Bus Crash Kills 10 People
The Valhalla High School Student that was lucky enough to survive a bus crash that killed ten people, opens up about the horrible crash.
Harley Hoyt is one of the only two students that survived the bus crash. The accident took place on Interstate 5 when a FedEx truck slammed into the bus.
Harley’s excited to be home.
Harley’s dad stayed with him and stayed by his side as he returned home. As Harley arrived home, he was thankful and said a silent prayer.
Harley’s journey home hasn’t been an easy one. It’s been a long journey filled with flashbacks of the crash that led to the death of ten people.
Harley opens up about the bus crash
One guy, his name was Michael. He was with his fiance and he was just like the life of the party. He was coming around talking to every single person…didn’t single out any one person.
Michael and his fiance, Mattison were both chaperons on the trip and also died. The three chaperons on the trip was eager to show the senior students around their new home next year, they were taking a tour of a college that they were all accepted into.
Harley reflects about that day
Everyone on our bus was having a great time. No thoughts, no worries in the world.Once we impacted, the front of the bus caught flames, there was smoke all through the bus, smoke started coming. As I looked up to my left, I was like trying to be coherent and I looked to my left after I bit through my lip…the FedEx truck was already on fire…our bus was on fire, so the first instinct was I have to survive. I have to get off this bus.
Harley was sitting close to the emergency exit. Luckily, he was able to pull the lever and climb out the window. Others were quick to follow him. Harley said that he had fallen on the ground after he got out of the bus then people started to fall on each other.
Harley was reunited with his parents the next day. Harley received a cut lip, smoke inhalation, and received injuries to his arm from the glass and asphalt.
Harley’s Dad is Thankful for his life
There’s a mission for this kid right here. He’s an angel.
Harley is making his mission for now, to encourage and talk to the other survivors as well as other kids to hopefully inspire them to not give up on their college dream. He claims he is going to try to live his life to the fullest now and remember all those people who do not have that chance now.
Harley speaks about the victims
They’re in my prayers…all the families, I just hope they find the other side.
Daniel Gibalevich – Bus Accident Attorney Los Angeles
If you or someone you love is the victim of a bus-related accident, you may be entitled to legal recourse to recover compensation for health or financial damages. Due to lessened safety measures compared to other motor vehicles, it is not uncommon for injuries sustained during significant bus-related accidents to be extreme. Life after a serious accident can be physically and emotionally challenging and navigating the legal process to obtain compensation can be frustrating.
Understanding the Process
The window of time available to take legal action following a bus-related accident is minimal, especially with the convoluted process of filing claims against government and commercially owned bus lines. It essential that your personal injury attorney is experienced with the filing process specific to bus-related accidents within the state of California.
Determining Liability
Whether you are the victim of a bus-related accident resulting from negligence on the part of the bus operator or a driver of another motor vehicle, product or manufacturer liability, malicious intent or wrongful death you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages. In developing a bus-related personal injury lawsuit, it is important to clearly determine liable participants and the exact cause of the accident.
Common Bus-Related Injuries
Although generally one of the safest transportation options, riders of public transit buses, private bus lines and school buses are occasionally the victims of bus-related accidents with injuries that may include:
- Broken Bones
- Lacerations, Contusions and Abrasions
- Bone Dislocation
- Amputation
- Cosmetic Disfigurement
- Neck and Spinal Injuries
- Traumatic Head Injuries
- Whiplash
- Death
Recovering Compensation for a Bus-Related Accident
In situations where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance does not sufficiently cover damages, you may be entitled to full or partial compensation beyond your coverage limitations. At the DAG Law Firm, our expert personal injury attorneys will support you in bringing appropriate legal action against an insurance agency or defendant. Whether you are dealing with an uncooperative commercial or government-owned bus company or an insurance company seeking to limit your total payout for damages, we are committed to obtaining maximum compensation on your behalf. It is important to fully understant your legal situation and our attorneys will guide you in determining whether your bus-related accident is the result of negligence, manufacturer liability, wrongful death or malicious intent. As a victim of a bus-related accident, you may have legal recourse to recover compensation for the following:
- Payment for current and ongoing medical expenses
- Payment for emotional and psychological distress
- Payment for loss of wages and income earning ability
- Payment for pain and suffering
