school bus exterior

A school bus is meant to be a safe mode of transportation for your child to use to and from school. So when an accident ensues, the injuries and damages that result can be shocking. Continue reading to learn what injuries are associated with a school bus accident and how an experienced Washington, D.C. auto accident lawyer at Simeone & Miller, LLP can help you through this difficult time.

What are the common causes of school bus accidents?

Your child’s school bus accident may have been caused by one or more different parties, like the school bus driver, bus company owner, bus manufacturer, school district, or another driver on the Washington, D.C. roads. Examples of what may have caused your child’s accident include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • The school bus driver may have been driving while distracted (i.e., texting, navigating a GPS, talking with the children, etc).
  • The school bus driver may have been driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while fatigued.
  • The school bus driver may have been driving recklessly (i.e., speeding, not checking large blind spots, running through stop signs, etc).
  • The school bus company may not have inspected the maintenance of the bus before sending it out on the road.
  • The school bus manufacturer may not have identified and sent out a recall for a defective bus part.
  • The school district may not have hired a driver with proper training or experience.
  • Another driver may not have abided by the school bus’s blinking stop sign.
  • Another driver may have otherwise been driving while distracted, while under the influence, while fatigued, or otherwise recklessly.

On the other hand, your child’s accident may have been caused by external factors outside of any party’s control. Examples of such factors may include inclement weather that creates poor visibility, faulty traffic signals, and hazardous road conditions, among other things.

What injuries may be incurred after a school bus accident?

Depending on the severity of the school bus accident, your child may be left with injuries that are either minor or fatal. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Back injuries (i.e., spinal cord injuries, etc).
  • Broken bones (i.e., sprains, tears, etc).
  • Head injuries (i.e., concussions, traumatic brain injuries, etc).
  • Internal injuries (i.e., internal bleeding, organ damage, etc).
  • Neck injuries (i.e., whiplash, etc).

Of note, this is not to mention the non-economic damages your child may suffer, like emotional distress, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, etc. With that being said, if your child has incurred any of the above injuries or damages, then we recommend that you consult with a skilled Washington, D.C. injury lawyer. Schedule your free initial consultation with us today.