School is back in session, and with the start of a new year comes fresh outfits, shiny new school supplies, and a renewed focus on school bus safety.
Saying goodbye to your child in the morning means entrusting their safety to those in the school system – teachers, custodial staff, and especially school bus drivers.
School bus accidents can have severe consequences for your child. Knowing what to do in these situations can be overwhelming, and understanding your rights when your child is injured can sometimes be unclear.
Below, our team at Hoffman Law Firm has compiled a short guide to understanding school bus accidents, what can cause them, and what to do when your child is injured in an accident.
Class is in Session: School Bus Accidents in South Carolina
The bright yellow school bus has been the staple of school transportation for as long as many of us can remember. With over 21 million elementary and middle school children riding the bus to and from school daily, they are considered the best mode of academic transportation and the safer alternative compared to walking or riding in your SUV.
However, no vehicle is 100 percent safe.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 104 deaths and various injuries were the result of school bus-related crashes in 2022.
From 2013 to 2022, 45% of people injured in school bus crashes were those directly on the school bus, with 36% being the passengers themselves facing injury.
These statistics are not meant to instill fear but instead to help recognize that school bus crashes CAN happen, and you have the right to seek compensation for your child’s injuries in the aftermath – and having an experienced school bus accident lawyer in South Carolina can’t hurt. Hoffman Law Firm is here to help your family and fight for your child’s rights!
What Causes a School Bus Crash?
One of the most important factors in an accident claim is determining the root cause behind the crash. While some accidents may be the school bus driver’s fault, other cases may place blame on another driver altogether. Common causes of accidents involving a school bus include:
Unqualified or Underqualified Bus Drivers
School districts have a responsibility to thoroughly examine the credentials and driving records of bus drivers before hiring them. School bus drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, with a passenger endorsement.
Lack of Experience or Training
Driving a school bus is different from driving an SUV or sedan. Drivers need to be adequately trained in their position. This includes understanding the mechanics of driving a large commercial vehicle and managing a bus full of young children.
Distracted Driving
Drivers of all vehicles, whether it be a bus or a 4-door sedan, have an obligation to pay attention to the road. Quickly glancing at your phone when you hear a “ding!” sound or answering a quick text may result in more harm than good, especially when children are involved.
Mechanical Flaws or Vehicle Defects
The design and operation of school buses must be held to a certain standard and maintained to promote the high safety standards required to transport kids to and from school. Older school buses may not be up to current standards or have a higher risk of design flaws that can lead to dangerous consequences.
Negligence of Other Drivers
School bus crashes are not always the driver’s fault – sometimes, it arises out of the negligence of others on the road. Negligent drivers may cause a school bus crash due to speeding, reckless driving habits, or illegally passing a stopped school bus due to impatience.
Whatever the situation may be that led to a school bus crash, an experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer can help examine the details of your case and discuss your legal options and potential for compensation.
Know Your Rights: What to Do When Your Child is Injured in a School Bus Crash
One of the most dreaded and nerve-wracking calls a parent can receive concerns the well-being of their child. In the event that your child’s school bus has been in an accident, there are certain steps you should take in navigating the aftermath that will protect your child’s right to recover damages and seek justice for those responsible.
If possible, our personal injury attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm suggest the following when navigating the aftermath of a school bus accident:
- Make sure your child is okay: Your child’s health and well-being are of the utmost importance. Follow instructions provided by emergency personnel but insist on seeing and being with your child.
- Seek medical care for your child: While not all accidents require emergency transportation or even a hospital visit, it’s important to get your child checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Even if they don’t exhibit any clear medical concerns, a doctor’s visit can reveal hidden injuries or, at the very least, provide a paper trail proving you took the necessary steps to seek treatment.
- Speak with other parents: A school bus accident involves not only your child, but the children of other parents involved. Exchange contact details and share information with one another. This may help your attorney when it comes time to build a case.
- Collect and document evidence: Some of the most important information in a legal case involves the specific details the moment the accident occurred. By taking photos of the scene, documenting road and weather conditions, and noting the damage of the school bus along with other involved vehicles is invaluable information for your lawyers to have.
- Seek only the best personal injury attorney for your case: An accident, especially one involving your child, can be overwhelming and excruciating. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer near you to navigate the legal proceedings can be invaluable to your case and seeking compensation for your child’s injuries.
Was Your Child Injured in a School Bus Accident? Hoffman Law Firm Can Help!
As a parent, taking care of your child is your number one priority. We understand and value your priorities, and we want to help.
At Hoffman Law Firm, our priority is ensuring you have the time and ability to focus on what truly matters – the well-being of those you love. To make that a reality, we help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve for experiencing the unimaginable by researching, examining, and gathering evidence as to the details of the accident.
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, we proudly advocate for accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. As the locals’ trusted personal injury law firm, we have extensive experience handling a wide variety of cases.
We have established a reputation for success and great service! To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today. We are here to help!
