Unfortunately, school bus accidents are common on Cincinnati roads. If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, learn what steps you should take to help your claim. The experienced Cincinnati automotive accident lawyers at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy can answer any questions you may have. Allow us to review your claim during a free, no obligation consultation so that we can discuss your legal options.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most important step after your child is injured in a school bus accident, is ensuring that he or she gets proper medical treatment. Your child’s health is the number one priority and some injuries may be difficult to see on the surface. A doctor will be able to initiate imaging tests, like x-rays, to determine if there may be internal injuries. In addition to protecting your child’s health, this step will ensure that your child’s injuries are officially documented. These records will help support your claim and will serve as an important piece of evidence connecting your child’s injuries to the accident.Watch What You Say
It is important in the aftermath of an accident to guard what you say as it may hurt your chances of obtaining fair compensation. The school district may ask you to sign a waiver or other documentation, but try to avoid this. Consult with an attorney for legal advice first and avoid interactions with the school board, principal or other representatives of the school.Document Your Child’s Healing Process
Documentation of your child’s injuries will serve as an important piece of evidence. Take pictures of your child’s injuries after the accident and then periodically as they heal. This will give the insurance adjuster or jury a better understanding of your child’s injuries. You should also document symptoms your child experiences through a personal injury journal, such as:- Pain
- Lack of mobility
- Trouble sleeping
- Depression
- Nervousness
- Side effects of treatment or medication
- Activities he or she can no longer participate in
- How the accident has impacted his or her life
Who Might Be Liable For A Bus Accident?
Determining who is liable for a bus accident will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Factors that can help establish liability in a bus accident include:- The location where the accident occurred
- The weather conditions
- The speed the bus was traveling
- Whether other vehicles were involved
- Whether the driver was distracted
- Whether drugs or alcohol were involved
- Whether the bus driver had existing medical conditions
- How the accident occurred
- Whether there was a malfunction in any of the bus’s automotive parts
- The school – The school is responsible for providing safe transportation to all students by following state laws regarding the transportation of students. Additionally, schools are responsible for the actions of their employees and must hire experienced and reliable drivers.
- Bus company – Sometimes busing services are outsourced to other busing companies. In these situations, the bus company is responsible for the actions of its drivers.
- Bus and part manufacturers – In instances of brake failure, tires blowouts or other vehicle malfunctions, the bus or part manufacturer may be held liable.
- Other drivers – If a third party, like another driver caused the accident, they may be responsible for damages.
