School Bus Accidents
School Bus Accidents – Injury Law
School bus accidents occur far more often than you may think. Children may suffer severe injuries when the bus they were riding collides with another vehicle, or stationary object such as a building. Children also suffer terrible injuries, and are sometimes killed when crossing the street in front, or behind a school bus.
An accident can also occur when a child is struck by an oncoming vehicle when boarding or disembarking a school bus. Accidents involving district school buses can occur from a variety of scenarios, and thus it is very important to hold the at-fault party accountable for the injuries.
As a Cleveland bus accident lawyer with more than 40 years of experience, you can rest assured I will do everything possible to obtain financial compensation for your child’s injuries.
Additional Information About School Bus Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines school bus-related collisions as “any crash in which a vehicle, regardless of body design, used as a school bus, is directly or indirectly involved” in an accident.” How do accidents with a school bus happen, and how frequently do they occur? The National Safety Council (NSC) provides important facts and figures.
About 70% of people who are killed in school bus-related accidents were occupants of vehicles other than a school bus;
Approximately 17% of people killed in a school bus accident were pedestrians;
School bus passengers account for about 5% of all people killed annually in school bus accidents, while school bus drivers account for 4% of these fatalities;
About 2% of all school bus deaths are bicyclists;
More than one-third, or about 36%, of all people who suffer nonfatal injuries in school bus accidents are school bus passengers;
School bus drivers account for roughly 8% of all nonfatal injuries in school bus collisions; and
Approximately 51% of people injured in school bus collisions were occupants of other vehicles.
School Bus Accident Causes
Bus Driver Fatigue
Bus drivers may become fatigued due to long hours behind the wheel. This fatigue results in reduced alertness and slower reaction times. As such, fatigue can be a contributing factor in an accident.
As one of the best Cleveland bus accident lawyers, many accident victims reach out to me to handle their injury claims. In turn, I have won millions of dollars for my injured clients. If you or your child was seriously hurt in a bus accident, call me and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Speeding
When bus drivers exceed the speed limit, accident risk increases substantially. Speeding places the safety of students, pedestrians, other drivers and passengers, at risk for serious injuries and is a primary reason for accident lawsuits.
Mechanical Failures
A bus accident may occur as a result of a mechanical failure such as brake malfunctions, tire blowout, or engine problems. In addition to recovering compensation for any injuries, it may also be necessary to investigate if the bus was improperly maintained.
Distracted Driving
Bus drivers can be distracted for various reasons such as, managing unruly children, cell phone use, looking in the rear view mirror for extended periods and adjusting instrumentation. These distractions may result in accidents that can be subject to personal injury lawsuits.
Negligent Maintenance
Inadequate maintenance of school buses can lead to accidents caused by mechanical issues. If an investigation into the accident reveals poor bus service records, a negligence lawsuit can also be filed against the school district or bus maintenance company.
Driver Inexperience
Inexperienced bus drivers may struggle handling the bus in challenging situations. Inexperience increases the risk of bus crashes considerably. Inexperienced bus drivers should never be behind the wheel of a bus until they are fully trained. The safety of your children depends on it!
Inadequate Training
Inadequate training of bus drivers is a big problem! Your child’s safety should never be in the hands of men or women who have not been properly trained. If your child was hurt in a bus accident caused by an improperly trained driver, you can file an injury claim and hold the school district responsible for inadequate training.
Running Red Lights/Stop Signs
Bus collisions often occur when bus drivers fail to obey traffic signals and stop signs. These accidents are senseless and too many children are hurt as a result.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive or reckless driving behavior, such as tailgating or sudden lane changes, can result on serious accidents. Bus drivers must never forget that they are driving precious cargo and are responsible for their well-being at all times while on the bus.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful movement of the head and neck, often resulting from a rear-end collision. In an accident with a school bus, the passengers in the car may experience whiplash if the bus rear-ended their vehicle. Children on the bus may also experience whiplash as a result of the collision. A personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party is warranted.
Concussion: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can occur when a victim’s head strikes a hard surface, such as a seat or window. If a car is involved in the accident, passengers in a car may suffer a concussion from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
Fractured Bones: School bus accidents can cause limb fractures, or fractures to other parts of the body. Broken bones are more likely to occur to passengers in a car, however, bus passengers can also suffer broken bones.
Cuts and Abrasions: Broken glass, flying debris, and other sharp objects may result in severe cuts and abrasions. This can occur to passengers of any vehicle involved in the crash.
Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. The degree of injury depends on the force of impact and the surface hit. For instance, if a accident victim’s head hits the steering wheel, it is more likely to cause significant injury than if their head came in contact with a cushioned seat.
Spinal Injuries: Severe accidents can result in spinal injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal fractures and severed spinal cord.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscular injuries, like strains and sprains, can occur when passengers are jolted or thrown about inside the bus, or to passengers in the other vehicle involved in the collision.
Internal Injuries: The force of a bus crash can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding,. These serious injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life threatening.
Emotional Distress: Beyond physical injuries, victims of school bus accidents may also suffer emotional distress due to the traumatic event and injuries they or others have sustained.
