Surprising Facts About School Bus Crashes And Injuries In California
Many parents trust school bus transportation to safely take their children to and from school, as it is one of the safest and most reliable options. Our greatest fear is the possibility of our children being injured, yet we often overlook the fact that school bus accidents can and do occur throughout California. These accidents occur for various reasons. According to the School Bus Fleet, in the 2022-23 school year, an estimated 484,177 yellow school buses were in use as daily transportation services for children across the United States, with about 21.4 million elementary and secondary school children relying on them every day. While school buses are indeed the safest option for transporting children, even safer than walking or riding in a car to school, accidents can still happen. The National Safety Council reported that in 2022, school bus-related crashes tragically claimed 104 lives in the United States, highlighting the importance of updating safety measures and safe driving practices on the roads.
At The Gold Firm, we understand the critical importance of protecting our community’s children and safeguarding their rights when they are injured in school bus accidents. We also understand how tragic injuries can be to anyone involved in school bus accidents, due to the sheer size and weight of these transportation vehicles. Although school buses are considered the safest mode of transportation for children, when looking at school bus accident statistics, they are not infallible. School bus accidents can and do happen, often with devastating consequences due to the sheer size and force of them. When school bus accidents occur, it’s crucial that families have strong legal advocates who will fight to ensure their children receive the care, support, and justice they deserve. Our team of school bus accident lawyers in San Bernardino is dedicated to holding those responsible accountable and helping families navigate the legal complexities that follow these unfortunate events.
If you are searching for an experienced San Bernardino bus accident lawyer near you, contact The Gold Firm at 909-308-1118 for a consultation.
Most Common Cause Of School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents can be caused by various factors, with some causes being more prevalent than others. Often, school bus accidents are attributed to negligence on the part of the school bus driver or another motorist on the road. To effectively address and prove your child’s case, thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Part of this process includes identifying the root cause of the accident and determining the responsible party. Following these steps ensures that appropriate legal action is taken and that your child receives the necessary support and compensation they deserve after being injured in a school bus accident.
Inexperience – Adequate training and experience are one of the most important factors for safely operating a school bus. Inadequate training or supervision during training, often when the school district is experiencing difficulty in hiring qualified drivers, can lead to severe school bus accidents and liability for the school district.
Lack of Maintenance – School districts are responsible for making sure that their school buses are well-maintained and undergo routine checks. Neglecting any school bus repairs can result in brake failures, tire issues, or steering problems, all of which can lead to serious accidents and injury to children as well as others on the road.
Speeding – Speeding increases the stopping distance for vehicles, this includes school buses due to their weight, which requires a greater stopping distance than regular passenger vehicles. When speeding, school bus drivers have less time to react to potential hazards, leading to more severe collisions and greater injuries for children on the bus, and those on the road around them.
Intoxication – Intoxicated drivers that share the road with school buses, have impaired reaction times, vision, and judgment, which can lead to reckless behaviors such as weaving between lanes and tailgating. This significantly raises the risk of accidents involving school buses.
Drowsy Driving – Fatigue impairs driving ability, and has other effects that are similar to alcohol. School bus drivers, who may work long hours or multiple jobs, are at risk of causing accidents if they fall asleep or struggle to stay alert while transporting children.
Distractions – Distractions, such as texting, talking on a cell phone, or adjusting controls, can divert a driver’s attention from the road, causing drivers to cause accidents with school buses. For school bus drivers, distractions can also include managing and addressing the behavior of children on the bus.
Failure to Adjust for Weather Conditions – B school bus and passenger vehicle drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior according to weather conditions like fog or rain. Ignoring these adjustments can result in dangerous driving situations and increase the likelihood of crashes.
What To Do If A School Bus Hits Your Parked Car
Knowing what to do if a school bus hits your parked car is important to handle the situation with the same seriousness as any other motor vehicle accident. Despite the involvement of a school bus, the steps to address the accident and ensure proper documentation to submit to insurance are the same as any other accident. Addressing the situation methodically and following standard procedures listed below will help you manage the aftermath effectively and protect your rights and interests.
Don’t Leave The Scene – Stay at the scene and avoid moving your car, unless you need immediate medical assistance.
Seek Medical Attention – Seek medical attention for yourself and any others who may be injured, either through EMS or by going to the nearest emergency room.
Get Help – Call 911 if possible and request an ambulance if there are serious injuries to yourself, your children, or anyone else.
Find Witnesses – Ask if anyone witnessed the accident and can provide their contact details.
Exchange Information – If possible, find and exchange information with the school bus driver who hit your car, including insurance information.
Take Photos – Document the scene of the accident by taking photos of any vehicle damage and surroundings, including signs and weather conditions.
File a Police Report – Contact the local authorities to file a police report, which will most likely be needed to file your insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurer – File a claim with your insurance company if they require you to do so.
Consider Legal Assistance – Explore your legal options, especially if you have been injured. This may include filing a claim with the insurers of the liable parties or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. If you have any questions about pursuing compensation for your injuries, don’t hesitate to contact a San Bernardino personal injury lawyer at the Gold Firm, so we can walk you through the process of protecting your rights.
Contact an Experienced San Bernardino School Bus Accident Lawyer Near You
If you are searching for an experienced San Bernardino bus accident lawyer near you, contact The Gold Firm at 909-308-1118 for a consultation. 
Whether you or your child have been injured in a school bus accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights to the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury lawyers at The Gold Firm for legal guidance. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure that you or your child receives the compensation that is deserved. Our dedicated legal professionals will use our experience, legal knowledge, and conviction to advocate for your rights and provide the support you need during this challenging time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your situation and explore your options for securing the justice and compensation that you and your family are entitled to.