In a heartbreaking turn of events, the tight-knit community of Calhoun County, West Virginia, is reeling from a school bus accident that occurred on March 4, 2024. Jeffrey Brannon, the school bus driver, is now held at the Central Regional Jail on a $250,000 bond, facing charges that include three counts of DUI causing Bodily Injury and three counts of Child Neglect resulting in Serious Injury. The incident unfolded at around six o’clock in the evening along South Calhoun Highway in the Mount Zion area, not far from Calhoun Middle/High School. As a leading personal injury lawyer in West Virginia, our firm is committed to supporting families affected by school bus accidents. Our focus is on obtaining justice for those injured and holding responsible parties accountable. According to West Virginia Department of Education the insurance limit of liability for damages arising out of any one occurrence is $1,250,000. This limit applies to all coverages combined and not separately. So, it is essential that the parents of these students quickly retain competent representation to help them through the legal process of gaining your fair share of the compensation for your child’s pain, suffering, and medical bills.
The Shocking Details 0f the School Bus Tragedy in Calhoun County
Reports from the West Virginia State Police reveal that 19 students were on the school bus at the time of the crash. The severity of the accident resulted in multiple students being transported to various hospitals with serious injuries. The community remains on edge as the investigation into the incident continues. Brannon’s aggressive behavior on the scene prompted swift action by the West Virginia State Police, leading to his custody. The legal process unfolds as he is scheduled to appear in court on March 14 at 2:30 p.m.
Brannon, 54, of Arnoldsburg, is accused of driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol level of .127 at the time of the accident. The extent of impairment revealed in preliminary tests, with a shocking .161% reading, raises concerns about the safety protocols for school transportation.
Legal Overview: Charges Against Jeffrey Brannon
Jeffery Brannon, 54, of Arnoldsburg, now faces charges of DUI causing injury and child neglect causing injury. State Police reported that Brannon’s blood alcohol level was .127 when the school bus flipped over. Shockingly, a preliminary blood alcohol test showed a readout of .161%, indicating a significant level of impairment. This incident has left the community questioning the safety measures in place for their children during their commute to and from school.
The criminal complaint filed against Brannon reveals a chaotic scene where he was found on the school bus, yelling and aggressive. State Police acted swiftly, taking him into custody and conducting a series of tests that confirmed his impaired state.
Brannon is scheduled to appear in court on March 14 at 2:30 p.m. The community anxiously awaits justice for the injured students and seeks answers regarding the safety protocols in place for school transportation.
Community Response and Superintendent’s Address
Calhoun County Superintendent Michael Fitzwater addressed the community’s concerns through a Facebook video, assuring them that the injuries were not life-threatening. However, he expressed disappointment in the actions of a school employee entrusted with children’s safety. The affected community seeks justice and reassurance regarding school transportation safety.
West Virginia School Bus Injury Lawyers – Robinette Legal Group, PLLC
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers children face during their daily commute to school. As a personal injury lawyer in West Virginia, our firm is dedicated to supporting the affected families and seeking justice for those injured in this avoidable incident. If you or your loved ones have been impacted by a similar tragedy, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal guidance and support during these challenging times. We are here for you, advocating for safer school transportation and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
If you or your loved ones have been impacted by a school bus accident, contact our dedicated personal injury lawyer for compassionate and experienced legal representation. Our team is here to advocate for your rights and ensure that justice is served in the aftermath of this unfortunate incident.
The Robinette Legal Group, PLLC is a West Virginia personal injury law firm based out of Morgantown, WV. It was founded in 1999 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.
