School Bus Accident in Charlotte, N.C. Injured Twelve

There was a serious school bus accident in Charlotte, North Carolina (N.C.) where twelve students were hurt. According to officials who were at the crash site, a truck slammed into the back of the school bus causing its occupants to require transport to local hospitals after the incident. The wreck occurred at 8:36 am on Freedom Drive in Mecklenberg, North Carolina (N.C.).

Kathleen Johansen, the school's spokesperson, indicated that eleven students and the bus driver were transported to the hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. She went on to say that many of the  students were complaining about neck and back pain along with obvious scrapes and bruises
from the rear-end collision.

I hope that all the students traveling in this bus have a speedy recovery and settle back into their normal routines as soon as possible. Although I'm not sure what was going on with the truck driver who rammed into the back of the unsuspecting school bus and all of its occupants, what I do know is that
more than likely he was not paying attention to what was in front of  him. As an injury attorney I understand that some might ignore a slight pain in the neck or a minor kink in the back, but these can signal a more significant injury.

I did a little digging around and found the actual Handbook for School Bus Drivers posted at the North Carolina Department of Transportation's own website. Here is exactly what they say to do in the event of a collision. I urge you to take a look at this short excerpt below. I find item number 7 interesting.

Collision Procedure

The driver must know and take steps to avoid further confusion, injury and
property damage in the event of a collision:


1. Stop. Vehicles should not be moved except by permission of the
    investigating officer.

2. Check each passenger and render first aid as necessary.

3. Evacuate the bus only if necessary.

4. Notify proper authorities.

5. Remain with the bus to gather necessary information for the collision report, such as names and license numbers.

6. Report all collisions regardless of injury, death, or property damage, in accordance with local policy.

7. Remember, any statement you make about the collision can be used in court. Do not discuss causes of the crash with others involved. Do not admit guilt; let the case be handled by proper authorities.



bm