Driver Fatigued Involved in Fatal Tour Bus Crash near Oregon Border on I-5

Date: November 23, 2014

Location: Interstate 5

Name: Jose Victor Garcilazo Palencia

Driver Fatigued Involved in Fatal Tour Bus Crash near Oregon Border on I-5

A tour bus ran off Interstate 5 in Northern California about 100 miles south of the Oregon border on Sunday morning.  The bus was traveling from Los Angeles to Pasco, Washington.

The bus drifted off the freeway and rolled over around 7:30 am.  Octaviano Garcia, 33, died and 30 were injured.

Two dozen were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Three were flown by helicopter to the hospital in critical condition with severe head injuries.

Earlier in the trip the bus struck a Denny’s restaurant in Red Bluff.

Driver fatigue seemed to be a factor in both crashes for driver, Jose Victor Garcilazo Palencia, 67, of Los Angeles. Investigators did not determine if drugs or alcohol may have been a factor.

Car accidents can be life-changing, and we hope everyone involved is able to fully recover soon.  We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the dead man.

While many single-car accidents seem uncomplicated, there are sometimes other factors to consider. If you have been injured in a single- car accident, like the one described here, you may be able to receive compensation in several instances:

1. If poor road conditions, poor signage, or bad traffic control contributed to the accident, there may be a lawsuit available against the city, county, or state. In cases against a public body, you may only have 180 days to file a tort claim notice (in most cases) so act quickly to protect your rights.
2.  If the car’s mechanic was negligent in his last repairs, contributing to the accident, there may be a lawsuit available against the mechanic or his business.
3.  If the car’s manufacturer was negligent, you may be able to file a product liability suit against them. Car manufacturers have often been held accountable for design defects and manufacturing defects, and these lawsuits help ensure that future drivers are not hurt by negligent safety standards.

If you have been injured in a single-car accident that you believe may not have been your fault, you can call a Portland car accident lawyer for help with your investigation at 503-222-4411. Or you can learn more about filing your own claim by reading the book 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.