Eight high school students and their bus driver sustained injuries in a San Diego car accident after a school bus collided with another vehicle in Oceanside. According to an Associated Press news report, the collision occurred the morning of June 9, 2010. California Highway Patrol officials say the bus, which was carrying students from El Camino High School, crashed into a car and tipped over. One student was airlifted to an area hospital and another suffered broken bones. But none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. Police officials are still trying to determine who was at fault for the crash.

My heart goes out to the all the students who were injured in this horrific crash. I'm relieved to hear that none of the injuries was life-threatening. I wish all the victims here the very best for a quick and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.

School Bus Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 1996 and 2006, 96 school bus accidents occurred in the United States in which at least one occupant died. More than 50 percent of those crashes involved another vehicle. In the 41 single-vehicle crashes, 46 occupants, 14 drivers and 32 passengers died. In 53 percent of all crashes involving fatalities to occupants of school bus, the principal point of impact was the front of the vehicle.

Accident Causes

This news report does not offer much information about how or why this terrible crash occurred. There are still several questions here. But the big one is: Who was at fault here? If the driver of the other vehicle is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the injuries caused to the bus driver and the children. But if the bus driver's negligence or error is determined to have caused this crash, then he, the bus company and the school district could be held liable for the injuries caused.

Liability Issues

Victims and their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will examine all facets of the accident and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Would you agree that a majority of school bus injuries can be prevented if these buses were equipped with seatbelts?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.