The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines a school bus crash as any direct or indirect crash with a vehicle, regardless of body design, used as a school bus. School bus crashes or school bus accidents are uncommon, but they can still happen. In 2021, 108 people were killed in school bus accidents in the US.
New York School Bus Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one were involved in a school bus accident in New York, call the Porter Law Group for a free case evaluation. Different parties may be liable, and these types of accident claims are unique. We can help you investigate, sue, or arrange a settlement for any injuries or damages you may have suffered. Call us now at 833-PORTER9, or e-mail us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a free consultation.
What Happens in a School Bus Accident?
One would expect that children are the primary victims of school bus accidents. But that isn’t the case. According to the NHTSA, from 2012-2021, only 30% of people injured in school bus accidents in the US were passengers. About 9% were bus drivers, and up to 53% were occupants of other vehicles involved in the crash. The rest may be bystanders, cyclists, or pedestrians.
The following are the most common injuries that can be suffered during school bus accidents:
- Fractures
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Abdominal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Psychological trauma
What Causes School Bus Accidents?
Different factors may be involved in school bus accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Faulty or unmaintained vehicles
- Speeding
- Poor road visibility
- Unmaintained road infrastructure
- Inexperienced or incompetent bus drivers
Determining which of these factors caused the accident and your subsequent injury is vital to establishing liability and securing financial compensation. Our experienced trial lawyers at the Porter Law Group can examine your case thoroughly, and bring your case to court, or arrange a suitable settlement. Call us now at 833-PORTER9 to schedule a free consultation.
What Can I Do If I Was Hurt in a School Bus Accident in New York?
The smartest thing to do if you or a loved one have been involved in a school bus accident in New York is to get an experienced personal injury lawyer. School bus accident cases are complex. A good personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, investigate the circumstances of your case, and secure financial compensation whether through trial or a negotiated settlement.
It’s not as simple as suing a bus driver if your child was injured, or if you were harmed because a school bus collided with your vehicle. The following parties may be liable for school bus accidents:
- School district
- Bus company
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Parents and guardians
- Other motorists
- Government entities
There are numerous standards and protocols that schools have to comply with when operating school buses. Typically, school buses are painted yellow and have hazard lights that make them stand out. In New York, for example, even vehicles used to transport children from day camp, daycare, or religious camps must have an FMVSS tag indicating it is a school bus or an MFSAB.
School bus operators also have to undergo special training, and have a School Bus Driver Certificate from the New York State Education Department. The City and County are also responsible for maintaining road infrastructure and traffic lights to ensure commuter safety.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers at the Porter Law Group have recovered millions of dollars* for accident victims in New York. You can leave the complexities to us and focus on your recovery, or caring for your injured loved ones. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay upfront, and we will only receive payment upon successfully recovering compensation on your behalf. Above everything else, we prioritize our client’s long-term needs and make sure they get the attention and representation they deserve.
How Can You Prove Liability in a School Bus Accident?
Determining who’s at fault and who owes you compensation is a tedious process that demands attention to detail and experience. But a skilled personal injury attorney will be able to help you pinpoint liability, and strengthen your claim with the following types of evidence:
- Dashcam and CCTV footage
- Driver’s logs and records
- Witness testimony
- Expert testimony
- Photo evidence
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Traffic logs
If you are involved in a school bus accident, it is important to preserve all the evidence you can get your hands on, and turn them over to a qualified personal injury attorney who can consolidate and analyze them to build a strong case.
What Type of Compensation Can Victims of School Bus Accidents in New York Receive?
School bus accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation, including the following:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Severe injury
- Funeral expenses
- Future medical care
- Loss of earning capability
- Lost wages
- Property damage
At the Porter Law Group, we can help you determine which of these you are eligible for, who is liable to compensate you, and how much you should be compensated. We can negotiate a settlement on your behalf, should you not want to go to trial. But if we find that the offer is unfair, or not suited to the type of injury you or your loved one suffered, we will not hesitate to bring your case to court. Our seasoned trial lawyers at the Porter Law Group have years of litigation experience in the State of New York, and we will fight for your right to receive just compensation for all injuries and damages you may have suffered.
Contact a School Bus Accident Lawyer in New York
If you or a loved one have been involved in a school bus accident in New York, call us today for a free case evaluation. We will see if you are eligible to recover compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and others. Do not add to the stress of treatment and recovery. Call 833-PORTER9, or e-mail us at info@porterlawteam.com. We will do our utmost to get you and your family the answers, and financial compensation you deserve.
*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
