Injuries on School Buses

With the new school year starting, it is normal to worry about accidents and injuries that could occur on school buses. You meet the school bus driver at the bus stop, watch your child get on and wave back at you, and the bus pulls off with the most precious cargo on board. Even though school buses are known to be safer than passenger vehicles, this does not mean that accidents never occur involving these vehicles.

How common are school bus accidents and injuries?

School bus accidents and injuries are not very common, but they do happen. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), “school buses are the best option for transporting kids to school, safer than walking or riding in a car.” However, the NSC also mentions that it believes that lap-and-shoulder belts would make school buses even safer.

In 2022, 104 people lost their lives, and 12,500 people were injured due to school bus accidents across the country. Most of the people who were killed in these types of accidents were occupants of other vehicles. Those injured in these collisions were typically occupants of other vehicles, although some were school bus passengers. In Illinois alone, there were six school bus-related deaths in 2022.

What injuries can a child suffer on a school bus?

There are a variety of different injuries that children may suffer while riding on a school bus, such as:

• Scratches, scrapes, and bruises
• Cuts and lacerations
• Fractured, broken, and crushed bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash or neck trauma
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Amputations or limb loss
• Internal bleeding and internal organ damage
• Sprained and torn muscles and ligaments

If you believe that your child experienced a school bus-related injury, it is crucial to ensure that they are checked out by a licensed medical provider as soon as possible. The sooner that they can begin getting treatment for their injuries, the sooner they will be able to heal and recover.

What causes a school bus crash?

School bus crashes involve many of the same errors or carelessness as other car accidents. The bus driver and others on the road may be at fault in many of these collisions. Here are some possible causes:

• The bus driver is distracted, potentially by their phone or the children
• The bus driver is tired or fatigued
• The school bus experiencing mechanical defects or errors
• The bus driver makes a mistake or error, such as an improper lane change, failing to stop at an intersection, or driving too fast in inclement weather
• The bus driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Another driver was speeding, driving recklessly, driving under the influence, driving distractedly, or making mistakes when driving near the school bus

What are some other causes of injuries on a school bus?

Not all school bus-related injuries come from school bus crashes. Here are some additional causes of injuries on a school bus:

• The children being rowdy or horseplaying
• The bus driver suddenly slamming on the brakes
• The children failing to stay in their seats throughout the ride or not enough seating available
• The children bullying or being aggressive toward a child
• The child slipping and falling while getting on or off the bus
• Debris, potholes, loose gravel, and other issues on the roadway

Children can also become hurt or injured while crossing the roadway to get on or off the bus. This may happen if the school bus driver fails to put out the stop sign that informs other drivers to stop while the bus is being loaded or unloaded. Also, other drivers who are not paying attention or who decide to continue driving even though the stop sign is out can put children at risk.

Who can be liable for school bus injuries in Chicago?

A Chicago school bus lawyer is the best person to speak to when you are looking to determine who is liable for your child’s school bus injuries. They will look at the facts and details of your case, establish what may have happened to cause your child’s injuries and determine who is legally responsible. The following are a few of the parties that can be liable or share liability for school bus injuries in Chicago:

• The school bus driver: If a school bus driver is driving recklessly, driving while drunk or intoxicated, driving while distracted, or even driving while tired or fatigued, they can be considered liable for your child’s school bus injuries.
• The owner or company that owns the bus: Many school buses are rented or leased from other companies or owners. Therefore, if the school bus is rented or leased from an owner or company that failed to inspect, maintain, or repair certain parts of the bus, they can be held liable for any injuries or accidents that occur.
• The school district: Some school districts may own their school buses. If this is the case, the school district may be held liable for any malfunctions or defects that occur as a result of improper maintenance or repairs.
• The school bus manufacturer: The school bus manufacturer is responsible for designing and creating well-running and safe school buses. Therefore, if a school bus experiences mechanical failure or any other issue or flaw, the school bus manufacturer could be considered liable for your child’s accident and injuries.
• Another driver: If another driver is speeding, drives recklessly, ignores the traffic laws, or fails to stop when the school bus has its stop sign out, they could be held liable for any injuries or accidents that occur.
• The employer of the school bus driver: The employer of the school bus driver is required to hire experienced, skilled, and competent school bus drivers. If the driver is inexperienced, they should be properly trained before being allowed to drive on the roadway and transport children to and from school. Therefore, if it is found that a driver lacked the necessary experience, skills, licensing, or training, their employer may be liable for your child’s school bus accident or injury.
• The government or road maintenance crews: If the roadway isn’t properly maintained and clear, the school bus driver may try to quickly avoid a pothole or other obstruction, which could lead to running off the road or flipping over. If they are unable to avoid the issue, they could also experience a mechanical issue, which could result in a devastating accident. For example, if there is glass scattered across the roadway, the school bus may experience a tire blowout, which could cause a rollover accident. If this happens, the government or road maintenance crews may be liable for your child’s school bus-related injuries.

If your child has been injured or involved in an accident while riding a school bus, you may be eligible for compensation to help you cover any medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. The Chicago school bus accident attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers know and understand how difficult it is to watch your child go through these types of challenges, which is why we are committed to helping you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Recovering from those responsible for the injuries can help you give your child a comfortable and thriving life going forward. We will conduct an investigation, communicate with insurance companies, handle the negotiation process, and prepare to go to trial if necessary. To get started, please call our office or submit our contact form to set up a free case review at our Chicago office today.