Katy School Bus Accident Attorney
School bus drivers have a very important job. As the custodians of our children, school bus drivers are expected to exercise the highest degree of caution. Yet, collisions still occur. If your child was injured in a school bus accident, regardless of who the school says is at fault, you need to contact an attorney. Similarly, if you or your child were hit by a school bus as a pedestrian, cyclist, or occupant of a motor vehicle, you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party, who in this case is likely the school district. To learn more about your legal options for pursuing compensation, the Katy school bus accident attorneys at The West Law Office are here to help.
Steps to Take If Your Child Was Injured in a School Bus Accident
While large, school buses are not equipped with airbags or seat belts. As such, if they are involved in a relatively low-speed crash with a smaller vehicle, children are generally minimally harmed. However, in the event of a high speed crash, a crash with a larger vehicle, or a rollover, there is little to protect the bus’ occupants. If your child was injured in a collision, or as a result of a dangerous maneuver made by the bus driver, you have the right to sue the school district or private bussing company for damages.
Steps to Take If Your Child Was Injured as a Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Car Occupant
School buses pose a particularly high hazard to child pedestrians and bicyclists. They share the same residential streets as kids walking, riding, skating, and scootering to school. Other hazards include: drivers who are often in a hurry or distracted by the students on the bus, buses are slow to stop given their large mass, and school buses frequently stop or pull over abruptly. To make matters worse, if your child was hit by a bus driver, it will be your child’s word against the driver’s. Children, if told they are in the wrong, generally believe it to be true, regardless of the facts. Examples of a school bus driver being at fault include:
- Passing and pulling in front of a child cyclist then immediately stopping to pick or drop of students;
- Making a right turn in front of a child cyclist who is in the shoulder of the road or in the bike lane;
- Hitting a child pedestrian in the crosswalk;
- Hitting a child pedestrian who is walking along the street or crossing a residential street while not using a crosswalk;
- Rolling over a child’s foot; and
- Failing to use required safety measures, such as the bus’ stop sign, resulting in the child being hit by a car.
Contact a School Bus Accident Attorney Today
School bus accidents are preventable, but unfortunately even school bus drivers are negligent in causing collisions and serious pedestrian and cyclist injuries. The at-fault party can be held accountable for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and much more. Call the Katy school bus accident attorneys at The West Law Office today at 283-347-3247 to schedule a free consultation.
