Truck And School Bus Collision Leaves Union Pines High Students Injured, Road Closed For Hours In Carthage on August 27, 2025

Carthage, NC (August 27, 2025) - According to local news reports, a Moore County school bus carrying Union Pines High School students was struck by an eastbound truck hauling a trailer on Vass-Carthage Road at Lees Branch Drive near Whispering Pines. The crash occurred around 4:10 p.m. and involved Bus 301 with 20 students on board. Investigators said the truck, which was pulling a trailer carrying a tractor, lost control after running off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, and fishtailed before crossing the center line into the bus’s path. The school bus driver swerved to keep the vehicle upright and avoided overturning. The bus left the roadway on the right and came to rest upright in a ditch against trees, while the truck overturned and the tractor was thrown toward the edge of the woods.

Four students were transported to Moore Regional Hospital with minor injuries, and several other students were taken for medical evaluation by their families. District officials noted that the bus driver planned to be assessed at an urgent care facility. The truck driver was evaluated by EMS at the scene and said he would seek further treatment on his own. Authorities closed Vass-Carthage Road for nearly three hours, with the closure stretching between Heritage Farm Road and Niagara-Carthage Road while responders cleared the scene and removed the vehicles.

Law enforcement confirmed the crash remains under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Moore County Schools Police. Officials on scene stated that the driver of the Ford truck was cited for failure to maintain lane control. Based on statements from the school district and highway patrol, it does not appear that the school bus driver was at fault at this time. District officials shared appreciation for the community’s concern, stating, “We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers for those involved.” In a message addressing the incident, Charlie A. Batchelor III, communications director for Moore County Schools, said, “This afternoon, Union Pines High School Bus 301 was involved in an accident on Vass-Carthage Road with 20 students on board. Minor injuries have been reported, and four students were transported to Moore Regional Hospital. Other students were picked up by their families at the scene. Additionally, the bus driver plans to be assessed at a local urgent care facility.”

Crash Location, Timeline, And Response In Carthage, NC

The collision took place at the intersection of Vass-Carthage Road and Lees Branch Drive, a corridor that connects communities around Whispering Pines and Carthage. Initial reports place the impact just after the end of the school day, which meant traffic in the area was active with typical weekday travel. The investigative summary indicates the eastbound truck ran off the right shoulder, then overcorrected, causing the trailer to fishtail across the center line. That movement led to the contact with the westbound school bus carrying Union Pines High School students. The bus driver’s quick steering response helped keep the bus upright, which likely reduced the risk of roll-over injuries. After impact, the bus traveled off the right side of the roadway and stopped in a ditch against trees. The truck overturned along with its trailer, and the tractor that had been loaded on the trailer came to rest near the woods line.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, coordinated triage, and determined that four students required transport to Moore Regional Hospital for minor injuries. Parents arrived and took additional students for precautionary evaluations. The truck driver declined ambulance transport but indicated plans to seek medical care. Crews secured the scene and inspected the culvert area beneath Vass-Carthage Road, which both vehicles narrowly missed. Officials closed the roadway for almost three hours to manage vehicle recovery and ensure safe travel before reopening. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Moore County Schools Police are conducting the investigation and documenting evidence related to lane control, trailer sway, and vehicle dynamics.

Key Facts Confirmed By Investigators And District Officials

The consistent points across official statements and on-scene information provide a clear picture of what happened and who was involved. Reports affirm that Bus 301 from Union Pines High School was traveling west with 20 student passengers and one driver, for a total of 21 occupants of the bus. The truck was traveling east while hauling a trailer and a tractor. Authorities stated that the truck crossed the center line after losing control, which aligns with the fishtail description noted by investigators. Four students were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, and additional students sought care with their families. The bus driver planned an urgent care evaluation. The truck driver was evaluated on scene and said he would go to the hospital independently. The roadway closure lasted close to three hours, affecting the stretch between Heritage Farm Road and Niagara-Carthage Road.

Officials have emphasized that the investigation is active. However, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol cited the truck driver for failure to maintain lane control, and district communications indicated that the school bus driver does not appear to be at fault based on preliminary findings. The school district publicly expressed gratitude to the community, stating, “We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers for those involved.” Communications director Charlie A. Batchelor III also provided a detailed statement confirming the bus number, passenger count, and the medical status and plans for the students and bus driver. These consistent details help establish a reliable account for families, community members, and anyone seeking accurate information about the Carthage bus crash.

Road Safety Considerations And Ongoing Investigation

Early indicators point to a loss of control of the eastbound truck, followed by an overcorrection that caused the trailer to fishtail and cross the center line. This type of trailer sway can occur when a driver attempts to recover from a shoulder drop or sudden steering input, especially when hauling significant weight, such as a tractor on a trailer. Investigators will look at speed, load distribution, trailer condition, and roadway conditions at the time of the crash. They will also assess whether the bus driver’s evasive maneuver prevented a rollover, which the district’s summary suggests. Witness assistance at the scene, including calling 911 and checking on students, contributed to a faster response and helped keep students calm while EMS triaged injuries.

