School Bus Accidents

“I have been there so many times before and NOW I will be there for YOU and your family.”
- Tim Misny - The man that “Makes Them Pay!®”

“Please understand that the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with preponderance of the evidence.” – Tim Misny

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Spinal Injuries: Severe accidents can result in spinal injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal fractures and severed spinal cord.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Wound Care: Cuts and abrasions should be cleaned, disinfected, and properly dressed to prevent infection. Stitches or sutures may be needed for deep cuts.

  5. 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.

  6. Spinal Injury Management: Spinal injuries require immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve surgery, bracing, or physical therapy to manage pain and to regain function.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation for long-term rehabilitation costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other specialized treatments.

  10. 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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Krystle Banks
Krystle Banks
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Christine Filippelli
Christine Filippelli
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DeAndre Merritt
DeAndre Merritt
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Jake Ferri
Jake Ferri
23:46 01 Aug 22
I have no case and no one that I need Tim Misney to make pay, just wanted to say the best part of my day is getting to... drive by his billboards. His People's Eyebrow is immaculate and the new billboard with him on the motorcycle is downright bitchin'. Thank you Tim Misney for significantly improving the quality of my life.read more
Jennifer Malainy
Jennifer Malainy
22:44 19 Jul 22
My favorite lawyer. Truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most genuine humans I have ever met. There is only one TIM... MISNY and he will make them pay!! God Bless.read more
C M V
C M V
01:16 16 Feb 22
I spoke to Amy and Christine about a possible personal injury case involving my father and they were both helpful,... professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Although they could not help us with our case, I would highly recommend them!read more
Stephen Burks
Stephen Burks
20:12 21 Jan 22
It really comes down to what people say and do when they don't think anyone that matters is listening or they'll get... anything in return.There's the Tim Misny you see on the billboards and on TV, but there's another Tim Misny that I know up close and personal.The Tim Misny I know is genuinely passionate about helping the hard working little folks who get pushed around the big folks. He actually, really honestly cares about people who run into bad luck at no fault of their own. Tim has quietly, out of the sight of cameras and with no fanfare shared generously with the marginalized in our society; single moms, Veterans and others without expecting anything in return.He calls them like he sees them and you wouldn't want to take your troubles to anyone else.read more
mark colucci
mark colucci
14:33 06 Dec 21
Mr. Misny is an angel here on earth and the BEST attorney in Ohio. He has helped my daughter who is in law school when... she needed the guidance most. He is a class act, a great family man, and extremely caring. If you need a lawyer in this field I would HIGHLY recommend. There is no other lawyer, in my opinion, better than Tim Misny.Thank you Tim for being a light in this community!read more
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
02:43 27 Nov 21
Advice on Law question? Also Advise to do more research for Different types of Situations that’s Criminal and Civil... Pursuits!City, State and Above State Level Situation .Pro Se !read more
Gianna Colucci
Gianna Colucci
12:56 04 Nov 21
Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall... College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.read more
Brandon Hagerdon
Brandon Hagerdon
20:53 18 May 21
I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a... relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.read more
Jimmie Graham
Jimmie Graham
19:26 30 Mar 21
Tim is hands down the best lawyer in town. He was able to guide me through the legal process and keep me informed at... all stages. Which allowed me to not stress and focus on life. He was able to get me the best deal possible in my court case. One thing that blew me away is that he gave me his direct cell number and answered anytime I had a question which is rare with most lawyers. 100% Misny is the guy! There's a reason he's on literally every billboard in Cleveland.read more
Paul McFadden
Paul McFadden
13:29 20 Jan 21
My relationship with Tim goes back over 30 years and is one of great trust and mutual respect. Tim represented me at a... critical point in my life and I will always be indebted to him for the difference he made. He is always just a phone call away.read more
Rick Miller
Rick Miller
18:55 21 Dec 20
If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in... the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Timread more
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
01:51 22 Oct 20
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer &... 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!read more
Scott Plate
Scott Plate
16:49 10 Oct 20
Tim has created a highly visible and effective law practice, and despite his decades of experience, he has never once... forgotten why he got into this business in the first place: to help people. He puts his whole heart into his work, and he works hard for everyone he represents. He has a gift for tuning out the noise and tuning into the core of what his clients need, and making it clear he has heard them. As a result, we feel empowered. He is smart, resourceful, creative, positive, and solution-oriented. His abundant energy makes people feel better, stronger, and valued. He loves and promotes his community; he gives back generously, and he always leaves everything better than he found it. Tim is a true man of action, and a man of his word. Could not recommend him more highly.read more
Mike M
Mike M
04:44 09 Oct 20
As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I... was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mikeread more
Eric Evans
Eric Evans
21:02 04 Oct 20
Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his... expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.read more
Benjamin Firstenberg
Benjamin Firstenberg
19:32 28 Sep 20
I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal... development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.read more
David Shelton
David Shelton
01:13 30 Jun 20
I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave... me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.read more
Mike Mercer
Mike Mercer
00:16 17 Jan 20
WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim... Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!read more
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The Law Offices of Tim Misny

Cleveland Office
3100 E. 45th St.
Suite 444
Cleveland OH 44127
Mailing Address:
Interstate Square I
4230 Chillicothe Rd. Ste 200
Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Disclaimer: All lawsuits are different and the Law Offices of Tim Misny make no representation or promise that it can obtain the same results in other legal matters. Nothing in this webpage constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any future legal matter.