California Highway Patrol Investigating Tulare County Bus Accident With Pickup Truck Hauling Trailer on Highway 190
TULARE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (April 21, 2026) – At least two people were injured in a Tulare County school bus accident on Highway 190.
Tulare County officials are saying that the accident took place in a freeway stop near Porterville. A Dodge Ram was heading westbound on Highway 140 when it collided with a Porterville-area school bus traveling south on Westwood.
The crash took place as a school bus was making a left turn at the intersection. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
The force of the impact caused the driver of the truck to be pinned inside of his vehicle. Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate him.
A full investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Tulare County School Bus Accidents
School buses are considered common carriers and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must operate with an abundance of caution to avoid hitting any vehicle in the roadway. According to California Vehicle Code 21801, “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement.” Multiple factors could contribute to any bus accidents.
- Buses have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles.
- Bus drivers may become fatigued if they are asked to work for long periods.
- Bus drivers may not properly scan for traffic as they are making left turns.
If a bus driver turns into the path of another vehicle, this could be construed as evidence of negligence. Liability for a collision could extend beyond any specific bus driver that acted negligently. A private employer or municipal entity that a school bus driver worked for could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers within the state of California can be vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their workers who are operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After Tulare County School Bus Accidents
School buses are typically very safe for passengers. But they can be particularly dangerous for those in passenger vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, “School bus-related crashes killed 128 people nationwide in 2023, up 23% compared to the 104 deaths in 2022, according to National Safety Council (NSC) tabulations of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).” Any person injured in a school bus accident should take certain measures to protect their rights.
- Victims should seek medical treatment as early as possible.
- Victims should collect the police report associated with the crash.
- Victims should take photos of the accident site when possible.
- Victims should explore their legal options with a team experienced in bus accident claims.
The FMCSA requires buses that can carry 16 or more passengers to have at least $5 million in liability coverage. This can help victims who sustain injuries. However, insurance providers will almost never accept responsibility when one of their drivers is involved in a collision. Any person injured in a school bus accident may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a personal injury claim.
Investigating Tulare County School Bus Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our best wishes to the pickup truck driver injured in this collision. It is our sincere hope that he is able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happens should reach out to the California Highway Patrol. This was a preventable crash that should not have taken place.
Have you been injured in a Tulare County school bus accident? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of school bus accident attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have questions or are wondering how an attorney might be able to help with your specific situation, we’re here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
