Camdan McWright, Freshman San Jose State University Football Player, Died In San Jose Bus Accident While Riding Electric Scooter Near The Intersection of South 10 Street and Reed Street
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA (October 21, 2022) – A college football player identified as Camdan McWright died in a San Jose school bus accident along South 10th Street.
Santa Clara County officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday morning. Camdan McWright was traveling on an electric scooter when he was hit by a school bus carrying children.
The school bus was turning onto Reed Street when the crash took place. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, the college freshman died as a result of his injuries. Camdan McWright was a freshman at San Jose State University and was about 2 blocks away from campus when the crash took place.
A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For San Jose School Bus Accidents
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular with the rise of companies like Lime and Bird. But this rise has also coincided with a sharp increase in the number of scooter collisions. According to the New York Post, “As stand-up electric scooters have rolled into more than 100 cities worldwide, many of the people riding them are ending up in the emergency room with serious injuries. Others have been killed.” Scooter riders are uniquely vulnerable for a number of reasons.
- Scooter riders lack the protection of enclosed vehicles.
- Scooter riders are more likely to be overlooked due to their small profile.
- Scooters are often left outside and it is common for them to not be properly maintained.
School buses are considered “common carriers” under the law and their drivers are held to a high standard in terms of safety. According to the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions, common carriers must use the highest degree of care and vigilance of a very cautious person. They must do all that human care and foresight can reasonably do in order to avoid causing harm to other people on the roadway.
All drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians. Many electric scooter accidents are due to bus drivers that make dangerous turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing any marked crosswalk at an intersection. If a school bus driver failed to slow down and hit a scooter rider, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
The school district that a school bus driver worked for could also potentially be held at fault for a collision. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a school bus driver may have been transporting children when they crashed. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any school bus accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any collision. But it is important to remember that accident victims do have rights. The family of any person that is killed in a school bus accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, school districts will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved.
Investigating A San Jose School Bus Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Camdan McWright. He had a bright future ahead of him in school and football before he was robbed of that future. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the San Jose Police Department. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a San Jose school bus accident. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
