Lawsuits Filed In Connection To Deadly Orland Bus Crash
A horrific crash between a FedEx truck and a bus in April in Orland has led to at least 15 lawsuits against both FedEx and the bus company, according to the Los Angeles Times. The crash caused 10 deaths when the FedEx truck drove over the highway median and into oncoming traffic. The truck struck the bus head on, causing a large fire and smoke. Many of the people in the bus were high school students heading north from Los Angeles for a campus tour.
Truck Crossed Median
The crash occurred on April 10 in Orland in Northern California. A FedEx truck hauling two 20-foot trailers was driving southbound when it crossed a 58-foot median and went into oncoming northbound traffic. The truck first struck a Nissan Altima before striking the bus head on.
The drivers of the bus and truck were killed, along with three chaperones and five students. The driver and passenger of the Nissan survived the accident with minor injuries. According to the coroner’s office, most of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation caused by the fire that erupted after the crash.
Lawsuits Allege Negligence
Both FedEx and the bus company are now facing negligence lawsuits in relation to the crash, according to the Daily Breeze. The plaintiffs allege that the crash, which is still under investigation, was caused by the FedEx driver. They also claim that the bus company failed to provide enough emergency exits in order for passengers to escape.
According to witnesses, one of the students who died was trying to help other students escape from the bus. In total, the bus was carrying 43 students and three chaperones and was making its way from Los Angeles to Humboldt. Most of the lawsuits have been consolidated into a single case.
Auto Accidents
As the above story shows, car crashes, especially if they involve large vehicles, can be devastating for victims and their loved ones. While the above case is still under investigation, anybody who has been the victim of a car crash that was possibly caused by the negligence of another party should keep in mind that legal options are available.
While compensation after a car crash cannot change the fact that such a crash happened, it can at least help alleviate some of the pain and suffering endured by victims and their families. Anybody who has been involved in an auto accident should contact a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss possible options.