Santa Cruz, CA - School Bus Accident on Hwy 17 at Vine Hill Rd Injures Victims

Santa Cruz, CA (May 19, 2025) – The California Highway Patrol in Santa Cruz said that they are investigating a crash involving a school bus in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The crash occurred on Monday morning near Vine Hill Road on southbound Highway 17 at around 9:50 a.m. CHP said a 67-year-old woman from San Jose was driving a blue Mini Cooper southbound on Highway 17 north of Vine Hill Road at an unknown speed when she collided with a 66-year-old man from San Jose who was driving a 2013 Blue Bird school bus with 24 children and one other adult southbound on Highway 17.

The first driver suffered major injuries and was taken to Valley Medical Center. Two of the children suffered injuries, but it's unclear if they were hospitalized. That said, an investigation is still ongoing in the meantime.

Our thoughts are with the injured victims. We hope for their full recovery at this time.

Bus Accidents in California

California’s roads are constantly filled with buses—whether they’re public transit, school buses, tour buses, or private shuttles. While buses provide a crucial mode of transportation, accidents involving these large vehicles can be devastating due to their size, weight, and passenger capacity.

Bus accidents can result from various factors, including driver fatigue, distracted driving, poor maintenance, or hazardous road conditions. Unlike standard car accidents, bus crashes often involve multiple injured parties, making the claims process more complex. Victims may include passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles, all of whom may face serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries.

Determining liability in a bus accident can be challenging, as responsibility may lie with the bus driver, the company operating the bus, government entities, or even third-party maintenance providers. Additionally, filing a claim against a government-run transit system involves strict deadlines and procedural requirements, making legal guidance essential.

After you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, seeking medical attention should be your top priority. Afterward, consulting a skilled attorney to aid you in gathering evidence—such as witness statements, photos, and accident reports—can be crucial in building a strong case. Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident.

Please get in touch with our auto accident attorneys at Countrywide Trial Lawyers as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been injured in a collision. Call us at 844-844-9119 for compassionate and personalized guidance today and learn more about your legal options. You don't have to cope with this frustrating, stressful time on your own.