Children and teenagers everywhere depend on the school bus to travel to school every morning, and home again every afternoon.
One would think these buses would have all the safety features to protect the children. Nevertheless, accidents involving school buses happen more often than most realize.
Negligence by a School Bus Driver
Many factors can cause a school bus accident, just like any other motorized vehicle operating on a roadway, however, there are a few common ones that most know:
- Distracted driving
- Falling asleep
- Operator error
The factors that caused distracted driving include texting or looking at a phone while driving; however, just like regular drivers, school bus drivers can be distracted, or fail to see warning signs, traffic lights, or other signals. Also, just like regular drivers, school bus drivers can suffer exhaustion, or fall asleep at the wheel.
Accidents to School Buses Caused by Other Drivers
All drivers and operators of motor vehicles owe a duty of reasonable care to other drivers on the road. The standard of care that drivers must uphold includes following all traffic safety laws, such as driving under the speed limit and keeping a proper lookout for other vehicles, as well as generally acting as a reasonable and prudent person behind the wheel.
Just as these duties are owed to regular vehicles, these duties are owed to school buses. Drivers on the roadway must follow traffic laws about school buses, and act reasonably and prudently about school buses. Therefore, if a driver fails to uphold this standard, and instead causes an accident involving a school bus, that driver might be liable for negligence.
Injuries
Whether it be the occupants of the school bus, or even pedestrians, school bus accidents can cause serious or life-threatening injuries. School bus accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including fractured bones, traumatic brain injuries, head and neck trauma, internal organ injury, back problems, spinal injuries, paralysis, and cuts and bruises.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a school bus accident, Kreger Brodish’s attorneys are dedicated to achieving access in your personal injury case against the at-fault party. These claims can be complex, and licensed attorneys can guide you and your family through the legal process.
For more information, feel free to look through our North Carolina Personal Injury FAQs. Call Kreger Brodish at (888) 820-5885 to speak to a Durham Personal Injury Lawyer today.
Call Kreger Brodish at (888) 820-5885 to speak to a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer today.
