WSOC-TV has reported an accident involving three vehicles, including a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school bus, a dump truck, and a passenger car. The crash took place on Sharon Road West at Sharonbrook Drive as the bus was heading to South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC.
At around 6:30 a.m., just east of South Boulevard, rescue units arrived to find a three-vehicle accident. A passenger car, a small dump truck, and a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school bus collided for unknown reasons. Forty high students were aboard the school bus at the time of the crash. At least 15 children were injured, along with the bus driver. Metal mangled by the impact pinned in the bus driver and tow truck driver. Firefighters took 30 minutes to free the bus driver and one hour for the tow truck driver to be removed from the vehicle. The students and bus driver were listed in stable condition with minor injuries, but the tow truck driver sustained life-threatening injuries.
Attorney contributor Kristen Beightol is an experienced school bus accident attorney in North Carolina. Kristen often represents injured victims of bus and truck accidents. During a recent discussion, she addressed when victims injured in school bus accidents could file a lawsuit to recover compensation.
"Several variables can differentiate school bus and tow truck accidents from typical car accidents. The nature of the accidents itself is one factor. Additionally, buses and tow trucks are larger and heavier. Buses can carry more people than most other vehicles. As a result, these accidents are more likely to result in injuries than car accidents. When a bus crashes with another vehicle, it is important to determine the fault of the accident when victims are injured. Too often, the cause may be the negligence of more than just the driver. A third party, such as the bus manufacturer, the school transportation company, and the other driver, may be held liable for damages caused by the collision. Multiple variables can contribute to school bus accidents. These can include driver error, defective items, and poor vehicle maintenance. If the other driver was at fault, their employer might also be held responsible."
"Although legal action after a tragic accident will not undo the victim's injuries, it can sometimes offer financial relief to obtain the necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation care. By retaining an experienced bus accident lawyer, victims can ensure they get the justice they deserve. Their legal representative will conduct a thorough examination to identify who could be held accountable."