Three children in Salinas, California, were hurt in a school bus accident after a GMC Yukon SUV backing out of a driveway struck the bus. According to a news report in the Monterey Herald, the bus was making a turn onto East Bernal Drive from Rosarita Drive the afternoon of January 26, 2010, when it was hit by the SUV. California Highway Patrol officials said three children were found to have sustained neck injuries. The other children, the driver of the SUV and the bus driver were uninjured. An investigation is ongoing.

I'm glad that most of the children and the two drivers involved escaped injuries. My heart goes out to the three children who were injured. This incident could have been a lot worse. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. These children will be in my prayers.

School Bus Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 1996 and 2006, 96 crashes occurred in which at least one occupant of a school bus died. More than 50 percent of those crashes involved another vehicle. In the 41 single-vehicle crashes, 48 occupants, 14 drivers and 32 passengers died. In the 53 percent of all crashes involving fatalities to occupants of school bus, the principal point of impact was the front of the vehicle, as it was in this Salinas school bus accident.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, I trust officials are also looking into why the SUV backed out into the roadway without stopping for traffic. If there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, which caused or contributed to the bus versus car accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable for any injuries caused. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

Although the three school children did not suffer major injuries and the others are seemingly uninjured, I would strongly suggest that parents get their child thoroughly checked by their family physician for any internal injuries. If the accident victims need to undergo medical treatment or parents need therapy for their child, they will be entitled to compensation for those expenses. If parents of injured victims have any questions about their legal rights or options, they should call an experienced California personal injury lawyer for more information. The best personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.