School buses transport hundreds of children each day, and parents assume their child is going to arrive safely at their destination under the supervision of an experienced and responsible driver, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. School bus accidents are becoming a matter of growing concern for the general public, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) admits that, each year, 24 schoolchildren die as a result of school bus crash injuries.
It is frightening to imagine that a childs life may be put in danger when they board a bus to school, but the reality is that school bus driver negligence is just as prevalent as the reckless behavior that many passenger vehicle operators exhibit. Driver distraction, improper vehicle maintenance and other factors can all affect a drivers involvement in a crash.
Was your child or someone you love hurt in a Tennessee school bus accident? If so, you may be eligible for compensation based on the pain and suffering that the victim experienced. Whether a child is injured in an accident or witnesses one, the emotional trauma they may suffer can be difficult to overcome, not to mention any physical injuries they may sustain.
The attorneys of Greg Coleman Law believe that school bus crash victims deserve to be represented fairly and compassionately in court, which is why we fight for the rights of those who have been injured. We will always seek the MAXIMUM amount of compensation available to our clients.
To find out how we can help, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form, located on the right side of this page, at the top. It is 100% FREE and there is no obligation to proceed; the details of your case will always remain confidential.
Types of School Bus Accidents
The NHTSA reports that accidents involving the front of a bus are responsible for 51% of school bus accident fatalities, which means that an inattentive driver can easily roll over a pedestrian or cyclist in their path. In general, the death rate for school aged children riding the bus is not high, but the risk still exists.
There are several ways an accident involving a school bus can occur on Tennessee roads. The following is a breakdown of the most common types of school bus crashes:
Single-Vehicle Accident
This type of crash occurs when a school bus and one other vehicle collide. The cause can be driver negligence or a number of other factors, such as the size and shape of the bus or its inability to maneuver away from an impending accident.
Multi-Vehicle Accident
When a bus and two or more vehicles collide, the result is a multi-vehicle accident. Because of the additional drivers involved, it is always recommended that an injury victim seek legal counsel to determine who was liable for the accident.
Child Crossing Accident
Sadly, child crossing accidents are a common type of school bus crash, as the driver may not see the child exiting or boarding the bus and they can be struck and killed. Pedestrians and cyclists, too, are at risk of death when they pass alongside a bus. The NHTSA reports that from 1998 to 2008 47% of school-age pedestrians that were killed in school bus crashes were between the ages of 5 and 7.
Common Injuries Associated with School Bus Collisions
Because of a bus blind spots and awkward shape, seeing cars or people from the drivers seat can be difficult and cause serious injury or death. When a bus collides with another vehicle, usually the smaller vehicle will sustain the majority of the damage and the vehicles occupants will suffer severe physical harm.
Common injuries that may be sustained during a school bus crash include:
- Broken glass injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Loss of limb, or amputation
- Passenger ejection
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord trauma
- to name a few.
Following an accident with a school bus, seek medical attention immediately even if you do not believe you sustained any injury. Internal injuries and head trauma can sometimes take days to show signs, which is why it is important to have a physician examine you and document any perceived trauma.
A skilled bus accident lawyer in Knoxville can help guide you through the litigation process and ensure that your rights are protected in a court of law. The compensation that can come from a successful verdict or settlement can help cover medical bills and rehabilitative costs resulting from your injuries.
School Bus Accident Lawyers in Knox County Can Help You
At Greg Coleman Law we have several years of experience with school bus collision litigation. Our attorneys are well versed in personal injury litigation that arises from traffic accidents. As such, utilizing the knowledge and experience of our Tennessee truck crash attorneys is imperative.
With our main office in Knoxville, we are also licensed to serve the entire state of Tennessee.
Some locations we serve include:
- Athens
- Lenoir City
- Morristown
- Sevierville
- Waynesville
To learn more about how our Knoxville, TN personal injury attorneys are able to help in your time of need, or to schedule a free no-obligation consultation, we welcome you to contact us today at (865) 247-0080 and a member of our intake team will obtain the details of your collision and refer you to one of our experienced truck accident attorneys.
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