedicated Bus Accident Lawyers in Yucca Valley, San Bernardino County

If you find yourself in a bus accident, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel immediately. Insurance firms or organizations linked to the bus company might attempt to convince you to agree to a lower compensation amount you’re entitled to.

Determining liability in bus accidents can be a challenge compared to car accidents. Numerous parties apart from the driver could share responsibility for the injuries incurred, leading to shared accountability for potential penalties.

You can rely on our most trusted San Bernardino County bus accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the guidance of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with your insurance claim or effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million for California clients.

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

What to Do After a Bus Accident

Bus accidents can devastate and cause significant injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, bus accidents are not uncommon, and they can involve various parties, such as bus drivers, bus companies, and other drivers on the road. If you or someone you know has been involved in a bus accident, it is essential to understand your legal rights and options. There are several steps you should take:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: Your health and safety should be your top priority, so seek medical help even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and it is essential to have a medical professional evaluate you.
2. Contact law enforcement: Call 911 and report the accident to the police. Please provide them with as much information as possible, including the accident’s location and any witnesses’ contact information.
3. Document the accident: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to your property or injuries sustained. That can be valuable evidence for your case.
4. Obtain the contact information of witnesses: Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Their testimony can be crucial in establishing liability and securing compensation.
5. Contact a bus accident lawyer: An experienced bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
6. Notify your insurance company: Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible, even if you were not at fault.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Bus Accident Statistics

During the period from 2006 to 2015, a total of 324,710 fatal motor vehicle traffic accidents were recorded. Among these incidents, only 1,172 cases (0.4%) were linked to transportation to and from school. These school-related accidents led to 1,313 fatalities throughout this timeframe, resulting in an average of 131 deaths yearly.

Within these figures, occupants of school vehicles contributed to 9% of the overall fatalities, while nonoccupants such as pedestrians and cyclists constituted 20%. Notably, a significant portion, approximately 72%, of the individuals who lost their lives in these accidents were occupants of other vehicles involved. A comprehensive breakdown of these statistics and additional details regarding the fatalities and injuries stemming from school-related transportation accidents can be found in Table 1.

Furthermore, it was observed that among school-age pedestrians aged 18 and younger who lost their lives in school-related accidents between 2006 and 2015, 102 cases were recorded. Among these fatalities, 61% were as a result of collisions with school buses, 3% were linked to vehicles operating as school buses, and 36% were due to other types of vehicles, including passenger cars, light trucks, vans, large trucks, and motorcycles that were involved in the accidents.