At least 14 passengers were injured in a bus accident after a Greyhound bus ran off Highway 99 in Tulare County. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, the incident occurred the morning of October 19, 2016. The bus carrying about 30 passengers veered off the southbound lanes of the highway near Traver and drove across a frontage road and into a field.
Ongoing Investigation
Fourteen people including the driver suffered injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Officials are still looking into why the bus went off the road. Alcohol or drug use was not considered as a factor, California Highway Patrol officials said. The bus drove through two fences and clipped a cotton transport bit. The bus had left Sacramento early that morning and was headed to Los Angeles.
Passengers said they were asleep when the accident occurred. Several said they heard screaming and upon waking saw other passengers “flying all over the place.” One passenger said it appeared to him that the bus driver was eating and collapsed as he drove off the highway. He said the driver seemed like he was getting dizzy when he lost control of the bus. Injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals. But no one suffered life threatening injuries. The investigation is still ongoing.
Causes and Compensation Issues
Based on this news report it appears that the driver may have fainted or blacked out while driving. There are a number of questions here. Was the driver fatigued or suffering from exhaustion at the time? Did the driver have known health issues? Was his employer aware of those issues or problems?
In such cases, injured passengers can seek compensation from the bus company for the injuries and damages they have suffered including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering and emotional distress. If you have been injured in a bus accident, be sure to get your name in the police report and obtain a copy of any police reports relating to the incident for your files.
Save your bus ticket. If possible, take photographs of the accident site and injuries sustained. Write down contact information for anyone who may have witnessed you getting injured. Get prompt medical attention, treatment and care for your injuries. Contact an experienced California bus accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and fight hard to protect your legal rights and best interests.