We entrust the school district and bus companies to hire competent drivers who will exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. We trust that children will be able to safely arrive to school and back home. However, there were an estimated 1,020 bus accidents throughout Tennessee in 2008.
Furthermore, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were more than 56,000 bus accidents throughout the United States in 2011. Although there are many types of buses including those used for public transportation and private buses, school buses are a mode of transportation used five days a week by millions of students.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration studied bus accidents and found that since1998 there has been more than 1,400 fatal school bus accidents. Furthermore, school bus accidents can lead to driver, passenger, and pedestrian injuries.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in an accident with a school bus due to another individuals negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW form to your right for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your school bus accident claim.
Bus Driver Negligence
Driving a school bus requires special licensure, usually a commercial drivers license. Drivers must have a certain set of skills to get behind the wheel of these 35 foot vehicles. Despite having the proper endorsement, some new drivers simply lack the experience of driving a school bus which often leads to collisions.
There are many other forms of negligence though that leads to school bus accidents including:
- Disobeying traffic signs and signals
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Visual distractions
- Improper training
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Failing to maintain control of passengers
- Aggressive driving
There are many different things that can lead to a distracted bus driver including cell phone use, unruly passengers, other motorists, and even day dreaming. Furthermore, drivers are also responsible for the safety of their passengers when they are boarding and disembarking the bus including making sure the proper signs and signals are being used to warn other motorists of the bus stopping.
Types of Bus Accident Injuries
Since the advent of school buses for the transportation of children, safety has been a prime concern as most buses are not equipped with safety devices. Crash forces are distributed differently on school buses which can limit the number of passengers injured or how seriously they are injured.
However, most school bus passengers are children who are more susceptible to injuries as they are still growing.
Some common types of bus accident injuries include:
- Sprains and Strains
- Concussions
- Head Trauma
- Dental Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Cuts & Lacerations
The types of injuries experienced could depend on the type of collision, particularly where impact occurred. Those seated in the back during a rear-end collision may suffer greater injuries than those who were seated in the front at the time of the accident. It is important that a bus driver call for medical assistance right away after a collision, even if the passengers do not report any immediate injuries.
Contact our Knoxville Bus Accident Attorneys
It is estimated that more than 23.5 million students are transported to and from school each year on public school buses. However, data also indicates that more than 24 bus passengers and pedestrians are fatally injured in school bus-related collisions each year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident due to the bus drivers negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation.
At Greg Coleman Law we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured and have more than 35 years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys can provide comprehensive legal guidance on your specific claim to ensure that you receive the MAXIMUM amount of compensation you deserve.
Our main office is located in Knoxville, Tennessee and we proudly serve the surrounding areas, including:
- Alcoa
- Powell
- Louisville
- Corryton
- Seymour
and many more local towns and cities. For more information on your legal rights and to find out how we can help you, contact us at (865) 247-0080. Your initial case consultation is free and of no-obligation to you.
You can also contact us online by simply filling out the FREE CASE REVIEW form at the top right hand corner of this page its strictly confidential.
