School Bus Accident Attorney: How to Claim Compensation
School buses are a common mode of transport for most school-aged children whether it be a private bus company or a district bus. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are seven times safer than regular passenger vehicles and light trucks. This means it is seen as one of the safest modes of transport even without having seat belts onboard. So with this knowledge why were there an average of 133 people killed in school bus accidents between 2005 and 2014? Thomas J. Henry explores bus accidents in today’s post.
Types of Bus Accidents
Accidents happen every day in Texas and with school buses being one of the larger vehicles on the road it is difficult to fathom how anyone can be involved in a school bus accident. Aside from the bus driver and passengers aboard the bus, there are other people that can be injured. Drivers and passengers of other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians are some of the parties that can be injured due to the negligence of the bus driver.
Passenger vehicles and small trucks have a better chance against a school bus but the injuries can still be severe. Regardless of the accident, you will need a school bus accident attorney to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries
Being involved in a school bus accident can lead to severe injuries including:
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Spinal injuries
- Broken Bones
- Brian Injuries
- Severe skin burns
- Severed limbs
- Herniated disc
Some of these injuries will go away in due time with little recourse while others will have a lifetime effect. A brain injury will stay with you for the rest of your life and the negligent party should pay for their role in causing a lifetime of pain. In the worst cases, death is the outcome and a wrongful death lawsuit should be filed. You will need a school bus accident attorney to guide you through this difficult process.
Who Can be Liable?
As with any complex personal injury case, multiple parties can be held liable during a school bus accident. Negligent parties that can be held responsible include the bus driver, the school bus company, or the school district. School bus drivers are responsible for the safety of every passenger onboard the bus. If their negligent act leads to an accident where injuries are sustained they can be held personally responsible.
In most cases, a school bus accident attorney will work with the insurance company to come to a resolution. The school bus company can be held liable for their employment of the bus driver and if the driver already has prior bus crashes the cards are only stacked worse against the bus company. The school district is responsible for every child in their care and they are the ones who contract these bus companies. It is their duty to ensure that safety is being made a priority at all times.
Obtaining Compensation for a School Bus Accident
If you or a loved one have been involved in a school bus accident you need a school bus accident attorney on your side. Contact Thomas J. Henry at 877-517-5659 for a consultation. We will fight to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
