By Pendergast Law on February 24, 2015
A bus carrying a Washington high school basketball team was involved in a roll-over accident resulting in multiple injuries to the young passengers. According to a news report in The Seattle Times, the bus accident occurred near westbound Highway 104 and southbound I-5 in Mountlake Terrace. Officials say the bus was trying to merge onto 104 when it hit the curb and flipped over. Of the 16 occupants of the bus, 10 suffered minor injuries including lacerations. Ten people were taken to a nearby hospital for observation with non-life-threatening injuries.
Initial reports said that the 53-year-old Everett bus driver believed brake failure contributed to the crash. However, an inspection by the State Patrol found that the brakes were functioning properly. State Patrol is now reviewing footage from a video camera that was installed inside the bus.
This was a dangerous bus accident that easily could have resulted in serious injuries. It is vital that investigators get to the bottom of what caused the crash and what could have prevented the accident from occurring. If there was an issue with the brakes, a review of the inspection and maintenance schedule for the buses will be needed. If, however, mechanical failure did not contribute to the crash, it must be determined what caused the driver to turn into the curb. Investigators will have to evaluate the driver’s work history and whether or not the driver was fatigued, distracted or otherwise careless.
Whatever the cause of the crash, bus companies can be held accountable for the damages they cause. Injured victims should be offered fair and timely compensation for medical bills and other related damages. For many, getting adequate support from a bus company or school district often proves challenging.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington bus accident, do not wait to be offered fair compensation. Call a bus accident attorney right away and learn about how you can protect your rights and best interests.