Keeping the safety of kids while they travel on the school bus in mind is very important for both parents and school authorities. However, parents should understand what to do when their kid has experienced an accident on a school bus.
Steps to Take if Your Child is Injured in a School Bus Accident:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child may appear unhurt, but it’s critical to receive medical attention without delay. There can be injuries not visible right away, and an assessment from a medical professional is vital to spot any concealed concerns.
- Document Injuries: Get images of any noticeable injuries your child has received. This proof are often vital for insurance coverage statements and lawful reasons.
- Keep all records: Keep all records of the accident, such as explanations given by the school district or bus driver. If there were any bystanders or witnesses, try to get their contact information so that you can have their accounts on record.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult a Virginia school bus accident injury attorney. An attorney can help investigate the causes of the accident, advocate for your family’s best interests, and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome from a terrible situation.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: To prevent misunderstandings, unfair payouts, and conflicts of interest, it’s best to not speak directly to insurance adjusters. They might push for quick, insufficient settlements, as they prioritize the insurance company’s profit. Seeking the advice of a personal injury attorney can make sure you’re treated fairly, protect your legal rights, and safeguard evidence needed for your case.
Where does liability fall?
In school bus accidents, liability can fall on several parties, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here are the at-fault parties who are normally considered in an accident involving a school bus:
- School Bus Driver: A school bus driver may be responsible if his or her carelessness, such as exceeding speed limits, distracted driving, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causes an accident.
- School District or School Board: The organization in charge of running the school bus service, whether it be the school district or school board, could be at fault if it didn’t take care of the buses, make sure drivers were well trained, or adapt safety procedures.
- Other Motorists: If the accident is caused by another car on the road, the driver of that car may be held responsible for the resulting injuries and damage.
- Bus Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: If the accident was caused by a defect in the bus’s construction or maintenance, the manufacturer or maintenance provider might be responsible. For example, issues related to brakes, tires, or some other mechanical part can make these companies liable.
- Government Entities: Agencies of the government that are entrusted with the task of maintaining roads and safeguarding the safety of children during their commute to and from school might be held responsible if they played a part in the accident by neglecting to ensure that the roads are free of hazards or that the roads are adequately marked.
Determining liability for school bus accidents often requires a thorough investigation. It’s essential to consult with legal professionals who handle personal injury cases and have experience with school bus accidents. Attorneys, like those at Curcio Law, can help victims and their families navigate the legal process to seek compensation for injuries and damages. Your child’s safety is the top priority, and following these steps can help ensure their well-being and protect their legal rights in the event of a school bus accident.
