Chain reaction accidents often involve peculiar incidents of both bad luck and good luck. Mere seconds can mean the difference between a clean escape and serious injury or even death. A recent motor vehicle accident on Highway 101 near the Brisbane exit shows just how slim the margin can become.
A Ford Excursion was heading north on Highway 101 when one of its tires blew out. The following vehicle, a Toyota Camry, slowed to avoid a collision, but it was rear-ended by a Volkswagen. The impact of the Volkswagen pushed the Camry into the Ford Excursion. This impact pushed the Excursion into the far left lane, where it was struck by a tour bus. Moments later, the bus was rear-ended by a Lincoln Navigator. The bus and two cars burst into flames and became fully engulfed in fire. The driver of the Excursion died at the scene. The drivers of the other three cars were taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries.
The tour bus was carrying members of the Oakwood Aeolian Choir, a renowned vocal group from Oakwood, a black Seventh Day Adventist university located in Huntsville, Alabama. The bus was taking the choir from the San Francisco Airport to a hotel on Union Square in downtown San Francisco. Miraculously, none of the choir members suffered more than a minor injury. They were able to perform their scheduled concert on the day after the accident. Police are continuing to investigate the accident. Toxicology reports have been ordered for the driver of the Lincoln Navigator. Police said that none of the other drivers appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Sorting out liability issues in an accident of this complexity may take weeks. Investigators must gather large amounts of data and perform an extensive mathematical evaluation of the information. An injured party who may be thinking about seeking damages may wish to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for assistance in evaluating the evidence and medical records.