School Bus Accidents
Most parents think that a school bus is the safest way to get their child to school. However, thousands of children are injured and roughly twenty-six die annually in school bus crashes. A school bus accident case usually involves government entities, making such suits more complex than other types of litigation.
It may seem strange, but most school bus deaths aren't the result of vehicle crashes. Approximately 80% of students die when boarding or exiting the bus. Some are struck by passing vehicles, while others are hit by the bus itself.
When a school bus accident does involve a crash, the bus nearly always has more passengers than other vehicles involved. This means the weight of the bus is far greater than the other vehicles, and the latter's occupants are more likely to be killed.
A school bus accident can quickly turn deadly
Your school bus accident may have been made far worse due to lack of seatbelt regulation in these vehicles. Most don't have seatbelts, and if the buses operate under a jurisdiction with no enforcement law, it's the same as if they had no seatbelts at all. Although groups of concerned citizens are working to change this, it's easy for small children to get hurt in a bus crash because they lack seatbelts.
The causes of school bus accidents
There are many different causes of school bus accidents. School buses often operate in inclement weather because educational districts are reluctant to close - even temporarily. In addition, costly maintenance and upgrades mean many substandard buses are still driven today. Rather than putting children's' safety first, many schools chose between the cost of upgrades and the cost of potential lawsuits. If they feel that the payout for a lawsuit would be the cheaper option, they forego the upgrades.
Other factors that can result in school bus accidents include:
- Driver negligence
- Intoxicated drivers
- Defective roadways
Who's responsible for your school bus accident?
When schools are held responsible for a school bus accident, it changes the way that they calculate financial risk. It also encourages them to institute additional safety measures. But holding the appropriate parties responsible can be complicated, especially if multiple defendants are involved. These defendants can include:
- School districts
- Bus drivers
- Road maintenance crews
If you or your child was harmed in a school bus accident, talk to our experienced attorneys. It is important to do this prior to speaking with school officials or insurance adjustors. Do not make the mistake of accepting settlements before seeking legal advice. Once you agree to a low settlement offer, little can be done to seek the compensation you truly deserve.
Call Price Benowitz, LLP today
If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, fill out our online form, or call for a consultation. We want to work for compensation on your behalf. Your first meeting with us is free of charge.
