At least five people were killed and more than two dozen injured when a charter bus suddenly veered off the highway and
crashed into a support pole in Northern California, slicing the bus in half. The
California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the pole went through the center of the
bus, stopping at the first rear axle. Wreckage and debris, including seat
cushions, drink containers, pillows and a blanket, were scattered in lanes and
on the shoulder of the highway. Some of the injured were trapped for hours;
others were ejected and lying in a ditch. Of the 30 people on board, only four
escaped unscathed. Fifteen passengers suffered serious to critical injuries,
five with lost limbs. The 57-year-old bus driver was among those who sustained
critical injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The
bus, registered to Autobuses Coordinados,
was
en route from Southern California to Sacramento at the time. The crash happened
just outside Livingston where the bus was due to change drivers. Its final
destination was Washington State.
The investigation will take a substantial amount
of time to determine the cause of the crash. CHP officials said there were no signs of brake marks at
the scene, indicating that the driver crashed into the poll at full speed. Moments
before the crash, it appeared the driver was trying to pass another vehicle
that he apparently expected to yield, but it would not let him merge, according
to one passenger. In addition to looking into potential driver carelessness and
recklessness, investigators will also consider speed and driver fatigue. Apparently,
the bus was running late for its 1:30 a.m. driver switch in Livingston; the crash
happened shortly before 3:30 a.m. Relatives of the bus driver said he had
been distraught over the recent death of his wife and hadn’t been sleeping
well, but they insisted he would never have driven if tired. Investigators have
been unable to interview the driver due to the extent of his injuries.
Additionally, the bus will be inspected to see if any
equipment malfunctioned. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration listed
the carrier as having a "satisfactory" rating as of May 17. The bus
was inspected in April and had three violations, including an unequipped or defective
brake warning device. That violation was not further described, and there was
no indication whether each of the items had been fixed.
Out of such tragic stories, which we read about far too
often, we also see hope and a quest for change. One way is through a personal
injury or wrongful death lawsuit. While we at Lawsuit
Financial understand the physical
and emotional pain these victims and their families are experiencing, we also
know that it is imperative that they consult an experienced attorney as soon as
possible to understand their rights. In such cases, the injured victims, and
those that lost a loved one, can seek compensation for medical expenses,
including hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, funeral expenses, and
other damages. Such a lawsuit will inevitably be a long process between the
final investigation report and a settlement. For victims under financial
duress, lawsuit funding
can help.
Lawsuit funding is available to pay the mortgage/rent, medical
and funeral expenses, utilities, groceries, and any other important bill or
expense while waiting for a settlement to be reached. A lawsuit cash advance
gives plaintiffs a strategic advantage by providing leverage against the
insurance company so they don’t have to settle too soon, for too little.
A lawsuit cash advance has many advantages over a
traditional bank loan. It begins with a simple one-page application and basic
documentation to determine case strength. We do not require a credit check,
employment verification, or collateral of any kind. There are no upfront fees
or monthly payments; repayment is made from the proceeds of the settlement so
there are never any out of pocket expenses. Most importantly, funding is on a no-risk
basis. If the case is lost, repayment of the cash advance is completely waived.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a bus
accident, it is important to contact an attorney to help recover compensation
for your loss. When you need help with life’s necessities, contact Lawsuit Financial. Our lawsuit funding services are designed
to provide quick cash when you need it most. When you know your bills and
expenses are covered, it is much easier to fight for justice.
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