Civil litigation continues to move forward following the tragic Hays CISD school bus crash that claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy and injured several others in March 2024. As reported by FOX 7 Austin, the concrete truck driver responsible for the collision, Jerry Hernandez, has now been sentenced to 18 years in prison for manslaughter. Yet, for many families, the criminal case is only one part of their pursuit of justice.
Howry, Breen & Herman, LLP is proud to represent victims of this preventable tragedy in the ongoing civil lawsuits. Our firm is committed to ensuring that every responsible party is held fully accountable, including those involved in hiring, training, oversight, supervision, and safety compliance.
A Preventable Tragedy
The crash occurred when a concrete truck crossed the median and collided head-on with a Hays CISD school bus transporting young children. In addition to the fatality, more than a dozen students were injured — many sustaining long-term or life-altering harm.
Investigators later found multiple issues involving the driver, raising serious questions about whether this tragedy could have been avoided with proper safety protocols and oversight.
Civil Litigation Aims to Hold All Parties Accountable
While the criminal sentencing addresses the driver’s actions, the civil lawsuits focus on the broader systemic failures that may have contributed to the crash. This includes examining:
- Negligent hiring and supervision practices
- Vehicle maintenance and safety compliance
- Company policies regarding driver training and monitoring
- Potential regulatory violations
By pursuing civil claims, families are seeking compensation for medical expenses, trauma, long-term care, and other damages — but they are also fighting to ensure similar tragedies never happen again.
Howry, Breen & Herman’s Role
Howry, Breen & Herman represents certain victims and their families in these lawsuits. With decades of experience in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, our team is dedicated to uncovering the truth, exposing negligence, and securing justice for those harmed.
Our attorneys continue to work alongside experts in accident reconstruction, vehicle safety, and trucking industry standards to build the strongest possible cases.
Supporting Families Through an Unimaginable Loss
The road ahead is long, but the families impacted by this tragedy deserve answers, accountability, and meaningful change. Our firm will continue advocating on their behalf as the civil litigation progresses.
If you or a loved one were affected by the Hays CISD bus crash and would like to understand your legal options, the attorneys at Howry, Breen & Herman are here to help.