General School Bus Accident Information

Information on School Bus Accidents, including a list and explanation of the types of School Bus Accidents, the causes of School Bus Accidents, a guide to determining fault and liability in School Bus Accident Cases, and the statute of limitations for School Bus Accidents.

Understanding School Bus Accidents · Types of School Bus Accidents · School Bus Accident Causes · Liability and Fault · Statute of Limitations

Understanding School Bus Accidents

School buses are the biggest type of mass transit in the United States and provide nearly nine million student trips every year. While school buses are relatively safe and usually travel at low speeds, their large size can pose a threat to other cars and to their young passengers. A school bus-related crash is defined as an accident that directly or indirectly involves a school bus-type vehicle, which includes vehicles functioning as school buses by transporting students to or from school or related activities. School bus accident injuries may be suffered by students riding in buses in the event of a crash. These injuries can be severe because many school bus lack seat belts and safety restraint systems to protect children during a collision. In addition, when cars fail to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading passengers, students can be struck as they board or exit the school bus. School bus accidents are especially tragic because of the young age of many of the victims and the potentially devastating lifelong effects that can impact the lives of student bus passengers. School bus accident lawyers can determine if negligence was the cause of a school bus accident and work to recover compensation and justice for the victims and their family members.

Types of School Bus Accidents

According to school bus accident statistics, nearly half of all school bus accidents involve impacts to the front end of a school bus. Other common types of school bus crashes include:
Right side impacts Left side impacts Rear impacts Top impacts Roll overs Passenger falls while riding a school bus Crashes on freeways or city streets

Passengers of school buses can also be injured while waiting for a bus, boarding or disembarking from a bus, and standing or walking around bus stops.

School Bus Accident Causes

The most common causes of school bus accidents include:

Lack of school bus driver training or experience Overloaded buses Poorly maintained brakes Driving a school bus in conditions of poor visibility due to fog, snow, rain, or smoke Fatigued or inattentive school bus driver Speeding Failure to yield the right of way Aggressive or reckless driving School bus driver operating the bus while under the influence of drugs or alcohol Unsafe bus safety systems, reflectors, lights, and other warning devices Inadequate bus security Dangerous or defective roadways Defective bus parts Improper bus maintenance Following too close to other vehicles

School bus accidents can also occur when impatient drivers attempt to pass a bus while it is unloading or loading students, slowing down to turn, or stopping at a train crossing. Additionally, when budgetary pressures face school districts, bus maintenance schedules may get stretched, vehicles may be kept in service for longer periods of time, and districts may seek to save money by using lower paid and less experienced bus drivers. All of these factors increase the likelihood of a school bus crash.

Liability and Fault

The issues of liability and fault in school bus accident cases can be complex. In these cases, there are often multiple plaintiffs and multiple defendants, and complicated legal issues often arise when the defendants in a lawsuit are municipalities and school districts. Proving liability and fault in a school bus may require medical testimony and expert testimony regarding accident reconstruction. Some of the factors courts look to in determining negligence and fault are:
Speeding, or driving too slow Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol Failing to signal while turning Disregarding weather or traffic conditions Disobeying traffic signs or signals Failing to drive on the correct side of the road Intentional or reckless conduct

When it comes to the issue of liability, school bus accident attorneys may also examine factors such as negligent maintenance on the part of the bus company, the school district's failure to provide adequate supervision for children with special needs, or defective school bus equipment.

Statute of Limitations

The law dictates that all school bus accident lawsuits must be filed within a certain time period, known as the statute of limitations. For this reason, it is important to contact a school bus accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. While receiving medical attention following a school bus accident should always be your first concern, contacting an attorney quickly should also be a priority. Even if the guilt or negligence is clear in a school bus accident case, a claim cannot be made if it is filed after the statute of limitation has ended. The time limits vary by state and by the type of claim that is being filed, so it is important to act in a timely manner in order to protect your rights to possible compensation for injuries and other damages.

All content on Accidents.com is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended as legal or medical advice. Please seek advice from a professional on any related topics.

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