Being in a school bus accident might have severe repercussions. It can be pretty challenging to deal with the aftermath, from injuries to complex legal issues. Your lawyer will examine the consequences of crashing with a school bus in this blog post. They will also talk about how important it is to see a bus accident lawyer. To know more about accidents involving school buses, contact the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika. Let’s get started!
Steps to take if you are involved in a car accident with a school bus
The security of the children on board is the first concern when a car strikes a school bus. With features like stronger sides and seats to protect children from the danger of an accident, school buses have been designed to be highly safe. However, injuries can still result from accidents. What usually occurs after an accident with a school bus is as follows:
- Quick Response
The bus driver will first see how students are doing. Emergency services will likely be called quickly. This includes police cars, ambulances, and, in certain situations, fire trucks in the case of a fire or a person trapped in a vehicle.
- Safety Procedures
The bus driver or any other responsible individuals will help the children get off the bus if it is safe to do so. This protects them from risk, especially in the case of a fire or crash with another vehicle.
- Medical Care
Medical professionals will evaluate every person for injuries. The injuries should be examined, even if they seem minor. Examples of injuries that might not be visible immediately include internal injuries and whiplash.
- Police report
The police will create a detailed report on the accident. Determining fault and getting insurance both depend on this report. Evidence from the area will be collected, and witnesses will be questioned.
- Legal consequences
You can be accused of legal action if it turns out that you are at fault. If negligence or reckless driving is involved, you could face fines, points on your driver’s license, and even more severe allegations. In the case that you are sued for damages, a bus accident attorney might be of great help.
Financial and Legal Consequences
There might be severe financial and legal consequences for hitting a school bus. Knowing these can help you get prepared for what might come next:
- Insurance Claims
Your insurance coverage must compensate for any medical costs and damages to your car and bus. You might have to pay out of pocket if your insurance is insufficient.
- Lawsuits
If the accident is severe, the school district or the families of the injured children can bring a lawsuit against you. Although these cases can be expensive and time-consuming, a personal injury attorney can represent you and negotiate compensation.
- License issues
Your driver’s license may be canceled temporarily or permanently, depending on the facts of the collision and your choice. Your ability to work and carry out daily tasks may be affected by this.
- Criminal charges
You might be convicted of a crime under severe conditions involving negligence or reckless conduct. Penalties, community service, and even jail time could result from this.
How a lawyer can help you?
When managing cases involving bus accidents, a personal injury lawyer is an important professional who can help with understanding legal privileges, reimbursement, and legal procedures. They handle filing claims and negotiating the best settlement with insurance carriers. The case might go to court, where the attorney prepares, represents the client, and manages legal procedures if a just settlement cannot be reached.
By being mindful of local laws, common accident causes, and regulations, they also offer a piece of mind. In addition to making settlements and maybe defending the motorist in court, they are capable of assessing the facts and developing a defense.