Causes of School Bus Accidents
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If you or your child sustained injuries after a school bus accident, it is possible to claim damages from the liable party to cover medical treatment and other expenses. Reach out to Morelli Law Firm school bus accident lawyers for a case analysis.
Buffalo School Bus Accident Lawyer
School buses are one of the most prevalent modes of transportation used by children. The operators of these vehicles have to ensure that they observe road safety rules to protect the passengers and other road users. Unfortunately, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school bus accidents injure and kill a significant number of people annually.
Victims of an accident involving a school vehicle can claim damages from the party at fault. But, this process may be challenging since multiple entities may be responsible for the crash. A lawyer can evaluate a case to determine liability and start the compensation filing process. Contact Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a case evaluation.
Causes of School Bus Accidents
One of the most significant causes of a school bus accident is the negligence of the driver. For instance, they may operate the vehicle while distracted or under the influence of drugs. They may also fail to obey traffic light signals, road signs, and car parking regulations. Other causes of these accidents due to driver’s negligence include speeding, overloading, and using the wrong lane.
School managements are responsible for maintaining the facility’s vehicles by regular repair and servicing. The maintenance mainly includes replacing worn-out tires and ensuring all seats have functional seatbelts. Failure to observe these measures affects the working conditions of the vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
Other than that, the drivers have to undergo special training and pre-employment tests to confirm that they can operate the buses. However, not all school managements evaluate and train their drivers to ensure they meet the required standard. As a result, the school may hire unqualified employees who risk the students’ lives and other road users.
Steps to Take If Your Child Gets Injured in a School Bus Accident
After a school bus accident, it is crucial to ensure that the victims receive medical treatment. If your child sustained minor injuries and did not undergo a checkup, you should take them to a hospital for a detailed evaluation. This step helps identify and treat any injuries that did not show symptoms at the time of the accident.
Once discharged from the hospital, keep records of the healing process, and observe the child’s behavior. This measure will allow you to identify other accident effects, such as increased anxiety and post-traumatic stress. You should also request receipts of the treatment expenses and an updated medical report. These documents are vital as an insurance company will need them when processing a claim.
Furthermore, a parent should contact the school to gather details about the accident. Such include the phone numbers of the responding police officer and drivers involved. It would also be best to inquire about how the accident occurred and reach out to other injured children’s parents.
A Buffalo School Bus Accident Lawyer will assess an accident case to determine if the victim can claim compensation for the damages caused. They can also contact witnesses, other victims, and the police to gather more details about the event. In case your child suffered injuries from a school bus crash, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 to determine if you can get reimbursement for damages.
Determining the Party at Fault in a School Bus Accident
School bus accidents can occur due to many reasons, so it is vital to determine the party at fault when filing a claim. Some of the parties that may be liable for the crash are the bus driver, the manufacturer, and a third party. The company in charge of maintaining the bus might also be accountable for damages if the crash occurred due to a lack of maintenance.
In some cases, the crash may occur due to poor road conditions such as failure to plow ice on a public road. For such an instance, the agency responsible for this task will be responsible for the injuries. A lawyer can analyze the specifics of an accident to identify the exact cause and the party responsible. They will also gather the evidence needed to show liability and file a claim for compensation of damages. Some of the evidence they may use to indicate accountability for an accident are:
- Witness statements
- Police reports on the accident
- Medical records indicating the injuries sustained
- Videos from dashboard and surveillance cameras
- Photographs of the scene
Damages You Can Recover After a School Bus Accident
A school bus accident claim can cover medical expenses for hospital care, surgery, and assistive devices. It may also include the wages an employed victim would earn if the accident had not occurred. More damages that the reimbursement can cater for are:
- Loss of ability to take part in activities enjoyed before
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Expenses for rehabilitation and therapy
- Cost of prescription medication needed after the accident
- Cost of transportation to treatment facilities
How a Buffalo School Accident Lawyer Can Help When Claiming Damages
Various aspects may influence the process of filing a settlement claim against the party responsible for an accident. For example, the severity of the injuries will determine the amount of cover received. Besides, if an insurer identifies that the victim contributed to the collision, they will reduce the settlement value as needed.
Since filing a claim for damages caused by a school bus accident involves many procedures, it may be frustrating. A Buffalo School Bus Accident Lawyer can reduce this frustration for a client by handling the legal paperwork. They will also gather the evidence needed to support the claim and file it within the required statute of limitations. More ways in which a lawyer can help in the process are:
- Communicating with witnesses
- Providing legal advice
- Negotiating with the insurers
- Representing the client in a trial
Reach Out to Morelli Law Firm Today for a Case Analysis
A school bus accident can cause injuries to the vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and drivers of other cars. At Morelli Law Firm, we can establish the party responsible for a crash to help the victim file for compensation. Our lawyers will also get the documents and evidence needed to support the case. If you or your child suffered injuries from a school bus accident, contact Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 for a case evaluation.