An investigation into a Mobile County, AL school bus accident that injured six students has revealed alarming details about the driver’s history and the circumstances leading to the crash.
The February 12 incident has sparked concerns about transportation safety protocols and raised important questions about liability in cases involving school transportation accidents.
The Incident
According to reports from multiple local news outlets, including WPMI, WALA, and WKRG, the Mobile County Public Schools (MCPS) confirmed that a bus driver allegedly fell asleep before the vehicle ran off Mason Ferry Road in Wilmer and overturned.
The accident, which occurred on February 12, 2025, resulted in injuries to six students who were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) identified the driver as 47-year-old Angela Lane Weaver of Lucedale, Mississippi. Weaver was also injured in the crash and was transported to Springhill Hospital in Mobile for treatment.
Investigation Findings
The crash report released by authorities on February 28 contained several concerning details:
- The bus was traveling at 54 mph in a 45 mph zone at the time of the accident.
- The driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel.
Court records revealed that Weaver had received three speeding tickets in the past four years:
- February 2021: Cited for driving 71 mph in a 45 mph zone;
- May 2023: Cited for driving 74 mph in a 55 mph zone; and
- September 2024: Cited for driving 80 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Mobile County Public Schools issued a statement acknowledging that “the driver’s actions were in violation of bus safety rules and regulations” and confirmed that Weaver remains on administrative leave pending further disciplinary action.
Legal Implications for Alabama Families
This incident highlights several important legal considerations for Alabama families whose children rely on school transportation.
1. School District Liability
Public school districts in Alabama have a duty to provide safe transportation for students. This includes proper vetting and supervision of drivers.
Johnny Hatcher, a school board member, raised concerns about the oversight process, stating, “The biggest concern I have is how did she slip through the cracks? We pay a vendor to check all the MVRs [motor vehicle records]. It slipped through their cracks, not ours, theirs.”
This statement raises questions about potential liability not only for the school district but also for third-party vendors responsible for driver background checks.
2. Personal Injury Claims
When children are injured in school bus accidents, families have legal options to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (immediate and ongoing);
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress; and
- Potential long-term effects or disabilities.
Alabama law generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, though special considerations may apply when the case involves minors and governmental entities.
3. Governmental Immunity Considerations
Claims against public school districts in Alabama face additional complexity due to governmental immunity protections. However, exceptions exist, particularly in cases involving negligence in the operation of motor vehicles by public employees.
The Alabama Supreme Court has previously ruled that school boards can be held liable for negligence in the operation of school buses, making this case particularly significant for affected families.
4. Third-Party Liability
Beyond the driver and school district, other parties may bear responsibility in cases like this, including:
- Companies contracted to perform background checks on drivers;
- Businesses responsible for bus maintenance; and
- Other motorists who may have contributed to the accident.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential for ensuring families receive full compensation for their children’s injuries and holding all responsible entities accountable for their role in the accident.
The Importance of Comprehensive Investigation
For families affected by school transportation accidents, a thorough investigation is critical to establishing liability and ensuring fair compensation. This includes:
- Securing the official accident report;
- Obtaining the driver’s complete employment and driving history;
- Reviewing bus maintenance records;
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses;
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts; and
- Understanding the relationship between the school district and any contractors.
Working with experienced legal counsel can help ensure that no stone is left unturned in the investigation process, maximizing the potential for a successful claim and full compensation for injured children.
Safety Reforms and Prevention
This incident has already prompted discussions about potential reforms to school transportation safety protocols. Possible changes might include:
- More rigorous driver screening processes;
- Enhanced monitoring of existing drivers’ records;
- Improved fatigue management policies; and
- Installation of additional safety technology on school buses.
These potential reforms highlight the broader impact that individual cases can have on improving safety standards for all Alabama students who rely on school transportation daily.
Looking Forward
As the investigation continues, affected families face important decisions about how to proceed. The ALEA Highway Patrol Division is continuing its investigation, which may yield additional information relevant to potential legal claims.
For families of the injured students, understanding their legal rights and the complexities of cases involving public entities will be essential in the coming weeks and months.
Need Legal Guidance? Contact Baxley Maniscalco
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident or any transportation-related incident, understanding your legal options is crucial.
Baxley Maniscalco’s experienced personal injury attorneys can help navigate the complexities of claims involving public entities, insurance companies, and multiple potential defendants.
Our team has extensive experience representing Alabama families in complex personal injury cases, including those involving school transportation accidents. We work diligently to ensure our clients receive the compensation and accountability they deserve after preventable accidents occur.
Contact Baxley Maniscalco today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your family’s rights in challenging times.
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