Many parents have to place their trust in the school transportation system to safely transport children to and from their destinations. Although many parents prefer to transport their kids themselves, it is not a feasible option in many cases because of conflicting schedules. The majority of children throughout the state of West Virginia reach their destinations safely. However, the overall safety of school bus transportation is no source of comfort to those families whose children are involved in school bus related accidents each year. If you or your loved one has been injured in a school bus related accident or incident, contact Colombo Law today to determine your rights to compensation.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Most drivers are aware that anything can occur while on the road. However, the most common causes of school bus accidents include:
- Driver Negligence: Changes in driving patterns such as sudden stops or erratic movements cause students to fall from their seats. School buses present added safety hazards due to the lack of seatbelts. Falls are also common when students are entering or exiting the bus, as premature movement causes unsuspecting victims to fall forward or backwards.
- Improper Maintenance: School districts are obligated to follow all rules and regulations pertaining to school bus safety. Failure to comply with safety standards poses a high risk of an accident to everyone on the bus. Improper maintenance has led to a higher risk of accidents when hazardous weather conditions are present. In addition, common hazards related to improper maintenance include breakdowns, brake failure, and tire blow outs.
- Improper training: Improper training of school bus drivers is another major cause of accidents. School bus drivers are not only responsible for identifying and avoiding potential road hazards, they are also expected to manage a few dozen children each day as maneuver a large and complicated vehicle.
Contact Colombo Law
The Colombo Law firm is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Our attorneys are highly experienced personal injury lawyers who successfully handle hundreds of personal injury claims each year, obtaining justice and monetary relief for our clients.
Colombo Law assists clients located in and around West Virginia including in Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Kingwood, Grafton, Weston, Philippi, Buckhannon, Elkins, Parkersburg, Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Preston, Taylor, and Lewis county. If you have been injured in an accident or incident but are unsure of whether you have a personal injury claim, contact Colombo Law today for a risk-free initial consultation to get you or your loved one the assistance that is deserved.
