Fortunately for students and parents, school bus accidents are a rare occurrence. However, despite being uncommon, they can happen at any time due to negligence. Hearing the news that your child has been injured in a school bus accident on their way to or from school is understandably horrifying. Don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Contact a proficient Santa Clara County Bus Accident Attorney who can help you consider your legal options. In addition, keep reading to discover who can be held liable for a school bus accident.
Who can be held liable for a school bus accident in California?
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, determining liability may be challenging as several parties’ negligent actions may have contributed to the cause of the collision. However, fault allocation plays a critical role in recovering monetary compensation for your child’s damages that stemmed from the accident. Oftentimes, parents immediately point their fingers at the school bus driver. Although this may be the case in some instances, it is not always true. If the bus driver is found negligent in any way meaning they did not abide by the rules of the road or engaged in unsafe driving behavior that caused the collision to occur, they can be held liable for the accident.
In most cases, the school district is held accountable for this type of auto accident as they are responsible for ensuring the vehicle is in good condition. This means they must ensure the buses are serviced regularly. Additionally, the school district is responsible for guaranteeing the safety of its students. This means they must hire bus drivers with the proper experience and training who can safely transport students to and from school. If the school district fails to hire a bus driver with the right training, parents can hold them legally accountable for the collision.
Furthermore, alongside the school district, the school bus manufacturer may also be responsible for a collision. If the school bus accident occurred as a result of a malfunctioning or defective part, the school bus manufacturer can be named in a lawsuit. It is also important to note that sometimes this type of auto accident can occur as a result of a third party’s negligent actions. If another motorist on the road is found negligent, they can be held liable for a school bus accident.
In the unfortunate event that your child has been injured in a school bus accident, it is in your immediate interest to retain a skilled attorney from The Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady. Our firm is prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf to seek reasonable compensation for your child’s damages.
