Parents watch children board the school bus each day, trusting they will get to school and home again safely. Unfortunately, school bus accidents sometimes occur and have the potential to cause serious injuries. School bus accidents in Albuquerque range from collisions to rollover accidents and usually result in injuries to the children on board. Since many school buses do not have seatbelts installed, children can be thrown out of their seats in an accident.
If your child was injured in a school bus collision, you have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and the impact on their lifestyle. A bus crash attorney can help you navigate the complex process of determining who is liable for the accident and seeking compensation.
Proving responsibility for an Albuquerque school bus accident and holding guilty parties liable for the consequences is complicated. Public schools oversee the operation of most school buses. Since they are a government agency, they may be protected from liability by a type of immunity. A skilled attorney could help you understand who can be held liable and when.
The bus driver may be found at fault if the accident was caused by their negligent actions, such as failure to operate the bus properly or not following traffic laws. When the driver is at fault, the school district may be held liable.
If the school bus driver is found responsible for the accident, the school district might be held liable as the driver’s employer. This is even more likely when a bus driver has a poor driving record or previous concerns.
If another driver collides with the school bus due to their negligent actions, they can be found liable for all injuries that occur in the accident. Common reasons a negligent driver may cause a school bus accident include distracted driving and speeding.
If a defect in a school bus design causes an accident or contributes to an accident, the vehicle’s manufacturer could be held liable for injuries.
Compensation awarded to Albuquerque families of children in a school bus accident can cover financial and non-economic damages. The types of damages awarded depend on the circumstances of the accident. Recoverable damages may include the following.
Consulting with an attorney is the best way to find out what type of damages could be recovered after a school bus accident.
Our lawyers are long-time residents of the area and are familiar with the streets and school districts of Albuquerque. We have substantial experience handling cases that involve school bus safety laws and the various parties that may be found liable for injuries sustained in school bus accidents in Albuquerque. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get fair compensation for all the ways your child’s life was impacted by injuries sustained in a school bus accident.
