Millions of children nationwide use school buses to get to school daily. While it is a safe form of transportation, accidents still happen. If your child suffered injuries in a crash because of negligence, you have the right to pursue damages from the liable party.
While sometimes accidents happen because of the recklessness of other drivers, there are also times when the bus operator or other parties related to the school are negligent. Speak to a hard-working common carrier crash attorney skilled in handling cases resulting from school bus accidents in Inverness to learn more.
School Bus Crash Causes
While school bus crashes are not as common as other passenger car collisions, when they happen, the passengers do not have the same safety equipment, such as seatbelts and airbags, to protect them. Therefore, the injuries can be severe. Some of the typical causes include:
- Inadequate bus operator training
- Too many kids overloading the vehicle
- Fatigued drivers
- Inclement weather causing poor road conditions
- Third-party driver recklessness
- Failing to comply with the traffic safety rules and regulations
A knowledgeable Inverness attorney could answer specific questions after analyzing the school bus crash case.
Determining Fault and Liability
Determining the at-fault party is essential for recovering damages. Depending on the case circumstances, the bus operator could be at fault, another driver outside of the bus, the maintenance company, or the operator’s employer.
More than one person could be listed as the defendant. Each case has its own set of circumstances, and the most effective way to recover a settlement is to conduct a thorough investigation, including speaking to witnesses and experts.
Damages
After a school bus crash, damages may include medical care, lost salary, prescriptions, devices, and equipment. The court may also award damages for intangible losses, including emotional distress, loss of the enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
School Bus Driver Qualifications
Getting to school safely is a national and state effort to promote safe transportation of students daily. According to the Florida Department of Education, school bus drivers must submit to background and drug testing and meet the following requirements:
- Be in healthy physical condition
- Have the ability to transport kids to and from school safely
- Obey all traffic laws and the rules and regulations enforced by the state
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspection as necessary and report bus defects or mechanical problems promptly
- Report hazardous road conditions to the transportation office immediately
- Complete first aid and CPR training and administer treatment to students when necessary
- Conduct themselves professionally at all times
- Promote a safe and positive environment for the students
A lawyer skilled in handling cases resulting from Inverness school bus crashes could investigate whether the transportation and driver were out of compliance and help gather the evidence needed to establish liability.
Speak to an Attorney Skilled With Inverness School Bus Accident Cases
School bus collisions are not as typical as other accidents. However, they can leave your child with severe injuries because the vehicles lack safety devices. You have the right to file a claim for damages when accidents happen because of negligence and your child suffers harm.
Schedule a meeting with a diligent lawyer seasoned in handling lawsuits resulting from school bus accidents in Inverness if you need help with a case. The sooner after the cause of action you begin to prepare, the better your chance of reaching a positive outcome. Call this week and get started organizing your claim right away.
