Semi-Truck Hauling Gravel Involved in Major Santa Clarita Accident With Bus While Approaching Yellow Light at 70 MPH
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA (May 13, 2026) – At least 13 people were injured in a Santa Clarita city transit bus accident by the intersection of Golden Valley Road and Centre Pointe Parkway.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:30 AM on Wednesday. A semi-truck was reportedly traveling at an estimated 70 mph as it was approaching a yellow light at the intersection.
That truck driver attempted to make a right turn in order to avoid running a red light. Unfortunately, the semi truck crashed into a bus and two passenger vehicles.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help all of the victims. One passenger in the very back of the bus was trapped.
They were eventually freed by firefighters who used the Jaws of Life. Seven people were transported to local hospitals to receive treatment. Five people declined medical treatment at the scene of the crash.
It remains unclear if the driver of the semi-truck will face any citations.
Liability for Santa Clarita Bus Accidents
Truck drivers have a legal obligation to use a great deal of care to avoid colliding with other vehicles. This is due in part to how dangerous a fully loaded semi-truck can be. According to California Vehicle Code 22350, “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” Truck companies should take several measures to prevent truck accidents.
- Route Planning: Truck companies should plan all of the routes that their drivers take to avoid as many left turns as possible.
- Maintenance: Truck companies should ensure that all of their vehicles are periodically inspected and well maintained.
- Technology: Truck companies should consider adding technological features to their vehicles, including forward collision avoidance systems.
- Training: Truck companies should ensure that all of their drivers have a commercial license and are well trained to handle the specific rig they will be operating.
If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a bus or other vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There is absolutely no excuse for a commercial truck to be traveling at high rates of speed through busy intersections. Liability for a truck collision could also extend beyond any specific truck driver determined to be at fault. The company that a truck driver worked for could also be liable, particularly if they pushed their drivers to adopt unsafe driving habits.
Steps to Take After Santa Clarita Bus Accidents
Buses are typically very safe for their passengers. But many people are still seriously injured or killed in accidents involving buses each year. According to The Journalist’s Resource, “About 50 passengers (including the driver) are killed, on average, in a given year. Inter-city buses are 1.9 more likely to become involved in an accident, and charter operations have “significantly higher odds of driver error.”” Certain actions should be taken after any bus accident.
- Victims should seek medical attention as early as possible. Many of the injuries associated with the bus accident are not going to be immediately obvious.
- All of the evidence related to the crash should be preserved. It includes any surveillance footage that may have captured what happened.
- The information from any event data recorder on a truck involved in a crash should be reviewed.
- Victims should contact an experienced Los Angeles bus accident attorney. An attorney can review the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know if you have a claim that can be pursued.
Truck accidents tend to be highly preventable. They often involve trucks that are committing one or more traffic infractions. Part of the problem is that many truck carriers push their drivers to deliver their goods as quickly as possible. This can lead to them adopting unsafe driving habits. In fact, it has been estimated that 1 in 10 truck drivers involved in a fatal crash felt under pressure from their carrier. Any person injured in an LA County truck accident may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a personal injury claim.
Getting Legal Help After Santa Clarita Bus Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in the Santa Clarita bus accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be full accountability for the victims of this preventable crash.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a Santa Clarita bus accident? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. The FMCSA requires that buses capable of carrying 16 or more passengers have at least $5 million in liability coverage. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Our team of bus accident attorneys is here to assist you. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney can help with your particular situation, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
