Was Driver in Fatal Church Bus Crash Texting?
Was Driver in Fatal Church Bus Crash Texting?

The pickup truck driver who caused a fatal church bus crash in Real County, Texas last week might have been texting. A witness who saw the crash, 55-year-old Jody Kuchler, says the man was driving erratically and swerving into oncoming traffic. Kuchler called the sheriff’s office to report the driver after following him for about 15 minutes.

13 Killed in Fatal Church Bus Crash

Shortly after calling the police, Kuchler witnessed the northbound pickup truck veer into the southbound lane. The pickup truck then crashed into the church bus head-on. Thirteen people died in the crash. Only one person on the bus, 64-year-old Rose Mary Harris, survived the crash. She and the pickup truck driver, 20-year-old Jack Dillon Young, were taken to the hospital for injuries. All of the bus occupants were senior members of First Baptist Church in New Braunfels, Texas, who were returning from a retreat.

Kuchler says he checked on the truck driver after the crash occurred. He says the driver apologized and admitted to texting behind the wheel.

Many Texas cities have legislation prohibiting texting while driving, but the state does not have a law banning it. The speed limit on the road where the crash occurred was 65 mph, but authorities have not said how fast the vehicles were going.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says most or all of the bus passengers were wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The agency is investigating the fatal crash, but they have yet to interview Young.

“This is such a tragic example of the deadly consequences of texting and driving. Our thoughts are with all the victims’ families,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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