School Bus Accidents: Injuries, Seat Belts, and Legal Action!

Earlier this week a school bus crash in Lancaster left everyone in the hospital instead of at school. To make the situation worse, the eight students on the bus were special-needs students. The bus crashed into a Cadillac, rolled, and hit a light pole. The students suffered only minor injuries, but the other driver was left in critical condition.

In 2022, school bus crashes claimed the lives of 104 people nationwide, a 3.7% decrease from 2021, according to NSC data sourced from NHTSA. Annually, approximately 108 fatalities and 13,200 injuries result from school bus accidents.

School Bus Crashes Have Serious Consequences!

The good news is fatal accidents in bush crashes appear to be declining, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Unfortunately, of the fatal bus crashes, 41 percent involved school buses. Additionally, the number of bus crashes leading to nonfatal injuries are still fluctuating and may be on the rise.

Even these nonfatal injuries can be serious. Ordinary car accidents are hard enough to deal with, but being involved in a bus crash can be even more difficult. School bus crashes involving yourself or your child can also be emotionally trying, on top of the physical injury. What’s more, bus crash injuries can feel unjust. Not only were you not driving, but what could you have done to prevent it?

Always Wear Your Seat Belt

There is at least one precaution you can take to prevent serious injuries in bus crashes. Unlike the days when yellow school buses were protected only with large seats, new school buses in California are now required to be equipped with seat belts. They may not be able to prevent school bus crashes, but seat belts save lives.

Still, the short and the long-term injuries from school bus crashes can be hard on the body, heart, and wallet. When these accidents happen, there can be a lot of people and a mountain of paperwork to deal with. You may feel lost in the process when all you want is to heal, but help is available.

How Can A Bus Accident Attorney Help You?

• Legal Expertise: A bus accident attorney has in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations surrounding bus accidents, ensuring you receive informed guidance throughout the legal process.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: They conduct thorough investigations, collecting crucial evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build a strong case.
• Determining Liability: A skilled attorney identifies the responsible parties—whether it’s the bus driver, the bus company, or a third party—to hold them accountable for your injuries.
• Maximizing Compensation: They ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Negotiating Settlements: Bus accident attorneys handle negotiations with insurance companies, fighting for a settlement that reflects your full losses rather than accepting lowball offers.
• Advocacy in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they are prepared to take your case to court, advocating fiercely on your behalf.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Attorneys manage the complex process of dealing with insurance claims, ensuring you’re not taken advantage of by adjusters.
• Emotional Support: A bus accident attorney provides guidance and support during a stressful time, helping you focus on recovery while they handle legal matters.
• Statute of Limitations Knowledge: They ensure your case is filed within the applicable time frame, preventing any legal deadlines from being missed.

Consult Our Bus Accident Attorneys in California Today!

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, contact a personal injury attorney to help you. To schedule a Free Initial Consultation with an experienced LA bus accident lawyer, contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim in Los Angeles County. Call 800-LAW-TALK (529-8255) or contact us online.