The nearly three-hour closure allowed crews to upright the truck, secure the trailer, and remove the tractor that had been thrown toward the treeline. This timeline is consistent with complex crash scenes involving heavy equipment and a passenger vehicle like a school bus. As the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Moore County Schools Police continue their work, they will finalize a collision report that documents lane departure, point of impact, vehicle rest positions, and citations. The preliminary citation issued for failure to maintain lane control provides an initial enforcement action and signals a focus on driver control and trailer stability. Families can expect the investigative agencies to release a full report once all data, including measurements and any available video or photographs, has been reviewed.

• Time And Place: About 4:10 p.m. at Vass-Carthage Road and Lees Branch Drive near Whispering Pines.
• Vehicles: Union Pines High School Bus 301 and an eastbound truck hauling a trailer with a tractor.
• Injuries: Four students with minor injuries transported to Moore Regional Hospital; others evaluated by families.
• Road Closure: Nearly three hours between Heritage Farm Road and Niagara-Carthage Road.
• Status: Investigation active, with a citation issued to the truck driver for failure to maintain lane control.

Statements From School Officials

District officials expressed gratitude for community support, stating, “We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers for those involved.” Communications director Charlie A. Batchelor III provided the district’s detailed confirmation, saying, “This afternoon, Union Pines High School Bus 301 was involved in an accident on Vass-Carthage Road with 20 students on board. Minor injuries have been reported, and four students were transported to Moore Regional Hospital. Other students were picked up by their families at the scene. Additionally, the bus driver plans to be assessed at a local urgent care facility.” These statements underscore the immediate care provided to students and the ongoing attention to the driver’s well-being. The district also confirmed that, based on the highway patrol’s early assessment, the bus driver does not appear to be at fault. Families were able to reunite with students at the scene, and an additional bus arrived to assist with getting students home once it was safe to do so.

Working With A Personal Injury Attorney In Carthage, NC

When an accident happens, families are often left dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about what to do next. A personal injury attorney in Carthage, NC can provide direction during this stressful time by helping people understand their rights and the steps that need to be taken. Many clients are surprised to learn how quickly evidence can disappear after a crash, which is why getting legal help early can be important.

A personal injury attorney can guide you through filing insurance claims, securing medical documentation, and negotiating with adjusters. These tasks can be overwhelming without guidance, especially when an accident involves multiple parties like a truck, school bus, or other vehicles. An attorney’s role is to protect your rights while keeping the process as straightforward as possible.

Why Choose A Carthage Personal Injury Lawyer

Working with a Carthage personal injury lawyer means having someone nearby who understands North Carolina law and local practices. They can quickly obtain reports from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, gather school district communications if a bus is involved, and request medical summaries from local providers. This local knowledge helps cases move forward smoothly.

Clients often need reassurance about how bills will be handled or whether they can recover lost wages. A personal injury attorney in Carthage, NC can explain these issues clearly and provide a realistic outlook. Having that steady communication can make a stressful time easier to manage.

How A Carthage Personal Injury Attorney Can Support Families

Beyond managing claims, a personal injury attorney helps families stay organized. They track deadlines, collect records, and communicate with insurers so families can focus on recovery. In many cases, attorneys also work with experts to document how an injury impacts daily life. This can strengthen a claim and ensure that all damages are considered.

For people searching online for a personal injury lawyer near me or a personal injury attorney near me, the benefit of working with someone who has handled North Carolina cases is peace of mind. It provides confidence that the case will be addressed properly and that the family’s interests will be protected throughout the process.

How Carthage Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help After A Crash

Bus accidents can be more complicated than typical car crashes. They may involve school districts, private companies, or multiple insurance carriers. Carthage bus accident lawyers know how to sort through these layers and identify who is responsible. They also understand the unique paperwork and deadlines that can apply when a school system is involved.

When students are injured in a bus crash, parents often need quick answers about medical bills, transportation, and time away from school. A bus accident lawyer in Carthage, NC can step in to address these concerns. They request official reports, speak with insurance adjusters, and gather witness statements so families are not left trying to figure it out on their own.

Benefits Of Hiring A Carthage Bus Accident Attorney

A Carthage bus accident attorney focuses on protecting the rights of those affected. They ensure that injuries are properly documented, that insurance companies respond fairly, and that deadlines are not missed. For families dealing with the aftermath of a school bus collision, having this kind of legal support can make the process less confusing.

