Almost a dozen people have been injured in a devastating bus crash on I-10 near Highway 603. The Hancock County bus accident occurred in the afternoon of Friday, April 5, 2024. According to multiple sources, the bus was carrying 59 passengers, mainly students from the University of South Carolina, when the wreck happened. The driver and a student on the bus were critically injured in the crash. Bus accidents can happen at any time and on any roadway. Because buses traditionally transport a large number of people, a crash can cause numerous injuries. If you have been hurt in a Mississippi bus accident, you need to contact an attorney to discuss your rights. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., our attorneys can help guide you through the process and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
What Happened in the Mississippi Bus Crash?
According to WLOX, 11 people were injured in a Mississippi bus crash on Interstate 10 in Hancock County. The charter bus was carrying 59 passengers, all but three were students from the University of South Carolina. The students were members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. The fraternity members were reportedly headed to a formal in New Orleans when the crash occurred.
While the underlying cause of the accident remains unclear, witness accounts reported by officials indicate that the bus suffered a tire blowout. The loss of the tire caused the bus to become unstable, causing it to lean on two wheels. When the bus landed back on all of the wheels, the impact caused the windshield to burst and the bus to hit the concrete barrier. The driver of the bus was ejected, resulting in significant harm. In addition to the driver, a passenger was also critically injured.
While the two critically injured individuals were airlifted to a hospital, nine other passengers were also hospitalized. Multiple agencies responded to the accident and are investigating the crash.
What Causes Most Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents may be caused by a number of factors. In many instances, the bus crash may be the result of negligence. Negligence may be caused by an individual, a company, or both. Common parties that may be held liable after a bus crash include the truck operator, truck company, another motorist, or a government entity.
Leading causes of bus accidents:
- Speeding or traveling too fast for road conditions
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to yield
- A defective truck part
- A defectively designed road
It can take several months to collect the evidence necessary to prove your case. It is essential to work with an attorney who can subpoena the documents and other information that may help to substantiate your claim. Evidence that may be helpful in proving your case includes the safety logs of the driver, eyewitness testimony, and any surveillance videos.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
If you are injured in a bus accident, it is strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the often complex claims process. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may be eligible for compensation. Compensation in a bus accident case may include coverage for losses related to your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and more.
Working with Schwartz and Associates
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our attorneys are well-versed in helping bus injury victims secure the compensation they deserve after an accident. Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
