No parent wants to hear that their child was in a school bus accident. Unfortunately, school bus accidents occur more frequently than many people think. Because these buses are so large and heavy, they can cause more destruction than passenger vehicles. If your child was injured in this accident, your family may be entitled to compensation.
Here are some of the most common causes of school bus accidents:
Driver Fatigue
It’s important for school bus drivers to be well-rested and alert when they drive the bus. Unfortunately, there isn’t any way to make sure that a school bus driver got enough sleep the night before. School bus drivers who are drowsy have lower reaction times and can’t focus on the road as well. They may take turns too sharply or forget to stop at stop signs. In extreme cases, they may even fall asleep behind the wheel.
Mechanical Errors
Just like passenger vehicles, school buses should undergo regular maintenance to make sure they’re safe to operate. If the bus companies neglect regular inspections, mechanical errors can occur. For example, the brakes could fail in the middle of the road and cause an accident.
Driver Distraction
Distractions can divert a school bus driver’s attention from the road and increase the risk of an accident. In addition to cell phone use and eating, all the kids on the bus can distract a school bus driver. Even though students should be taught to stay quiet and not avoid distracting the bus driver, not all of them comply. If the driver is distracted by the kids’ actions, he or she could lose focus of the road ahead.
Bad Weather
Although school bus drivers should be properly trained on how to operate a bus in harsh weather, accidents can still happen. Severe snow or rain showers, for example, can hinder a bus driver’s visibility and increase the risk of a collision. If the roads are icy, the school bus has an increased risk of slipping and rear-ending another vehicle.
Another Driver’s Negligence
Even if a school bus driver does everything right, accidents can still occur. There are many other drivers on the roads and not all of them drive responsibly. Some may speed while others may be distracted by their smartphone while behind the wheel. These negligent drivers can run right into the school bus and cause a major accident. That’s why it’s crucial for school bus drivers to constantly be aware of the drivers around them and move away from drivers who are behaving irresponsibly, as a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia, PA knows.
Compensation in a School Bus Accident
If your child was injured in a school bus accident, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia, PA at Wieand Law Firm, LLC as soon as possible. He or she can assess your case for free and and let you know the type of damages you’re entitled to. Your lawyer can help you gather important evidence, find key witness and deal with insurance companies.
