Mother of 13-Year-Old Killed in Bus Accident Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Trucker Who Caused Wreck

It’s never easy to accept the loss of a loved one, especially when their death was unexpected. Not being able to say goodbye or get in those last words makes losing someone that much more difficult. While losing someone close to us is hard enough, it’s even harder when the person we lose is one of our children. Children are supposed to outlive their parents, not vice versa, but sometimes, accidents occur that are responsible for taking their lives.

South Bend Tribune recently reported on an incident that occurred back on December 5, 2018, that claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy. The source says the boy was riding on an Eastern Pulaski County School Corp. bus headed to a Christmas musical in Warsaw. At around 9:00 a.m., the bus was traveling on U.S. 31, north of Argos, when it stopped at the railroad tracks. As you know, school buses are required by law to stop at all railroad crossings.

As the bus began to accelerate from off the tracks, it was during this time that a Freightliner straight truck crashed into the left rear side of it. The 13-year-old, who was identified as Owen Abbott, had been sitting in the left rear of the bus when it was hit and he was pronounced dead at the scene, reports the South Bend Tribune. Another student, identified as 14-year-old Zane Bell, suffered injuries and had to be airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend where he received treatment.

In total, there were 38 students being transported on the bus, three chaperones, and the bus driver. Aside from Abbott and Bell, all others were transported to Saint Joseph Hospital in Plymouth. At the time the incident was reported, it was unknown what caused 26-year-old Tylor Perry to collide into the back of the bus, however, no criminal charges had been filed.

Was your child or teenager involved in an auto accident in Hammond or Gary, IN?

If your child suffered serious or fatal injuries in a car crash that occurred in Gary, Hammond, or another city nearby and you are looking to hold the driver who caused the collision accountable for their negligent behavior, it is recommended you contact Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC. Our Gary, IN personal injury lawyers are more than qualified to provide you with the legal representation you will not only need, but also deserve during this trying time in your life.

Far too often are motorists let off the hook for causing severe accidents that significantly impact the lives of others, but we are here to help you seek justice for the pain and suffering your child is now forced to endure as a result of the wreck. If you would like to learn more about how our attorneys can help you along with the forms of action that are most appropriate for you to take, contact us today by calling 219-769-2900 to schedule an initial consultation.

You can also visit Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC at:
51 W. 112^th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone-219-769-2900
Toll Free-855-442-7211
Fax- 219-769-2995