Pleasant Valley, WV — January 23, 2025, One student was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 9:20 A.M. on Airport Road.

An investigation is underway following a school bus accident that left one student injured during the morning hours of January 23rd. According to official reports, the accident occurred on Airport Rd. near a highschool when a car driven by a student of the school collided with a school bus.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found the student driver was injured and transported them to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the collision, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I hear about an accident like this, my focus is on the need for a thorough investigation to understand exactly what happened and why. Collisions involving school buses and young drivers raise unique concerns, making it essential to examine all factors involved. In this case, three key questions should guide the investigation to ensure nothing is overlooked.

The first question is whether the authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation. Accidents near schools often involve multiple variables, including traffic patterns, signage, and road design. Investigators should assess the roadway to determine if any external factors, such as poor visibility, inadequate markings, or obstructed views, contributed to the collision. Were there witnesses to the crash, and has any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or the school been reviewed? These steps are crucial for reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the collision.

The second question is whether the possibility of a vehicle defect has been considered. Even in cases where human error may appear to be the cause, mechanical issues such as brake malfunctions, steering problems, or tire failures in either vehicle could have played a role. It is especially important to inspect the car involved to determine whether any mechanical failures contributed to the collision. Ensuring that all possible causes are explored helps create a clearer understanding of the incident.

Finally, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles, including the student’s car and possibly the school bus, are often equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that record data such as speed, braking activity, and steering inputs. This information can provide critical insights into what the vehicles were doing in the moments leading up to the collision. Additionally, nearby surveillance cameras or dashcam footage, if available, may offer further details about the crash. Collecting and preserving this data promptly is essential to prevent loss or degradation of evidence.

Answering these three questions is essential to uncovering the cause of the collision and ensuring that those affected have the clarity they deserve. A thorough investigation not only addresses immediate concerns but also identifies any broader safety issues that could prevent future incidents. Every crash deserves this level of scrutiny, as the answers found can lead to improvements that make roads and school zones safer for everyone.