School buses are a primary transportation to and from public school for children all over the nation. Without school buses, many children would have to walk or find other means to get to school that could reduce their ability to attend school on a regular basis. While school buses are considered one of the safest transportation options for children to get to school, accidents do happen and the children riding on the bus can get injured.
Here we’ll explore the most common causes of school bus accidents, common injuries that can occur as a result of a school bus crash, and what to do if your child or loved one has been injured in a school bus accident.
Common Causes Of School Bus Accidents
According to the Department of Transportation, there’s an estimated 500 school bus accidents each year. There are several causes of school bus accidents, with the most common being:
- Poor road conditions
- Making a left turn and colliding with oncoming traffic
- Negligence on behalf of the bus company, such as insufficient hiring processes or inadequate bus maintenance
- School bus driver negligence, such as driving recklessly or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
While many school bus accidents are caused as a result of another motorist or unpreventable situations, some accidents are the result of negligence on behalf of the bus company or bus driver. When this is the case, the driver and/or bus company may be held liable for the accident and responsible for providing compensation for damages and serious injuries.
Common Injuries Incurred In School Bus Accidents
The type of injury a person experiences as a result of a school bus accident will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of the collision. Common injuries sustained to bus accident victims include:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries or trauma
- Back injuries
- Bruises and cuts
- Lacerations
- Concussions
Additionally, someone who is involved in a school bus accident can also suffer from emotional and mental distress such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can last for months or even years and cause significant difficulties for the individual. For example, if a child is riding a school bus and the school bus gets into an accident, the child may be too frightened to ride a school bus again after the accident.
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Recoverable Compensation From School Bus Accident Cases
There are a number of different potential claims you can make following a school bus accident in order to seek compensation. Examples of recoverable compensation include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Los wages
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death
- Other expenses related to injuries
An experienced school bus accident lawyer can help you determine which compensations your loved one may be entitled to following the accident. The compensations you can pursue will depend on the extent of injuries and damages, the cause of the accident, and the cost for medical care.
What To Do If Your Child Has Been Injured In A School Bus Accident
If your child or loved one has been injured in a school bus accident, there are a few important steps you should follow immediately after the accident to ensure you get the compensation you need. These steps include:
Call The Police
If the police haven’t already been called, you should notify the police of the accident. They will come to the scene of the accident and determine who was at fault. They will also create a police report, which is a useful document to have when seeking compensation.
Get Medical Treatment
If your child or loved one has been injured, they should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if they don’t believe they’ve been injured, it’s always a good idea to see a medical professional following a motor vehicle accident. Many injuries aren’t realized until hours or days after the accident, and the longer you wait to get medical attention, the more difficult it will be to get compensation for medical bills and related expenses.
File A Bus Accident Claim
Before filing a claim, it’s best to speak with an experienced personal injury or school bus accident attorney to determine if this is the best step to take. If they recommend you file a claim, you can do so with either the school district or the bus company. The insurance company that represents these entities will have a claims representative reach out to you to take a statement and to gather any evidence you may have to support your claim. They will then determine liability and the compensation you are eligible to receive.
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Work With An Expert School Bus Accident Lawyer
If are family member or a loved one were injured in a school bus accident, it’s important to work with an expert school bus accident attorney to ensure the injured victims rights are upheld and that they get the compensation they deserve. The law firm of Florin|Roebig has helped countless individuals obtain compensation and recover from school bus accidents. Give us a call today for a 100% confidential and free case evaluation of your bus accident claim.
