As a parent, you expect your child to be safe while riding a school bus. Sadly, accidents can occur even without warning, and children can sustain injuries. If this has happened to your youngster, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents in Florida
Certain factors commonly cause Florida school bus accidents. They are distracted driving, traffic violations, mechanical failure, poor weather conditions, negligent hiring or training and lack of proper maintenance.
Distracted Driving by Bus Driver
School bus accidents can easily occur when drivers become distracted. This can happen for various reasons from eating to looking at a phone to conversing with a passenger. Even daydreaming can lead to distraction and a collision. Bus drivers must remain alert to ensure everyone’s safety.
Traffic Violations
According to Florida Statute Chapter 316, all drivers must follow state traffic laws. If a school bus driver fails to adhere to the rules and regulations, accidents can occur and children can become injured. This means yielding the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians, stopping at red lights and stop signs, signaling when making turns or lane changes, giving plenty of room between vehicles and more.
Mechanical Failure
Sometimes, a school bus accident happens because of factors beyond the driver’s control. Mechanical failure is one such example. If a bus component breaks down, it can cause the driver to lose control of their driving, speed, braking ability or turning.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions like rain, heavy winds and fog can cause school bus accidents. Even if the driver takes proper precautions to drive more safely, weather can be unpredictable and disaster can strike.
Negligent Hiring or Training of Bus Drivers
According to Florida Statute 768.096, negligent hiring of bus drivers can cause school bus accidents resulting in injury or death. Drivers must be properly screened through background checks, and employers should contact former employers to verify fitness for the job. Individuals looking to become school bus drivers must have thorough training and obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger endorsement.
Lack of Proper Maintenance of School Buses
School buses must be properly maintained to ensure they can safely operate. Florida requires these vehicles to be checked by a mechanic at least once every 30 days. Without regular maintenance, accidents can occur.
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Possible Injuries in School Bus Accidents in Florida
Florida school bus accidents can cause several possible injuries. They include head injuries, whiplash, broken bones, emotional trauma, spinal cord injuries and internal injuries.
Head Injuries
Head injuries occur when someone receives a blow or jolt upon the impact of a bus accident. The result can be a minor concussion to moderate or severe brain injury. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, confusion, loss of consciousness or coma.
Whiplash
Bus accidents cause whiplash when a victim’s head is whipped forward while their body stays still. This soft tissue injury causes soreness, stiffness and limited range of motion but often clears up after a few weeks.
Broken Bones
Depending on the impact of a school bus accident, victims can be left with broken bones. This can happen if they’re thrown against the back of a seat or fall onto the floor. Different areas can be affected, but the most common include arms, legs, wrists, ankles, fingers, nose and jaw.
Emotional Trauma
A child can suffer emotional trauma after a bus accident even if they sustain a mild physical injury or none at all. For example, your child might have escaped a crash with only a few scrapes, but they can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or even a phobia of going back on a bus.
Spinal Cord Injuries
School bus accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries. If the crash is bad, a victim’s spine can be affected in the cervical or lumbar area. These injuries can range from mild to severe and debilitating.
Internal Injuries
In severe school bus accidents, victims can suffer internal injuries. These are medical emergencies because they signify organ damage.
Legal Considerations in School Bus Accidents
There are legal considerations in school bus accidents. They include liability and statute of limitations for filing a claim,
Liability in School Bus Accidents
Liability isn’t always clear in school bus accidents. The driver may be at fault, but sometimes, multiple parties are responsible. This can include the bus company and even the school district.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
According to Florida Statute 95.11, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a school bus accident is two years. However, if a child is injured, the time is expanded to seven years.
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Importance of Hiring a School Bus Accident Lawyer in Melbourne, Florida
If you or your child was injured in a school bus accident in Melbourne, Florida, you need an experienced lawyer. Hiring the right one to handle your case gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.
What to Look for in a School Bus Accident Lawyer in Melbourne, Florida
It’s crucial to know what to look for in a Florida school bus accident lawyer. They include experience handling school bus accident cases, resources and investigative capabilities and track record or successful settlements or verdicts.
Experience Handling School Bus Accident Cases
The right attorney has experience handling school bus accident claims. Often, these cases are complex, so knowledge and expertise are required.
Resources and Investigative Capabilities
School bus accident lawyers have the right resources and investigative capabilities to determine the facts of your case. If anything is unclear, a team can investigate or recreate the accident to determine how it happened.
Track Record of Successful Settlements or Verdicts
The best attorney for your case has an excellent track record of success. Satisfactory settlements and favorable verdicts can ensure you’re in good hands. Your lawyer will fight every step of the way for you.
Andrew Pickett Law Can Help School Bus Accident Victims in Florida
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident in Florida, our experienced legal team is ready to hear your case and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today by phone or through our contact form. We’ll quickly set up a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to review your case and discuss potential legal options.
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