Just after 7 am on Friday, May 31st, a bus operated by Santa Cruz Metro collided with six other vehicles when it encountered standstill traffic on Highway 17. The bus was traveling along its route from Santa Cruz to its next stop in Diridon/Downtown San Jose when it came upon unexpected traffic in the northbound left lane of Highway 17. The bus was unable to stop in time and collided with six other vehicles, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The CHP reported that four people were injured in the collision, including the bus driver. All those who were injured were transported to a local medical facility.
Common Injuries In Bus Accidents
Bus accidents differ from car accidents due to the difference in size and weight between a car and a bus. Buses are heavier and larger, which means the force of the impact they deliver in a collision can cause more severe damages and injuries. Additionally, buses have the ability to carry a large number of passengers, so there is an increased likelihood of multiple injuries from a single accident.
Some common injuries sustained in a bus accident may include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: sudden jerks or stops can cause the neck to snap back and forth, leading to whiplash, which involves damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck.
- Head and Brain Injuries: passengers can suffer from concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skill fractures due to the impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: the force of the collision can cause herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis if the spinal cord is severely damaged.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Limbs, ribs, and other bones can break due to the impact of the accident or from being thrown inside the bus.
- Cuts and Lacerations: broken glass, sharp metal, and other debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations which may lead to complications.
- Internal Injuries: blunt force trauma can result in internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs.
- Psychological Trauma: accidents can lead to psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression.
Injuries can vary in severity depending on the specifics of the accident, including the speed of the bus, the speed of the other vehicles involved, and the nature of the collision. Emergency medical attention and follow-up care are crucial for addressing both the immediate and long-term effects of these injuries.
Obtaining Compensation For Injuries Sustained in A Collision
Depending on the circumstances of the collision, victims involved may be able to file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation for the damages and injuries they sustained. This can include compensation for things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Temporary or permanent disability
- And more
“The crash that occurred Friday morning in Santa Cruz is unfortunate, and we hope that all those who were involved have a swift recovery,” says Brett Schreiber, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “we believe it is important that the victims involved know they may have legal recourse and could consider contacting a personal injury attorney to learn more about their options.”
If you or a loved one have been involved in a bus collision contact the Santa Rosa car accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber to learn how they may be able to help. Call (415) 635-0533 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com.
