If a school bus gets into an accident, the first step is ensuring the safety of all involved. After that, there will be a post-accident investigation. Those injured may need to seek compensation for their losses, and a Salt Lake City bus accident lawyer can help with that process and lead the fight for justice.
What Happens in the Immediate Aftermath of a School Bus Accident?
School buses contain precious cargo. Protecting the young lives inside is the priority after a school bus accident. It is the job of the bus driver and monitor, if applicable, to ensure safety in the moments after a crash, provided they are able, whether that means getting everyone off the bus or instructing them to stay still.
After checking the well-being of the kids on board, the driver should secure the vehicle. This involves moving it out of the path of traffic and activating the bus’s warning lights and signs. The driver may need to call the bus company for a replacement bus if first responders determine it is safe for the kids to continue on the route home.
Next, the driver or assistant must call emergency care and law enforcement to the scene and then report the accident to the school or district supervisor. If the adults on the bus are too injured to carry out these tasks, others involved in the crash or witnesses should handle them.
Victims Should Get Medical Care
Unfortunately, bus riders and others involved may be hurt if a school bus gets into an accident. In the worst cases, young victims may be transported to a hospital by ambulance.
Even if there are no obviously serious injuries, the adults in charge should make sure riders stay still until first responders assess their medical well-being and clear them to move. Some kids may not be able to explain what hurts or may be too traumatized by the incident to realize they have been injured.
Getting a full medical assessment is critical for discovering these potentially hidden injuries or others that are more apparent. Fast diagnosis and treatment give victims the best chance for maximum recovery.
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A School Bus Accident Investigation is Critical
A comprehensive accident investigation will take place after a school bus gets into an accident. Everyone involved needs to know who or what bears responsibility for causing the crash. The investigation should reveal the at-fault party and indicate what changes need to happen to provide students with a safer experience going forward.
A recent publication of Standards for Utah School Buses and Operation shows the specific and comprehensive regulations that bus companies, manufacturers, drivers, and all other relevant parties must follow to ensure students are safely transported. These standards align with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rules.
The Utah State Legislature has also established laws for how bus drivers should respond to specific driving scenarios. The law also codifies how drivers of other vehicles should respond when sharing the road with a school bus as well. Violations are taken very seriously.
Finding Fault When a School Bus Gets Into an Accident
Negligence on the part of the bus driver, another driver, the bus or part manufacturer, or the school district is among the most likely causes of a school bus accident. A bus driver may violate regulations, drive while distracted, or otherwise violate their legal obligation to drive safely.
If a school district or bus company did not fulfill its due diligence when hiring drivers, its failures could leave it culpable. A vehicle defect or malfunction could leave manufacturing companies responsible–an experienced attorney can provide insights on defective tires and product liability or other vehicle-related situations.
A third-party driver could have caused the crash either through violating general driving laws or rules of the road, or those more specific to circumstances involving school buses. Responsible parties could face legal action from the authorities, and victims may have grounds to file civil cases to collect damages.
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Victims May File a Claim if a School Bus Gets into an Accident
Victims can experience serious consequences after a school bus accident and need to know how to get compensation for injuries. The path forward depends on who has been identified as the negligent party. If a third-party driver caused the incident, the claim will likely be against that driver’s insurance and follow the personal injury laws of the state where the accident occurred.
If a vehicle defect caused the crash, compensation should come from the vehicle or product manufacturing company’s insurance. Insurance companies look to protect their own assets, so having a bus accident lawyer representing your interests increases your chances of securing fair compensation.
If the claim is against the school district or a school employee, the process for filing is different. The Utah Code, Section 63G-7-401, the Washington State Legislature, and the Idaho Legislature all have laws for filing claims against government entities or employees. Procedures are generally more complicated than those for filing against a private individual or company.
You Have the Right to Partner With an Attorney
The benefits of hiring a skilled legal team after a school bus gets into an accident include having representation that can handle whatever special circumstances your case presents.
Students deserve to get to and from school or school events safely. When someone’s negligence puts them in danger, they have the right to demand accountability, justice, and compensation for their losses.
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We are Here to Help You
Siegfried & Jensen has been fighting for injury victims’ rights in Utah and surrounding states for over 30 years. We are here to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve following a school bus accident.
Connect with us for a free case consultation. We will handle every aspect of your case with efficiency and skill, treating you with respect and compassion through the entire process.
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