School buses are a familiar sight on our roads, transporting children to and from school every day. While they’re generally considered a safe mode of transportation, accidents do happen. These accidents can be terrifying and leave children with serious injuries.

School bus accidents can have lasting consequences for children, both physically and emotionally. The injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to broken bones and even head trauma. The emotional toll can also be significant, with children experiencing anxiety and fear about riding the bus again.

In these difficult situations, it’s important to know your rights and options. If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, contacting a bus accident attorney can help ensure they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and future needs.

Why Do School Bus Accidents Happen?

School bus accidents can occur for a range of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

Driver error: Bus drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of the children on board. Unfortunately, driver errors like speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence can lead to accidents.
Poor bus maintenance: Just like any vehicle, school buses need regular maintenance to stay safe. Faulty brakes, tire problems, or malfunctioning doors can contribute to an accident.
Dangerous road conditions: Poor weather, potholes, or unclear traffic signs can create hazardous situations for bus drivers.
Other drivers: Reckless drivers who don’t respect the rules of the road around school buses can cause serious accidents.

The Liable Parties in a School Bus Accident

Determining who is liable for a school bus accident can be complex, as there are multiple parties involved. Here’s a closer look at the potential liable parties and the specific situations that might apply:

The School Bus Driver

Bus drivers have a significant responsibility to ensure the safety of every child on board. They are expected to follow strict driving regulations and prioritize safe driving practices. If a bus driver causes the accident through negligence, they could be held liable. This negligence can include:

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: This is a serious offense that significantly hinders a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving can divert a driver’s attention from the road and increase the risk of an accident.
Speeding or reckless driving: Disobeying traffic laws, speeding in unsafe conditions, or making aggressive maneuvers can all lead to a collision.
Failing to yield the right of way: School buses have specific right-of-way rules, particularly when loading or unloading children. Ignoring these rules can lead to accidents.

The School District: The school district has a legal duty to provide a safe transportation system for students. This responsibility includes several aspects:

Driver Qualifications: The school district must ensure bus drivers are properly licensed, have a clean driving record, and undergo regular training to stay up-to-date on safety protocols.
Bus Maintenance: The district needs to have a system in place for regular inspections and maintenance of school buses to address any mechanical issues that could contribute to an accident. This includes checking brakes, tires, steering, and emergency exits.
Safety Protocols: The school district should have clear safety procedures for bus drivers, students, and parents. These protocols should cover boarding and exiting the bus, emergency evacuation procedures, and student behavior expectations while riding.

If the school district fails in any of these areas and that failure contributes to an accident that injures your child, they could be held liable.

The Bus Company

In some cases, the school district may assign a private company to handle student transportation. This company then assumes the responsibility for driver qualifications, bus maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols. If the bus company fails to perform these duties and an accident results, they could be liable for your child’s injuries.

Another Driver

Unfortunately, not all accidents involve the bus driver. Negligent drivers on the road can cause serious accidents with school buses. Examples include:

Disobeying stop signs or signals: When a school bus is stopped with its lights flashing, drivers are legally required to stop. Failure to do so can lead to a collision with children entering or exiting the bus.
Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers pose a serious threat to everyone on the road, and school buses are no exception.
Reckless driving: Speeding, tailgating, or swerving around traffic can put the bus and its passengers at risk.

If another driver’s negligence caused the accident that injured your child, they could be held liable for the damages.

The School Bus Manufacturer

In rare instances, a defect in the design or manufacturing of the school bus itself could be a contributing factor in the accident. This could involve issues with brakes, steering, door malfunctions, or inadequate seatbelts.

If a manufacturing defect is found to be a cause of the accident, the bus manufacturer could be liable for your child’s injuries.

Conclusion

School bus accidents can be life-changing events. If your child has been injured, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. A bus accident attorney can help ensure your child receives the justice they deserve.