School buses are meant to provide safe transportation for school-going children. They are heavily regulated both at the federal and state levels. Unfortunately, school bus accidents still happen, even with these regulations. What’s even more, many of them stem from negligence.
If your loved one was hurt in an accident involving a school bus, you have the right to seek legal redress, and a school bus accident lawyer in Santa Fe can help. Besides the criminal charges that the at-fault party is likely to face through a state prosecutor, you also have a chance to pursue civil charges for compensation.Â
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping families get the justice they deserve. Our Santa Fe bus accident lawyers bring nearly two decades of combined experience in personal injury law to fight for our clients’ rights aggressively.
What You Need to Know About School Bus Regulations in Texas
Our personal injury lawyers in Santa Fe have a deep knowledge of the laws surrounding school buses in Texas. When you work with us, we will explain how these rules apply to your case, but there are some general regulations to be aware of as well.
The daily commuting of school-going children from and to school must be done with the highest safety code for their well-being. The federal and state governments regulate the means to achieve this. For example, the Texas Department of Public Safety establishes the following regulations for school buses:
- All school bus drivers must hold a valid commercial driving license with a school bus endorsement (S). They must also undergo specialized training in emergency procedures and child management.
- All school buses must meet safety standards in construction and maintenance for the safety of students.
- To ensure compliance with school bus safety standards, they must be subjected to regular inspections focusing on critical components such as brakes, tires, lights, and emergency exits.
- School bus drivers must maintain a high code of professionalism and adhere to all safety protocols in relation to speeding, emergency procedures, and following traffic rules.
- School bus drivers must consistently enforce order and discipline among students whenever they are on board.
These are just a few regulations put in place to ensure the safety of students. Understanding these laws may help with your case. A seasoned school bus accident attorney can assist in reviewing the specifics of your situation, identifying any potential breaches of these regulations, and advocating for your rights to obtain the compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a school bus accident lawyer serving Santa Fe.
Call (832) 346-9585
Establishing Fault in a School Bus Accident Case
Establishing liability in any personal injury case is often the first step toward justice. Determining the party or persons to sue provides a mechanism through which they can be held financially accountable for the damages you or your loved one suffers. Unfortunately, in most cases, liability is contested and is rarely straightforward.Â
But even in scenarios where the fault is crystal clear, you should expect the party to deny any wrongdoing, especially if you don’t have legal representation. Hiring an experienced school bus accident attorney makes the process much easier in these scenarios.Â
Elements of Negligence
With their resources and skills, your legal team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident. In Texas, the concept of negligence plays a crucial role in establishing liability in personal injury cases. Negligence is composed of the following four elements:
- Existence of a duty of care
- Breach of the duty of care
- Causation
- Damages
Parties That May Be Held Liable
From these elements, your attorney can identify the specific parties to hold responsible for your loved one’s injuries. Subjects who may be at fault include:Â
- The bus driver: The driver’s actions before the crash will be scrutinized. Factors such as aggressive driving, speeding, careless overtaking, and distracted driving will be considered. If found to have acted negligently in the moments before the crash, the bus driver may be sued. Other drivers involved in the accident may also share the fault.
- The bus manufacturer: Manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure that the bus’s construction and other parts meet the safety standards as required by state and federal agencies. Any manufacturing defects that result in an accident may make the manufacturer liable for the damage and injuries that result.
- The school district or administration: The district may also be held responsible if it hired a negligent driver or failed to properly maintain its vehicles. Insufficient background checks, especially for drivers, also amount to negligence, and these parties may be sued.
Local state agencies and construction companies can also be liable for unsafe road designs and improper road maintenance.
Ready to Take Action Now? Call Our Santa Fe School Bus Accident Lawyers Today
Our Santa Fe school bus accident attorneys prioritize every client’s needs and offer personalized attention to each case. We are available to assess the details of your school bus accident and offer professional legal guidance on the next steps. Don’t wait; schedule a free consultation with Lone Star Injury Attorneys now by filling out this form.Â
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
