School Bus Accidents
Because you are always on the run, you relly on the school bus to get your children safe to and from school. It can be upsetting that not all school buses have seatbelts. And because of this we constantly hear about children killed or injured due to school bus accidents. These are methods of mass transit but carry our children. However, must school buses are owned by a public entity. Therefore there are sovign immunity issues and many are self insured. There are caps for recovery when dealing with public entitles, I.e. government.
What are the most common causes of school bus accidents?
- Equipment malfunction
- Negligent drivers
- Negligent operators
- Distracted drivers
- Road conditions
- Overloading children
What are the top injuries from a school bus accident?
Who can I hold accountable for my school bus accident?
School bus accidents can be very complex as to who can be held accountable for your injuries. These are ones who can be held liable:
- Driver of motor vehicles
- Driver of the school bus
- School the bus belongs to
- Safety inspectors
- School district
What damages can I recover?
If someone else’s negligence caused you to have a school bus accident injury you can claim compensatory damages against the liable party. Compensatory damages include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damage claim can include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, home modifications, and non-medical needs.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, damage to reputation, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
You may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages can be recoverable if the liable party acted malice or fraud. These may include the liable party being under the influence while driving, fleeing from the police, and/or reckless driving.
How will you prove my damages?
You may think that those documents or photographs may not strengthen your case, but they actually make your case even stronger. It may be obvious that the liable party caused your injury but you are going to need those photographs and documents to make your case even stronger. Some examples that will make your case stronger is:
- Medical documents
- Any medical imaging
- Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
- Police report
- Proof of loss benefits
- Any receipts that show any expenses related to your injuries
How can help prevent a school bus accident?
This is an important conversation to have with your child so that they can do their part too. Here are some things to talk about:
- Walk into the bus and out of the bus in a orderly manner
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop to either move within the bus or enter or exit the bus
- Keep the bus aisle clear of any objects
- Don’t distract the driver
- Don’t walk behind the school bus
What should I do after a school bus accident?
If your child is involved in a school bus accident can be devastating and stressful. If possible follow these easy steps to make your case stronger:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention
- Get any information you can from the driver(s) & Witnesses
- Take photographs of all the damages done and road conditions
- File a police report
- CALL ME!
Let me help you get through the stress of holding someone else liable for your injuries and make it easier for you!
Contact The Reyes Firm at 813-421-3411
We are here for you 24/7 and have the experience to protect your interests and get you the recovery you deserve. Call us today – and above all be safe on the roads!
