A distracted driver caused a three-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon in Santa Rosa County, with one car narrowly avoiding hitting a student getting off a school bus, according to FHP.
The accident occurred around 3 p.m. when a 31-year-old Gulf Breeze man in a van, a 43-year-old Navarre woman in an SUV and a 75-year-old Milton school bus driver were all traveling eastbound on Highway 98 approaching the intersection of Suncrest Street, according to FHP.
FHP says the Gulf Breeze man stated he was distracted by a water bottle rolling around his driver’s side floorboard, so he bent over to get it. When he came back up, he saw that traffic had come to a stop, which is when he collided with the rear bumper of theNavarre woman’s SUV.
The side of the van then hit the rear bumper of the school bus, which was stopped with flashing red lights, an extended stop sign and was actively dropping off children, according to FHP.
FHP states the Navarre woman said she saw the Gulf Breeze mantraveling at a high rate of speed through her rearview mirror and tried to warn him by tapping her brakes but was unsuccessful, according to FHP.
The school bus driver was offloading a student from the bus when he saw the Gulf Breeze man traveling at a high speed and quickly grabbed the student and held her so she would not be injured.
FHP says the Gulf Breeze man and the Navarre woman both suffered from minor injuries in the crash.
The school bus driver and the student were not injured in the incident.
The drivers of the van and SUV both suffered minor injuries.
The van and SUV both suffered extensive damage.
Legal Support for School Bus Accident Victims
School bus accidents can result in severe injuries and emotional trauma, especially when children are involved. At Ovadia Law Group, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to victims of school bus accidents. Our experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges these cases present and work diligently to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and collaborate with experts to build a strong case. Whether the accident was caused by driver negligence, unsafe bus conditions, or other factors, we are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation needed for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. If you or your child has been involved in a school bus accident, call us at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation, and let Ovadia Law Group help you through this challenging time.
Source: weartv
