Pickup Truck and School Bus Crash in Tulare County Leaves Two Injured
Tulare County, CA – April 3, 2026 | Ayuda California News
A crash between a pickup truck and a school bus in Tulare County left two drivers with moderate injuries Thursday afternoon near Porterville, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The collision occurred at a three-way intersection at Highway 190 and Westwood Avenue.
What Happened
According to the preliminary report:
- A Dodge Ram was traveling westbound on Highway 190
- A Porterville-area school bus was traveling southbound on Westwood Avenue
- The bus attempted a left turn at the intersection
- The pickup truck struck the bus in a T-bone collision
The pickup driver became trapped inside the vehicle, and emergency crews used the “Jaws of Life” to extricate him.
Fortunately, no students were on board the bus at the time of the crash.
Both drivers were transported with moderate injuries.
Authorities confirmed that drugs or alcohol were not factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Intersection Crashes: Common and Dangerous
T-bone crashes often occur at intersections when a driver:
- Fails to yield the right-of-way
- Misjudges the speed of oncoming traffic
- Makes an unsafe turn
In California, right-of-way rules are governed by Vehicle Code § 21800, which determines who must yield at intersections and when turning.
Legal Perspective: Liability in School Bus Crashes
Even without passengers on the bus, these crashes can involve multiple layers of liability.
Determining Fault
Investigators will examine:
- Who had the right-of-way
- Timing of the bus’s left turn
- Speed of the pickup truck
- Visibility conditions at the intersection
Potential Additional Liability
When a school bus is involved, liability may also extend to:
- Driver training and qualifications
- Vehicle condition and maintenance
- Responsibility of the school district or public entity
Rights of Injured Victims
In injury-related crashes, victims may be entitled to compensation for:
✔️ Medical expenses
✔️ Rehabilitation and therapy
✔️ Lost income
✔️ Pain and suffering
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning more than one party can be responsible, and compensation is adjusted based on each party’s percentage of fault.
How Ayuda California Can Help
Intersection crashes are often disputed and complex, especially when accounts differ.
At Ayuda California, we help victims:
- Understand who may be at fault
- Review accident reports and evidence
- Evaluate legal options
We offer:
✔️ Free consultations
✔️ No upfront costs
✔️ Clear guidance in Spanish
✔️ Support regardless of immigration status
Insurance companies begin building their case immediately. You should too.
📞 Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
