DOS PALOS, CA (May 26, 2022) – A pedestrian was killed on Wednesday morning after being run over by a farm labor bus according to ABC 30 News.
Police were called around 3 a.m. at Almond Street and Elgin Avenue where the accident occurred.
The driver was said to be pulling out of his driveway in the bus when he felt that he’d run over something. He stepped out of his vehicle to see what it was and discovered a person had been run over. Authorities suspect the person may have been sleeping under the bus.
Further details are being withheld and it is unknown whether the victim was male or female or how old they were.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
Liability In Dos Palos Bus Accidents
Buses are among the safest forms of transportation that a person can take. But they do pose a number of safety hazards for people in passenger vehicles and pedestrians. For example, buses have large blind spots that can easily obscure the presence of pedestrians in the roadway. Buses also weigh substantially more than passenger vehicles. Even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic injuries. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to bus accidents including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver fatigue
- Inclement weather
Buses are considered “common carriers” under the law and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. According to the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions, “Common carriers must carry passengers [or property] safely. Common carriers must use the highest care and the vigilance of a very cautious person. They must do all that human care, vigilance, and foresight reasonably can do under the circumstances to avoid harm to passengers[or property].” When a bus driver is negligent and hits a pedestrian they could be held at fault through a civil claim. Victims of bus accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any person that is injured in a school bus accident may be entitled to financial compensation. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A school bus accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. There are, however, statute of limitations associated with civil claims. Failing to act within the statute of limitations may result in a permanent forfeiture of your rights.
Investigating A Dos Palos Bus Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our best wishes to the pedestrian killed in this Dos Palos bus accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent similar collisions.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a bus accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they are entitled to under the law. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (888) 395-7234.