A woman was seriously injured and two children sustained minor injuries following a crash involving a school bus on Highway 17 in Santa Cruz County on Monday morning, May 19, 2025.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 9:50 a.m. on the southbound side of Highway 17 near Scotts Valley.
A 67-year-old woman from San Jose was driving a Mini Cooper when she rear-ended a Blue Bird school bus and then veered off the roadway, striking a tree.
The driver of the Mini Cooper was transported to Valley Medical Center with major injuries. The bus was carrying two adults and 24 children at the time of the crash. Two of the children sustained minor injuries, according to CHP.
The cause of the collision is under investigation. Authorities have not determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.