It's every parent's worst nightmare–learning that their child has been involved in a motor vehicle accident with a tractor-trailer. Sadly the parents of 21Pennsylvania high school aged kids were forced to face that nightmare last week when a one such accident occurred on Route 281.

According to a Pennsylvania State Trooper, the tractor-trailer was headed in the opposite direction from the bus when it crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with the vehicle full of kids. At the time of the afternoon crash, the bus was transporting the students from Turkeyfoot Valley Area School District from a vocational school in Somerset. There were also two adults on board.

The accident resulted in many injuries. Eight people who were on the bus were transported to the Somerset Hospital via ambulance. At least seven other occupants of the bus made their way to the hospital without the assistance of an ambulance. The extent of their injuries is not known.

Sadly, the driver of the truck was killed in the accident.

It seems like lately there has been a rash of school bus accidents where students have been injured or killed. These accidents have occurred both in the U.S. and in other parts of the world. While all accidents are upsetting, most would agree that they are particularly tragic when young people are involved. The premature end to a young promising life seems senseless.

There is nothing that anyone can do to undo an accident such as this. However, injured individuals and the loved ones of those who died may be able to recoup financial compensation for the injuries or death. While a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can be difficult to get through emotionally, if successful, it may provide the finances needed to make it easier to move forward with their lives.

Source: Google News, "1 dead, others hurt in Pa. school bus, truck crash," Associated Press, March 14, 2012