They’re Not Always Safe: What You Should Know if Your Children Ride School Buses
Every day, many American families entrust their smallest and most precious family members with school systems across the nation. In fact, twenty-five million children, or half of America’s school children, ride a school bus. School buses are intended to be a convenient, environmentally-friendly, and safe way for children to migrate between their homes and the school where they receive an education. For most school bus riders, the ride is no more eventful than participating in childish banter between their friends and classmates. Most parents rely on this in trusting that the driver transporting their child has been properly trained and appropriately certified, and that the bus their child is riding in has been well-maintained and is fully functional. However, every so often, riding a school bus takes a different turn.
The Orlando Sentinel reported recently that an Orange County school bus that was carrying nine children crashed head-first into a pool on private property after colliding with a Jeep. The crash occurred during the morning route shortly before 8:30 a.m. but fortunately, none of the nine children on the bus nor the three children who were riding in the Jeep, were injured. However, accidents involving school buses do not always have such a fortunate outcome.
If a child you love has been injured in a school bus accident, you have every legal right to pursue compensation. In addition to physical injuries, these incidents can be extremely traumatic for the children who witness their classmates being injured. Helping a child recover can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover to alleviate some of this burden in seeking retribution for your loved one.
Why Do School Bus Accidents Happen?
School bus accidents can have several origins. They can be caused by driver negligence or because the driver does not have the proper education or experience to be operating a school bus. They can also be caused because of mechanical failure, noncompliance with safety requirements, and defects with the bus itself.
Where Can Accidents Occur?
Both on and off the bus. In addition to accidents that occur on the bus itself, children are extremely vulnerable when getting on and off the bus. Your child should be taught appropriate school bus behavior from a young age such as only walking in front of the bus where he or she is visible to the driver, waiting until the warning sign on the side of the bus is fully extended and the door is open before beginning to walk to the bus, and always listening to his or her bus driver for direction.
Government-owned vs. Privately-owned. Does it Matter Who the School Bus is Owned By?
Yes. Under Florida law, school buses can be owned by a private company or by a school district itself. This means there are different sets of rules that can apply.
An experienced attorney can help ensure that you meet all filing deadlines and requirements stipulated by Florida law.
Has a Child You Love Been Injured in a School Bus Accident? We Can Help.
Understanding where to turn when one of the smallest members of your family has been injured in a school bus accident can be difficult. The Orlando injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are experienced in helping people like you recover the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Fort Myers, Tampa, Jacksonville, Daytona and Bradenton areas.
Resources:
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/traffic/os-ne-school-bus-crash-orange-county-20181012-story.html
http://www.americanschoolbuscouncil.org/issues/environmental-benefits
