It is often taken for granted that the road can be a dangerous place, but
rarely do we expect an auto accident to result in the sort of tragedy
seen on April 10th, 2014. When a FedEx truck crashed into a high school tour bus, it resulted
in 10 deaths and many more injuries that were inflicted upon students
from 16 different LAUSD schools. Although details of the events are slowly
being sorted out, many facts remain unclear and the legal ramifications
are just beginning.
Whenever someone is wrongfully injured or killed, it is only right that the victim or family receive fair compensation for all of the damages incurred. This is especially true, however, when the victims are students who were unequivocally not at fault. If this crash has personally affected you or your family, be sure to contact a competent auto accident attorney who is prepared to fight on your behalf.
The Accident
During spring break, three busses of students from Los Angeles were traveling north to an invitational recruitment program at Humboldt State University. One of the college’s recruiters, who would also be one of the victims, was with them. As the busses were traveling on a freeway, a large FedEx truck seemingly lost control as it crossed the meridian and struck the bus, also involving a Nissan Altima in the crash. Immediately following the accident, the vehicles were further damaged by a fire.
Nine were pronounced dead on the scene, including both drivers, the college recruiter, and six of the 19 students aboard the bus, with an additional victim pronounced dead at the hospital. Over 30 people received medical treatment for injuries.
Cause of the Crash
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine the precise cause of such an accident due to the chaos and damage that ensue. And with both drivers unable to recount the event, authorities must piece the story together through eyewitness accounts. However, in most cases, negligence can be placed on the driver, on a mechanical failing of the truck, or on another external influence
With truck drivers, multiple factors can play a role in negligent driving, which lead to possible avenues for investigation. How long had the driver been on the road? Was there a chance that fatigue played a part in the truck accident? When was the last time the vehicle had been thoroughly inspected? Could any of the truck’s parts have been overlooked, such as the tires or brakes? Even when the answers are unknown or ambiguous at first, it is necessary to gather as much information as possible early on.
Rightful Compensation
By consulting a personal injury attorney, you can seek compensation for the damages caused, whether for injuries or wrongful death. Although no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death suit allows grieving family members to offset the financial burden of such an accident, such as through:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical costs
- Loss of expected income (when applicable)
- Loss of care or nurturing provided by the individual
- Loss of companionship
- Compensation for pain and suffering
For those who are injured, compensation can also include ongoing medical care, loss of wages from missed work, and any necessary services as a result of injuries. In the event of gross negligence with dire consequences, which could arguably be the case here, punitive damages may also be sought as a way to punish the guilty party beyond that of normal circumstances.
Let Us Represent You in This Case
Larry S. Buckley understands the need for swift and effective counsel in matters such as these, and is ready to represent you or your. To learn more about how we can help you seek appropriate legal recourse and the compensation you deserve, contact our office today.