Under federal law, buses engaged in interstate transport generally cannot be inspected for compliance with the rules and regulations while transporting people, except in certain situations in which imminent danger is suspected. This can create a dangerous situation for the other drivers on the road if the bus driver knows there are issues of non-compliance, but also knows that the chances of the bus being inspected are rare.
School Bus Accidents
At Zehl & Associates, our bus accident attorney fight for individuals and families who have been injured and lost loved ones in school bus accidents. Although the percentage of accidents involving school buses may be low, there are still thousands of school bus accidents every year in Texas alone. Whether you were involved in a vehicle collision with a school bus, your child was injured in a bus accident, or you or your child were hit by a school bus as a pedestrian, we are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Factors in School Bus Accidents
As with any auto accident type, when seeking compensation for an accident involving a school bus, it is critical to identify the factor (or factors) that led to the collision. The NHTSA’s data show that nearly half of all fatal school bus accidents involve head-on collisions. Many school bus accidents occur when passenger vehicle and truck drivers fail to stop for buses that are loading or unloading students. Not only is it against the law to pass a school bus that has deployed its stop sign or flashing lights, but it may also be considered negligent – entitling victims and their loved ones to seek just compensation. Other common factors in school bus crashes include:
- Driver fatigue;
- Driver lack of qualifications;
- Falsifying the number of hours driver/driving for too long;
- Faulty equipment;
- Not being sufficiently familiar with the route;
- Improper responses to road conditions;
- Improper responses to weather conditions;
- Drug or alcohol use; and
- You are not paying attention (texting while driving, cell phone use, speaking with passengers, etc.).
Who Is Liable for Injuries Sustained in a School Bus Accident in Houston?
Once the cause of the accident has been established through an exhaustive investigation, then you can identify the party (or parties) responsible for the crash. In most cases, bus accidents will involve claims against:
- A negligent passenger vehicle or truck driver – A driver who causes a collision with a school bus may be liable for the bus driver’s and school children’s injuries.
- The school district (or a private school) – If the school bus driver caused the accident, their employer (i.e., the school district or a private school) might be legally responsible.
- The bus manufacturer or another third-party – School bus accident cases will frequently involve claims against vehicle manufacturers, part manufacturers, repair shops, highway authorities, and other third parties.
If you would like to speak with an attorney about seeking financial compensation for a school bus accident in the Houston , contact Zehl & Associates for a free, confidential consultation today.
