In a tragic incident that claimed the lives of a 5-year-old student and a doctoral student, a Texas teacher has filed a lawsuit in connection to a deadly school bus crash. The lawsuit, filed by Tom Green Elementary School teacher Deborah Serna, highlights the severe injuries she sustained in the accident, including multiple broken bones in her back.

Trial Attorney Sean Breen, representing Serna, expressed his shock over the level of negligence demonstrated by the defendants in the case. He stated, "Of all the 25 years of cases I've brought for families where hiring practices have hurt people, this is the worst by far."

The lawsuit targets Jerry Hernandez, the suspect allegedly responsible for the crash, as well as FJM Concrete, his employer. Breen criticized the fact that Hernandez was able to drive a truck despite his criminal history. Remarkably, Hernandez's mugshot was even used as his work ID picture at F.J.M. Concrete, LLC.

On March 22, Hernandez was driving an FJM Concrete Pumping truck on State Highway 21 when he veered into the path of a school bus and two other vehicles, leading to a collision. The crash caused the bus to spin counterclockwise and roll, resulting in the tragic deaths of Pre-K student Ulises Rodriguez Montoya and 33-year-old Ryan Wallace, who was traveling behind the bus.

Hernandez has since been charged with criminally negligent homicide for the crash. According to police records, he admitted to using marijuana the night before and cocaine on the morning of the incident, all while operating on minimal sleep. Transportation officials have ordered Hernandez not to operate any commercial vehicles, and the National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation.

It is important to note that the lawsuit does not address the issue of seatbelts on the bus, as Texas law does not mandate their installation. However, Breen emphasized the need to prioritize safety and ensure seatbelts are readily available for the most innocent and cherished members of society.

The Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) issued a supportive statement regarding the lawsuit, expressing solidarity with the victims of the crash and acknowledging the devastating impact it has had. The district echoed the sentiments expressed in the lawsuit, highlighting the shocking level of negligence outlined against the defendants.

As the legal and investigative processes unfold, the district hopes that all the victims can find some measure of closure and support through both criminal and civil actions. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that negligence can have on innocent lives and the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures in the transportation industry.