Officials continue to investigate the causes of a recent northern California bus accident.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a recent bus accident that killed one person and injured dozens more may have been caused by driver fatigue. The bus, which was traveling from Los Angeles to Pasco, Washington, crashed about 100 miles short of the Oregon border.
Passengers reported that they felt like they were on a roller coaster as the bus slid down a highway embankment and overturned. Many passengers were crushed between the seats. One man was killed, and up to 30 passengers were injured. Representatives from Mercy Medical Center Redding reported that two severely injured passengers are now in stable condition, and three others are in fair condition. Two other victims are recovering at Mercy Medical Center Mount Shasta.
One of the reasons driver fatigue is suspected as a cause for this fatal accident is that this was actually the driver’s second bus accident of the trip. The CHP has confirmed that the driver had already caused a minor accident at a Denny’s in Red Bluff in which the bus collided with an overhang. This accident caused no injuries, but it does raise a concern as to whether the driver should have been permitted to continue on the trip.
For victims of bus accidents such as this one, there may be a potential for recovering damages via a personal injury lawsuit. Both the driver and the bus company could be targeted in a lawsuit. Certainly the bus company would be responsible for any accidents caused by their failure to adequately train their drivers, maintain their vehicles, or ensure that drivers comply with federal rules regarding hours of service.
In this case, the bus company, Yellow Arrow Lines, is complying with authorities’ efforts to paint as complete a picture of the circumstances leading up to the bus accident as possible. A spokesman has said that they are completing a voluntary compliance review which will be presented to authorities soon.
Although Yellow Arrow Lines has not had any prior accidents, the company does have a few blemishes on its record already. In March, Yellow Arrow Lines had its authority to operate revoked for two weeks due to failure to provide proof of insurance, and one of its drivers was taken out of service following a random inspection. The reason for the driver suspension has not been disclosed but it would have something to do with problems with the driver’s credentials, medical certificates, or driving log books.
We will be following this investigation with interest to see whether any of the victims decide to seek compensation.