In many cases, attorneys will also work with accident reconstruction experts to review details like lane control, vehicle positions, and road conditions. This kind of technical analysis can be key to proving liability in a bus accident case. By handling these details, a bus accident lawyer in Carthage, NC allows families to focus on recovery rather than paperwork.

Why Local Experience Matters In Bus Accident Cases

Local experience is valuable because Carthage bus accident lawyers understand how regional agencies, such as Moore County Schools or the highway patrol, handle incidents. They know where to obtain official documents and how to interpret them in the context of a legal claim. For people searching bus accident lawyer near me or bus accident attorney near me, hiring a local firm means faster access to critical information.

Families in Carthage who need help after a bus accident can count on an attorney to guide them through each step. From requesting medical records to negotiating settlements, the goal is to reduce stress and provide clear direction. With the right support, families can move forward knowing their legal rights are being protected.

About Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident And Injury Lawyers In North Carolina

Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers is a personal injury and bus accident law firm that helps people across North Carolina after serious crashes. The firm focuses on clear communication, timely case work, and practical solutions that fit real life. Clients often start with questions about medical bills and missed time from work, and they want straight answers. The firm offers free consultations by phone at 1-704-714-1450 so people can talk through what happened and what options might be available without pressure. Located in Charlotte, the team handles matters statewide, including cases that arise from events in Carthage and surrounding communities.

The firm is led by attorneys Corey Rosensteel and Matthew Fleishman. Their work covers personal injury claims that follow collisions involving passenger cars, trucks, buses, pedestrians, and cyclists. They are known for steady case management and for taking the time to explain next steps in plain English. When an accident involves a school bus or a commercial vehicle with a trailer, there can be extra layers like multiple insurance carriers, policy exclusions, or questions about maintenance and load securement. A firm that is experienced with these issues can sort out who is responsible, request the correct records, and protect important deadlines. That is often the difference between an insurance claim that stalls and one that moves forward.

If you need a personal injury lawyer near you or a personal injury attorney in Carthage, NC, it helps to talk to a team that regularly handles North Carolina cases. Rosensteel Fleishman is a personal injury law firm in North Carolina that builds claims with medical proof, witness statements, and accident documentation. People can call to discuss medical treatment options, how property damage gets handled, and what to expect from the claims process. The first step is often simple. Share the facts, ask questions, and decide whether you want guidance going forward.

Clear, Friendly Communication And Easy Access To Help

When someone is hurt, the last thing they want is a confusing legal process. Rosensteel Fleishman keeps communication simple and direct. A typical call might cover how to get the crash report, how bills are handled while treatment is ongoing, and what to do if an insurance adjuster calls. Many clients prefer to start with a short phone discussion to get their bearings. The firm’s approach is to be accessible and responsive so people do not feel stuck. If you are searching for a personal injury lawyer near me or a personal injury attorney near me, you will want a team that answers questions and gives you a plan for next steps.

Cases with buses and trailers may involve county school systems, private contractors, or trucking companies. That can create several possible insurance policies. The firm’s attorneys know how to identify all available coverage and how to document the impact of injuries on everyday life. For people in Carthage who need a personal injury lawyer in Carthage, NC or a personal injury attorney in Carthage, NC, having a team that understands state rules and local practices makes things more manageable. Call 1-704-714-1450 to set up a free consultation and talk about your situation.

Support For Carthage Bus Accident Claims And Insurance Issues

A school bus crash can leave families with questions about medical care, missed classes, and transportation. Rosensteel Fleishman helps gather medical records, request school incident reports, and communicate with insurance companies. The team knows how to approach claims that involve public entities and how to meet notice requirements that can be different from typical car cases. If your family is dealing with minor injuries that still require follow-up care, you may need help coordinating treatment and documenting expenses for reimbursement.

The firm’s work includes organizing photographs, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing official reports for details like lane positions, driver statements, and citations. In an event like the Carthage bus crash, details about trailer sway, lane departure, and road closure length can matter. A bus accident lawyer in Carthage or a bus accident attorney in Carthage, NC will look for objective proof that supports how the crash occurred. If you are looking for a bus accident lawyer near me or a bus accident attorney near me, consider a bus accident law firm in North Carolina that is familiar with investigations, medical documentation, and negotiations. The goal is straightforward. Make the process clear and help families move forward.

Why Hiring A Carthage Bus Accident Lawyer Can Make A Difference

Choosing legal help is about getting someone to organize the moving pieces and protect your rights. After a school bus collision, there may be several involved parties, including the truck driver, a trailer owner, a school district, and one or more insurance carriers. A Carthage personal injury lawyer or a Carthage personal injury attorney can sort out who is responsible and preserve key evidence early. Rosensteel Fleishman’s team is available to help families understand timelines, manage bills, and keep claims on track. If you are searching for a personal injury lawyer in Carthage or a personal injury attorney in Carthage, NC, you can reach the firm at 1-704-714-1450 for a free consultation.