Property Damage: In addition to injuries, bus accidents can cause significant property damage to vehicles involved in the collision. This leads to insurance claims or disputes between private companies and victims.
Treatment
Whiplash Treatment: Treatment for whiplash often includes rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. Victims may need to gently exercise their neck and receive therapeutic massages to alleviate pain and stiffness.
Concussion Care: Concussions require rest, both physical and cognitive, to allow the brain to heal. Monitoring and follow-up medical appointments are crucial to ensure a safe recovery.
Fracture Repair: Fractured bones may need to be set and immobilized with casts, braces, or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury. Physical therapy can aid in regaining strength and mobility.
Wound Care: Cuts and abrasions should be cleaned, disinfected, and properly dressed to prevent infection. Stitches or sutures may be needed for deep cuts.
Head Injury: Victims with head injuries should undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including CT scans or MRI to assess the extent of the damage. Treatment may include rest, surgery or medication as necessary.
Spinal Injury Management: Spinal injuries require immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve surgery, bracing, or physical therapy to manage pain and to regain function.
Soft Tissue Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises help individuals with soft tissue injuries regain strength, flexibility, and mobility. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may also be recommended.
Internal Injury Intervention: Treatment for internal injuries is dependent on the severity and location of the injury, but may involve surgery to, stop bleeding, repair damaged organs or blood vessels.
Emotional Support: Victims experiencing emotional distress may benefit from counseling or therapy to cope with the psychological impact of the accident. Support from friends and family is crucial.
Property Damage Assessment: Victims dealing with property damage should contact their insurance company to assess the extent of damage and to arrange for repairs or compensation as needed.
Bus accidents are not only physically damaging to victims, but also emotionally damaging. Getting help to repair your physical and emotional wounds is not cheap, and those at fault need to be held accountable. For more than 40 years, I have helped victims of bus accidents receive financial compensation, and I can help you too. I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Compensation for Damages May Include:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical expenses covers the costs of hospitalization, surgeries, medication, doctor visits, physical therapy, and any other healthcare-related costs. You should not bear the financial burden for medical treatment resulting from the accident.
Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages account for the physical and emotional distress experienced due to the accident. You may need help to alleviate your pain, anxiety, trauma, and to get back your quality of life.
Lost Wages: This covers the income you may lose due to your inability to work while recovering from injuries sustained in the accident. You need to be able to maintain financial stability and support your family during recovery.
Property Damage: Property damages cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle or personal belongings damaged in the accident. The reimbursement should restore your property to its pre-accident condition.
Permanent Disability: If the accident results in permanent disability or impairment, you need to sue for compensation to cover ongoing medical expenses, future lost earning capacity, and adaptations needed to maintain a reasonable quality of life.
Emotional Distress: Emotional distress damages compensate for psychological trauma and mental anguish caused by the accident. There may have been an emotional toll on your mental health and overall well-being.
Loss of Consortium: In some cases, family members of the victim may sue for loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship, care, and support the victim provided.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be awarded if the accident resulted from gross negligence or intentional misconduct on the part of the bus company or driver. This is to deter similar behavior in the future, and to provide a sense of justice for the victim.
Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation for long-term rehabilitation costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other specialized treatments.
Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event of a fatality, surviving family members may sue for wrongful death damages to cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
If you or your child have been involved in an accident with a school bus, you need to call me. We entrust our children to bus drivers, and should feel confident they are taking proper safety precautions and and busses are properly maintained 100% of the time. I will hold them accountable, and will work to obtain the necessary funds you need.
Frustration as Parents
I understand the depth of frustration and anguish you must be feeling as a parent of a child injured in an accident while riding the school bus. The emotional turmoil you are probably going through is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. I am here for you as someone who genuinely cares about your well-being, and the well-being of your child.
The safety and well-being of our children are paramount. When an accident occurs, especially one involving a school bus, it can shake us to our core. We send our children to school with the expectation they will be safe, and when that safety is compromised, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed with frustration, anger, and fear.
Your frustration is valid and understood. As your lawyer, my role is not just to navigate the legal complexities of your case, but also to be a source of support during this trying time. I am committed to seeking justice on your behalf, holding responsible parties accountable, and ensuring that your child receives the care and attention they need to recover fully.
Filing a School Bus Accident Lawsuit in Cleveland
For most school bus accidents, the first step will involve filing an insurance claim. In many cases, however, it will be essential to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you need to file a school bus accident lawsuit in Cleveland, under Ohio law you will likely have two years from the date of the collision to file your lawsuit. The sooner you begin working with me on your case, the sooner I can help to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
How a School Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
Nothing can be more devastating than learning your child has sustained serious or life-threatening injuries in a school bus accident. Even though school bus accidents are less common than general motor vehicle crashes, they can result in severe and fatal child injuries.
As an experienced Cleveland accident attorney, I am committed to representing individuals in a wide variety of accident claims. Do not let the at-fault party get away with causing serious injuries and other losses when I can help you to seek the compensation you deserve. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today to learn more about how I can help you.
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