School buses must meet high standards of safety due to the vulnerable young passengers they carry. As a result, a school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road. Although rare, school bus accidents do still happen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), four to six school-age children die each year on school transportation vehicles.
If a school bus accident does occur, the bus driver is required to follow specific safety protocols to prevent children from further danger. School bus drivers should undergo regular training to stay up-to-date with the latest safety regulations to maximize the safety of children on and around their buses.
If a school bus driver fails to follow the necessary safety protocols, this can lead to situations that put children in danger, sometimes with fatal results.
If your child was harmed in a school bus accident, or if you were driving the school bus at the time of the crash, you should seek legal representation and advice regarding personal injury laws. For free general information regarding school bus accident protocols or to discuss your case involving a school bus accident with an experienced attorney, call The Law Place today. We offer a free case evaluation to new clients so that you can receive no-obligation free legal advice to help you decide on your next steps.
Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today at (941) 444-4444.
School Bus Safety Features
School buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road, where they are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in terms of preventing collisions and injuries. This is why school children are around 70 times more likely to get to school safely in a bus than in a regular car. This includes design features that make them highly visible, such as flashing red lights, stop-sign arms, and paint color. Regulated safety features on school buses include seat belts, high crush standards, protective ‘compartmentalization’ seating, and energy-absorbing seat backs.
In order to protect students while getting on and off a school bus, there is a law in place that makes it illegal for a driver to pass a school bus that is dropping off or picking up passengers, regardless of the direction in which they approach the bus.
In order to ensure that other drivers do not illegally overtake them, school buses are fitted with an extendible stop-arm device and a flashing signal light system to alert other drivers of their pending action. Flashing yellow lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop and unload or load children, and red flashing lights and an extended stop-arm indicate that the bus is currently loading or unloading children.
If another driver sees the yellow flashing lights, they should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicle. If they see the red flashing lights, then drivers must stop their car and wait until the red lights stop flashing and the stop-arm is withdrawn.
What Are the Protocols Following a School Bus Crash?
Despite the design and safety features on school buses that make this unlikely, accidents do happen. Bus drivers are required to follow certain protocols in the event of a bus accident, regardless of whether it was a minor fender bender or a serious collision.
Secure the Vehicle
The first thing that a bus driver should do in case of a bus accident is to ensure that the vehicle is out of danger. This means securing the bus and parking it out of the way of traffic or any hazards at the scene. A driver should also remember to put on warning signs to alert other drivers of the accident. Once the bus is secure, the driver should stay where they are until professional assistance arrives.
If the accident has made the bus unsafe, then the bus driver should evacuate all passengers from the bus to a safe location away from the road.
Check All Students and Ensure Safety
Once the bus is secured in a safe place, the next step is to check on the passengers. The driver should check every student on the bus to see the extent of any resultant injuries. This will make the driver aware of any severe injuries that need immediate medical attention. In this case, the driver should call emergency medical services and the police immediately.
For minor injuries, the driver should make use of the first-aid kit that should be stored aboard. If the accident was only a fender bender and there are no injuries, the school driver is permitted to continue on their route but must still report the accident to the school
Immediately Report the Accident
The final vital step following a school bus accident is to report the accident as soon as it has been determined that the school children on board are not severely injured. The school bus driver should contact the radio dispatcher of the school’s transport department and make them aware of the school bus’ location. The driver should also detail the bus number, the route number, the severity of the accident, and any injuries. The school superintendent and the principal should also be notified of the accident.
Once all of these protocols have been followed, the school has certain responsibilities. They must notify the parents of all children involved in the accident and decide whether they need to take action against the bus driver.
If you were driving the school bus, it is important that you document as much information about the crash as possible to ensure transparency and to use it in legal defense, if required. For this reason, we advise bus drivers to speak to any witnesses of the crash at the scene and to take their names and contact details.
This could be useful for making an insurance claim later on. We recommend that you do not give any specific information to bystanders at the scene, insurance companies, or the media until you have consulted with an attorney. This is to prevent disclosed information from being used against you to devalue your insurance claim or as evidence of fault. Contact The Law Place today to discuss your legal options in a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. Who Is Liable After a School Bus Accident?
Accidents can happen at any time on the road, despite the efforts most drivers make to follow state traffic laws. Every driver in Florida has a duty of care to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. In other words, all drivers should do everything in their power to drive in a way that ensures the safety of others while operating a vehicle on the road. If a school bus driver fails to do this, then they could be found liable if their actions result in injuries, as per Florida Statute 768.81. If the injury was caused, for example, by a driver violating overtaking bus laws, then they could be held responsible if a child is hurt.
Following a school bus accident, it is up to the school to decide on the next steps. If any children were injured or if there were fatalities, the school should send a member of staff to the scene to talk to the medics and assess the scene. The school will most likely investigate the accident thoroughly and collect evidence such as photos taken at the scene and witness statements to determine whether actions should be taken against the bus driver, such as reassessing their employment or pressing charges.
