Seventeen children were injured in a Fresno school bus accident the afternoon of August 24, 2010. According to an Associated Press news report, the injury crash occurred when the bus driver, 25-year-old Shaneka Love, struck a tree while backing up in a parking lot. The seventeen students were treated for minor injuries resulting from the collision. The news report states that Love decided to take the children back to school after a "commotion broke out" on the bus that had just left the campus. Many children sustained cuts and bruises. None of the injuries is believed to be life-threatening. Love has been put on a paid leave of absence while officials investigate this school bus accident.

I am relieved that no one was seriously hurt in this bus accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the many children injured in this bus crash.

Fresno Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 33 people were killed and 1,485 people were injured in Fresno car accidents. During the same year, 127 people were killed and 3,323 people were injured in Fresno County traffic collisions.

What Caused this Bus Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not clear what caused this school bus crash. Was the driver flustered because of the commotion on the bus? Was she unable to handle the students? Was she distracted or driving recklessly? Was she under the influence? Was she negligent in any other way at the time? I trust officials will be looking into these and other issues in order to determine whose fault this accident was.

Liability Issues
If this accident was the bus driver's fault, then, the bus company and the school district could be held liable for the personal injuries caused to the students. Buses are considered "common carriers" and that includes school buses, city buses and charter buses. Common carriers have an "utmost duty of care" to their passengers.
The injured victims and their families in these types of accidents could claim compensation to cover medical expenses, injuries, financial losses, pain and suffering. In such cases, it is highly advisable to wait a full year before settling a claim. Students have at least two years to file a lawsuit to preserve their legal rights. Students under 18 years of age have two years from their 18th birthday. However, please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency such as a city or a school district must be filed within 180 days of the accident, under state law. An experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

What safety measures should school districts take to keep their children safe on school buses?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.