[09-28-2023] Santa Barbara County, CA – Five People Hospitalized After School Bus Collision in Santa Maria

Five people were hospitalized after a school bus and two-vehicle collision in Santa Maria on Thursday morning, September 28, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 7:32 a.m. at Betteravia Road and Rayville Lane.

The crash involved a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHS) bus, a sedan, and another vehicle. Eight Tanglewood students were on the bus, supposedly heading to Santa Maria High School.

Initial investigation reported the sedan collided with another vehicle turning left onto Betteravia Road, striking the bus in the front.

Authorities found a student with a minor shoulder injury as well as two adults and juveniles in a vehicle. They were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Another bus picked up the uninjured students to school.

The investigation is ongoing, and no current information is available regarding the condition of the victims.

Distinguished Bus Accident Lawyers in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County

Victims and their families may be eligible for compensation if a bus accident results in injuries or the loss of a loved one. A skilled legal representative will represent you during the legal proceedings to help you achieve maximum compensation.

We have a team of dedicated and experienced lawyers who can provide free consultations to discuss your case. A qualified professional will review your settlement offer and assist you with the necessary steps.

Obtain legal advice from our trusted Santa Barbara County bus accident lawyers specializing in car accident cases at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who will help you with your insurance claim or provide strong representation 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 lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After a Bus Accident in California

No one can predict a bus collision, but you can prepare for one. Having a bus accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a bus crash. It can tell you what to do and 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 in case the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision. Here’s what to do:

1. Stay Composed – Stay on the scene, check yourself for injuries first, and then check others.
2. Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can – Make sure your emergency flashers are on to help prevent further collisions.
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 with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other important details.
5. Do Not Admit Fault – Never admit fault, even to the police. Stick only to what happened when speaking with a police officer. 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 about the collision.
8. Talk to Insurance Adjusters – There is a possibility that 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. We 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

Bus Accident Statistics

According to Statista, California had 100,828 buses registered as of 2020. In the same period, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 176 bus-related deaths. School buses and transit buses were involved in 131 fatalities. The statistics remain high despite a reduction in incidents from last year (261 in 2019).

Many factors can contribute to an accident involving a bus. Seventy percent of school bus accidents between 2011 and 2020 were caused by other vehicle occupants, while pedestrians caused 16%.

Distracted driving by bus drivers or even jaywalking by pedestrians are two common causes of pedestrian accidents. It is important to become familiar with how bus accidents occur, whether you are walking or diving.