If you are unsure of who was to blame following a school bus accident, you should contact an attorney.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience How Do I Claim After a Bus Accident?
If your child has been injured as a result of a school bus accident, then you may be wondering who could be found legally responsible for the damages. Medical costs and emotional distress can take a serious toll on families, and if the accident could have been prevented, then someone should be held responsible for these costs. We recommend that you contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your case and determine whether you could be entitled to compensation for your damages.
A personal injury lawyer will be able to calculate your damages to determine how much you could be entitled to in compensation from your own insurance or another party’s insurance.
This could include:
- Medical Bills – Medical costs such as surgery, doctor’s appointments, medication, and rehabilitation can leave families in serious economic instability.
- Pain and Suffering – This include, for example, depression, PTSD, and insomnia.
- Lost Wages – For the time taken off work, for example, to look after your child.
- Wrongful Death – If you have suffered a tragic loss following a school bus accident, then you may be entitled to claim funeral and burial costs, as per Florida Statute 768.21.
Whether you have been involved in a school bus accident as a bus driver, or are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit following a school bus crash, then you should seek legal advice.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. How The Law Place Can Help
The aftermath of a school bus accident can be overwhelming for everyone involved. At The Law Place, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal assistance to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our team has extensive experience handling cases involving school bus accidents. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process. Whether you are dealing with serious injuries, bodily injury claims, or the emotional impact of the accident, we are here to help.
Comprehensive Legal Support
We offer a full range of legal services to support you after a school bus accident. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather all necessary evidence, and work to determine liability. We understand the importance of collecting accurate and detailed information to build a strong case. This includes working with accident investigation kits, documenting the accident scene, and coordinating with emergency personnel and school staff members.
Personalized Attention
At The Law Place, we provide personalized attention to each client. We know that every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific circumstances and needs. Our dedicated team will keep you informed throughout the process, answer your questions, and provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions.
No Win, No Fee
Our no-win, no-fee policy means that you do not have to worry about legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures that you can pursue justice and compensation without any financial risk.
Free Consultation
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide initial legal advice. During this meeting, we will evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand what to expect moving forward. This no-obligation consultation is an opportunity for you to get the information and support you need.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a school bus accident, contact The Law Place today. Our experienced attorneys are ready to provide the support and legal assistance you need to navigate this difficult time and secure the compensation you deserve. Let us help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
What Are the Protocols for a School Bus Driver After an Accident? FAQ
What are the first steps a school bus driver should take immediately after an accident involving a school bus?
The first priority for a school bus driver is to ensure the safety of all students on board. The driver should check for any serious injuries and provide immediate first aid if necessary. Next, the driver should contact emergency personnel and the school to report the accident and request assistance. Using the accident investigation kit, the driver should document the accident scene, including taking photos and noting down relevant details.
How should a school bus driver handle serious injuries among students?
If any students have sustained serious injuries, the bus driver should administer immediate first aid while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive. It is crucial to keep the injured students as comfortable as possible and prevent further harm’s way. The driver should also notify the school nurse and ensure that the parents are informed about their child’s injuries promptly.
What steps should be taken to secure the accident scene and ensure student safety?
To secure the accident scene, the driver should set up appropriate warning signs and use the bus’s hazard lights to alert other drivers. This helps to prevent additional accidents, such as vehicles illegally passing the stopped bus. The driver should ensure that all students remain on the bus unless it is unsafe to do so. If the bus is in a dangerous position, the driver should evacuate the students to a safer location away from traffic and further harm’s way.
What information should be collected as part of the accident investigation?
The driver should use the accident investigation kit to gather comprehensive information about the incident. This includes:
- Documenting the accident scene with photos and notes.
- Collecting contact information from witnesses, including students, other drivers, and any school staff member present.
- Recording the details of the involved vehicles, including license plate numbers and any visible damages.
- Noting the conditions at the time of the accident, such as weather, traffic, and road conditions.
What role do school staff members play after a bus accident?
School staff members should be notified immediately following an accident. They play a critical role in coordinating the response, including informing parents, managing communications, and providing support to the driver and students. The school staff member may also assist in the accident investigation and ensure that all protocols are followed.
What should be done if a bus is involved in an accident at a bus stop?
If an accident occurs at a bus stop, the driver should follow the same safety protocols. This includes checking for injuries, securing the scene, and providing appropriate warning signs to prevent other vehicles from illegally passing. It is essential to keep the students safe and away from traffic while waiting for emergency personnel and school officials.
Why is it important for bus drivers to follow safety protocols after an accident?
Following certain safety protocols after an accident is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of the students. It helps in preventing further injuries, managing the situation effectively, and ensuring that accurate information is collected for the accident investigation. Adhering to these protocols also helps in coordinating with emergency personnel and school staff to provide timely assistance.
Contact The Law Place
Here at The Law Place, we understand how stressful life can be following a serious accident. Call us today to arrange a free case evaluation, where you will receive no-obligation legal advice specific to your case that will help you decide whether you wish to open a personal injury claim. We are here to help.
Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today at (941) 444-4444.