The firm builds cases using medical records, school reports, and the official crash report, which often includes precise measurements and roadway diagrams. In a case that involves a tractor on a trailer, the file may include photographs of load securement, tire marks, and the final rest positions of each vehicle. These pieces help explain what happened in a way that insurance adjusters and, if needed, a court can understand. A personal injury law firm in North Carolina is well suited to handle local rules and procedures that can affect how quickly a case moves.

Benefits Of Working With A Personal Injury Law Firm In North Carolina

Families in Carthage benefit from a team that understands state law and how local agencies document school bus crashes. A personal injury law firm in North Carolina can quickly request the highway patrol’s records, traffic control data for the road closure, and school communications associated with the incident. The lawyers can coordinate with treating providers so medical summaries are accurate and timely. If lost time from work or school becomes part of the claim, the firm collects proof that shows how the crash affected day-to-day life.

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer near me means you have someone who can interpret insurance policy language, identify coverage, and negotiate for a fair settlement. When a case requires more work, the firm prepares for litigation while keeping clients informed. People in Carthage who need a personal injury lawyer in Carthage, NC or a personal injury attorney in Carthage, NC can expect straightforward updates and clear explanations. The process is designed to reduce stress and keep the focus on healing and practical next steps.

How A Carthage Bus Accident Attorney Can Help Your Family

A bus accident attorney in Carthage, NC helps families collect and protect evidence. That can include scene photographs, video from nearby homes or businesses, and statements from first responders. When a trailer fishtails and crosses a center line, technical evidence such as skid measurements, yaw marks, and trailer load documentation can be crucial. The firm works with investigators when needed to preserve that information.

Families often ask what to do first. The answer is usually simple. Get needed medical care, keep records, and avoid guessing about legal issues. Then call a bus accident lawyer in Carthage for guidance. Rosensteel Fleishman can handle communications with insurers, schedule recorded statements when appropriate, and make sure nothing important gets overlooked. The team’s aim is to help you understand options without pressure so that you can make clear decisions about your case.

Connecting The Carthage Bus Accident To Legal Options For Families

The Carthage crash involved a westbound school bus from Union Pines High School and an eastbound truck hauling a trailer that lost control, crossed the center line, and struck the bus. Four students were treated for minor injuries and others sought care with their families. The roadway was closed for almost three hours while crews worked and investigators documented the scene. These facts point to issues that a North Carolina personal injury law firm evaluates, such as lane control, trailer sway, and the role of overcorrection. Families may have questions about who pays medical bills, how to replace lost items, and whether they should talk to an insurance adjuster. Rosensteel Fleishman can answer those questions, request the necessary records, and coordinate with providers. If your family is dealing with the aftermath of this event in Carthage, a conversation with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps make sense next. Call 1-704-714-1450 to talk through your situation and get clear guidance tailored to your needs.

Choosing Rosensteel Fleishman For Your Injury Case In North Carolina

People often want a local team that knows North Carolina law and can step in quickly. Rosensteel Fleishman is based in Charlotte and handles cases across the state, including Carthage and Moore County. The firm is a practical choice for someone looking for a personal injury lawyer in Carthage, NC or a bus accident lawyer in Carthage, NC who can start by answering basic questions and then build a plan. Clients appreciate that the first conversation is free and focused on what matters most to them. Whether your case involves a school bus, a truck with a trailer, or any other vehicle, the attorneys look at medical proof, insurance coverage, and the details of how the crash happened.

Attorney Corey Rosensteel often sums up the firm’s approach this way, “We take the time to listen, explain the process, and focus on getting our clients what they need to move forward.” That mindset fits families who want simple, honest guidance without extra pressure. The firm’s Charlotte location offers convenience for statewide work, and the team regularly coordinates with providers and investigators in different counties. If you are searching for a bus accident attorney in Carthage, NC or a personal injury attorney in North Carolina, you can reach Rosensteel Fleishman at 1-704-714-1450 to start a free consultation and discuss next steps.

Talk With A North Carolina Injury Lawyer Today And Get Answers

If you or your child was hurt in the Carthage school bus crash or another incident in North Carolina, you can talk with a lawyer today and get clear answers about medical bills, time away from work, and the claims process. A personal injury lawyer near me or a bus accident lawyer near me should make the first step easy. Rosensteel Fleishman does that by offering a free consultation at 1-704-714-1450. The team helps people in Carthage, Charlotte, and communities throughout the state. Whether you need a Carthage personal injury lawyer, a Carthage personal injury attorney, a bus accident attorney in Carthage, NC, or a personal injury law firm in North Carolina, the firm is ready to listen and help you decide what to do next.