School buses are the most common form of transport used by school-going children. Millions of them are ferried to-and-from school daily. Though they have been long thought to provide a safer means of transportation, school buses are prone to the same risks associated with other vehicles when it comes to traffic accidents. All players, especially school bus drivers, have a singular responsibility of ensuring the safety of children when onboard these vehicles. But despite having this responsibility to undertake, dozens of children die each year in school bus crashes. Thousands of others suffer serious injuries.
If you have school-going children, having to worry about their safety is the last thing you want. In fact, school buses are singled out as the safest means of transportation for children. But even so, accidents still happen, and when they do, innocent children suffer the effects. If your child is nursing severe injuries from a crash, you may want to speak with a skilled bus accident attorney. With years of combined legal experience, we may get you and your child the justice you deserve. Contact a Pasadena school bus accident lawyer today.
Common Causes of Pasadena School Bus Accidents
Like most auto wrecks, many school bus accidents are preventable. However, they are still common and are mostly attributed to negligence.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicles in Texas are required to go through regular safety and maintenance checks. This helps establish faulty systems or worn-out parts that would otherwise alter the vehicle’s safe operation. However, some bus owners and school administrations deliberately fail to meet this requirement, in order to cut expenses and maximize profits.
Inclement Weather
It’s not always that someone is to blame for an auto wreck. Bad weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, ice, snow, mist, and fog also contribute to school bus accidents. Usually, they affect visibility and vehicle’s traction with tarmac. Coupled with negligence from individual persons such as drivers, these conditions may result in a fatal crash.
Driver Negligence
Driver negligence accounts for most traffic accidents including school bus crashes. Their choices while behind the wheel have a direct impact on the safety of their passengers, as well as other road users. Negligent behaviors may include speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, drunk driving, and aggressive driving.
Negligence from Other Motorists
It’s crucial to note that sometimes, another motorist’s behavior and attitude will be to blame. For example, if an aggressive motorist rams a school bus, causing it to lose control and veer off the road, resulting in a crash, they may be at fault. Having a seasoned Pasadena school bus accident attorney may help establish negligence on another motorist or road user.
For a free legal consultation with a school bus accident lawyer serving Pasadena, call (832) 449-8230
Liability in a School Bus Accident
Depending on the nature of the school bus accident, different parties may bear liability. Having a knowledgeable Pasadena school bus accident attorney who understands how fault works is crucial to determining the people to hold accountable for your child’s injuries or death. Based on the cases our attorneys have handled, most defendants in school bus accidents are:
- Negligent third-party drivers
- School bus owners
- Local state agencies for poorly maintained roads
- Construction companies for unsafe road designs and marking
- School bus manufacturers for defective systems and faulty parts
- School administration for negligent driver hiring and improper maintenance
Government entities may also be blameworthy for some school bus accidents. However, suing them may prove to be a difficult task since some are immune to legal action.
Pasadena School Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Damages Available in a School Bus Accident Lawsuit
If your child was injured or killed in a school bus crash, you may have a chance to claim monetary compensation from the entity at fault. You may recover economic and non-economic damages such as:
- Lost wages for time not worked
- Emotional trauma
- Physical pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of income-earning ability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Any other provable loss
Before you decide to pursue compensation, you should initially discuss your case with a distinguished Pasadena attorney who has experience handling bus accident cases.
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Reach Out to a Pasadena School Bus Accident Attorney For Legal Guidance
The Pasadena school bus accident lawyers at our firm understand the anguish parents and guardians go through when their children suffer harm in avoidable circumstances. We are here to help you get the justice your child deserves. Talk to us today to get started.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
