Harrisonville, MO – Teen Injured in School Bus Crash on Prettyman Rd

Harrisonville, MO (May 15, 2025) – A school bus and an SUV collided on Prettyman Road west of Highway 291 in Cass County during the afternoon of May 12, leaving a teenage girl with injuries.

Reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicate the crash occurred around 3:23 p.m. A 2015 Bluebird school bus, driven by a 58-year-old woman from Harrisonville, crossed the center of the road and struck a southbound 2012 Acura MKX. The Acura was driven by a 43-year-old Harrisonville woman. Both vehicles sustained minor to moderate damage and were able to be driven from the scene.

A 14-year-old girl from Peculiar, Missouri, who was riding on the bus at the time, suffered minor injuries in the crash. She was not wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred. Emergency responders from Central Cass transported her to Cass Regional Medical Center for treatment. No other injuries were reported.

We hope the young girl involved in this crash makes a full and swift recovery.

Bus Accidents in Missouri

Bus-related crashes are a real concern in Missouri, especially in areas where rural roads meet school travel routes. Every year, hundreds of bus-related incidents are reported across the state. Many involve school-aged children, which makes careful driving and safety procedures even more critical on these routes.

When a bus accident happens, the consequences can vary widely. Here are several key factors that often play a role in these types of crashes:

• Failure to Stay in Lane: A common factor in school bus accidents is lane departure. When a large vehicle like a bus crosses the centerline, it can create sudden, dangerous situations for drivers traveling in the opposite direction. These incidents may result from distraction, inattention, or roadway conditions.
• Passenger Injuries from Lack of Restraints: Most school buses are not equipped with seat belts, and even when they are, students don’t always use them. Unrestrained passengers are more likely to be injured, even in lower-speed crashes.
• Visibility and Blind Spots: School buses have significant blind spots. This can lead to collisions when turning or switching lanes. Even experienced drivers must take extra precautions to ensure the roadway is clear before maneuvering.
• Rural Road Hazards: Country roads like Prettyman Road can be narrow, curved, or poorly marked. These conditions increase the chances of a vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic, especially during school rush hours.

If your child was injured in a Missouri school bus accident, it’s important to act quickly. Contact a Harrisonville bus accident attorney who can help you understand your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, missed school time, and emotional distress. Early legal support can make a difference in how you handle insurance, documentation, and next steps.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we’re here when your family needs guidance after a crash. Our bus accident attorneys understand the stress parents face after a school-related incident. We offer free consultations and are available to answer your questions right away. With a team that values personal service and honest advice, we help families move forward with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with hospital visits or phone calls from insurance companies, we’ll be right beside you. Call us today at 913-934-6333 to speak with our team and learn how we can help.

Notes: Our writers utilized secondary sources when writing this news article about an accident. We have not independently reviewed all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, please get in touch with Wallentine Injury Law, LLC right away if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will update the post with the most accurate information currently available.  A post will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: We hope that by raising awareness about driving hazards, drivers will be more cautious when operating a motor vehicle and avoid being seriously injured in a collision. This accident news post is not a business solicitation. The content of this post is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. This post’s featured image was not captured at the accident scene depicted in the post.