Atlanta School Bus Accident Lawyers Fighting for Justice
You can count on our attorneys to demand accountability
You may currently have children enrolled in school who rely on the bus for transportation. Though school buses have long been thought of as a safe way to travel, that is not always the case in practice. Many children are needlessly injured and even killed in school bus accidents throughout the country.
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, or if you were hit by a school bus as a motorist or pedestrian, it’s important to get an experienced injury lawyer on your side. The experienced bus accident attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC can help.
A damages award from a lawsuit can help provide compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have the skills and knowledge to help you move forward. From phone calls to medical records, we will handle all aspects of your case.
School Bus Accidents FAQ
- Who is responsible for a school bus accident?
- Can you sue a school bus driver?
- How do I sue a school bus company?
- How can school bus accident attorneys help with my case?
Bus Accident Verdicts and Settlements
- $23.7 million — School Bus Accident Case
Our firm recovered $23.7 million on behalf of two children involved in a rollover school bus accident in Tennessee. One suffered brain injuries and the other died due to the crash. - $4.8 million — Wrongful Death Case
We recovered $4.8 million in a case where a bus driver died after a tractor-trailer attempted to merge in front of him, resulting in a fatal collision.
Common causes of school bus accidents
Bus crashes often occur due to negligence of a third party, or even the bus driver. Specifically, common causes include:
- Improper training of drivers
- Overloading
- Faulty maintenance
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Driver’s mindset
- Speeding
Again, many school bus accidents are the result of the driver’s attitude and choices. For instance, if they fail to properly stop and check at a railroad crossing and it leads to an accident, they might be held liable for resulting injuries.
School bus safety standards
Federal regulations are very clear that the driver is responsible for safely operating the vehicle. Furthermore, commercial drivers are to cease operating the vehicle if there are extremely hazardous driving conditions.
For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) clearly state that “extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions” exist. Article § 392.14 of the FMCSR also states that extreme caution must be used in any situation where “snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust or smoke adversely affect visibility or traction.”
However, just because this is the law, doesn’t mean that it is always followed. So, who or what is to blame for a school bus crash? Ultimately, there are numerous factors that may have contributed to the accident besides weather, including road and driver conditions.
Bus drivers sometimes have a duty to ensure there is order on the bus among the students. If they fail to address a safety issue or potential distraction, courts may also factor this in when reviewing liability in a lawsuit.
While determining liability may seem obvious in certain situations, each case is truly unique. Liability is determined by the courts after a thorough investigation. Establishing negligence is vitally important for your case. The assistance of a qualified school bus accident lawyer may be needed to help sort out liability.
What to do after a school bus accident
If your child has been involved in a school bus accident, the following steps should be taken:
- Get medical attention: Seeking immediate medical attention is important, even if it seems that only minor injuries have been suffered. It may take a day or two for some accident injuries to surface, such as traumatic brain injuries.
- Document the injuries: Following the accident, take photographs or videos of every single mark or injury.
- Keep records: Keep and maintain all paperwork you receive from the hospital, doctors and responding police officers.
- Gather information: Depending on the severity of the crash, obtain phone numbers and addresses from other victims, drivers and witnesses if you can.
- Contact a lawyer: Contact an experienced school bus accident lawyer as soon as possible. Doing so will allow your only focus to be on healing or helping your child heal.
At Fried Goldberg, we understand how traumatizing a school bus accident can be for the victim and their family. Get in touch with us promptly. We may be able to help you with some of these steps.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys
School bus accidents are devastating, often leaving victims scared, injured, or even worse. Those who are unfamiliar with the legal process around bus-related accidents may be left feeling confused or overwhelmed.
You need someone with experience on your side, a team who has the knowledge and skills to stand up and fight for your family. And due to the statute of limitations on school bus claims, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our school bus attorneys. We can discuss your legal options and answers any questions you have.
Who is responsible for a school bus accident?
Following an injury that takes place at school, during a school activity or while on school property, it will be imperative to determine who is responsible. This can often be a daunting task. Even if the school or a school employee isn’t directly responsible for the injury that takes place, the school district may still be legally liable for the damage.
If you believe the school district might be responsible for your child’s injury, then you should speak with an attorney to assess your case. We can investigate and help you determine your next step.
Can you sue a school bus driver?
In certain situations, yes. Various parties may be held responsible for injuries resulting from a school bus accident. This can include the school district, the bus company, and the driver as well.
It may be necessary to sue a school bus driver directly. This is usually the case when the driver was seriously negligent or was acting directly against their employer’s policies. Examples include when they engaged in distracted driving or driving under the influence.
How do I sue a school bus company?
In other situations, it may be necessary to school the school bus company. This can happen if certain issues are at play, including:
- Negligent hiring
- Poor company-wide safety policies
- Failure to keep the bus fleet properly maintained
Suing a commercial bus company can involve complex matters. Multiple parties are often involved. You will require the assistance of a school bus attorney with experience in handling such cases.
How can school bus accident attorneys help with my case?
A school bus accident lawyer may be needed to help ensure your case is properly handled. Bus accident lawsuits can involve many parties and complex theories of law. School bus accident attorneys can:
- Review the facts of what happened
- Compile evidence needed to support your case
- Examine the laws to determine your rights
- Build an effective case strategy
- Fight for maximum compensation
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a school bus accident, contact us for a free consultation. Our school bus accident attorneys have decades of experience dealing with accidents involving large vehicles, including school buses and other similar forms of transportation. Reaching out to us is the first step toward getting the justice you and your family deserve.