School bus accidents affecting children create unique legal concerns for families. Multiple parties may be liable when school buses crash, including school districts, bus companies, drivers, and other motorists who cause or contribute to accidents.
Types of School Bus Accidents
Children are injured in various school bus scenarios:
Collisions: Crashes with other vehicles or objects.
Loading/unloading accidents: Children struck while boarding or exiting buses.
Interior injuries: Falls and impacts from sudden stops or driver conduct.
Illegal passing: Other motorists striking children while passing stopped school buses.
Bus stop accidents: Children hit while waiting for buses.
School Bus Safety Features and Limitations
School buses include some safety features but lack others:
Compartmentalization: High-backed, closely spaced seats are designed to cushion children during crashes, but may not protect in all impact types.
No seatbelts: Most school buses lack passenger seatbelts, relying instead on compartmentalization.
Bright color and lights: Warning systems alert other drivers, but don't prevent all accidents.
Stop arms: Extended signs warn traffic to stop, but violations occur frequently.
Liable Parties in School Bus Accidents
Multiple defendants may bear responsibility:
School districts: Public schools may be liable when district-employed drivers cause accidents, though governmental immunity may apply.
Private bus companies: Many districts contract with private carriers who may be directly liable.
Bus drivers: Individual drivers may face personal liability for negligence.
Other motorists: Drivers who hit school buses or children loading/unloading.
Vehicle manufacturers: If defects contribute to accidents or injuries.
Special Considerations for Child Victims
Claims involving children have unique aspects:
Extended statutes of limitations: Children typically have until a specified age after turning 18 to file claims.
Court approval of settlements: Settlements for minors require judicial approval to ensure fairness.
Structured settlements: Compensation may be structured to provide for future needs.
Developmental injuries: Children's injuries may have long-term developmental impacts requiring specialized medical evaluation.
Government Notice Requirements
Claims against public school districts require strict compliance with notice deadlines—often 30-180 days depending on the state. Even though children have extended limitation periods, timely notice is still required.
Pursuing Your Child's Claim
Parents should seek immediate medical evaluation (even if injuries seem minor), report the incident to school officials, preserve evidence including photographs and witness contacts, and consult an attorney experienced in school bus accidents to understand deadlines and options.