Party Bus Accident Leaves One Person Dead and 10 Others Injured
Posted on June 20, 2013 Written By: iadminlaw
A party bus crash that involved two other vehicles as well, killed one person and injured 10 others on Highway 101 in California early Sunday morning on May 26th.
The accident occurred around 2 am when the bus struck a car that had strayed onto the wrong side of the road. Authorities believe the 43-year-old driver may have lost control and ended facing the other way. The head-on crash killed a 36-year-old female passenger in the process. The woman’s husband has been listed in critical condition and is being treated at a local hospital currently.
According to early reports, nine of the 18 people on board the bus were hospitalized as a result of the accident. Officials described their injuries as minor to moderate. It’s currently unknown how many of party bus passengers were wearing their seat belts at the time.
Police said the couple’s Honda coupe was facing northbound across two left lanes after Raul Padilla lost control of the vehicle. The party bus crashed into the car traveling southbound. The California Highway Patrol is investigating what may have caused the driver to lose control.
The driver, the deceased’s husband stated that he had a few drinks before getting behind the wheel. However, police are unsure of whether or not to charge this as drunk-driving accident which could have legal ramifications for Padilla.
“If it is determined he was under the influence, he could face felony DUI charges and manslaughter charges,” California Highway Patrol Officer Art Montiel explained. He added that toxicology tests were being conducted to see how much the driver had consumed that evening.
Another two cars were involved in the crash, but the drivers left the scene uninjured.
Highway 101 was shut down on the southbound side while the scene was cleaned up and the party bus was taken to the impound lot.
Deeper investigating needs to take place before a clear-cut answer for the cause of the accident is given.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, please contact a personal injury lawyer at Accident Attorney’s Group. These Bay Area accident attorneys will assist you with your case by evaluating it for free!
