School Buses Crashes

Although school bus crashes are fairly infrequent, their catastrophic capabilities make them greatly concerning. Not only are they able to cause harm to several victims all at once, victims are also at an increased risk for serious injury. As such, parents should know how to protect their children, and their family’s financial future, should a school bus crash ever happen to their child.

How Big Is the Risk?

Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that bus crash incidents and fatalities have been steadily decreasing over the last several years. However, there are still some 234 incidents that result in fatality each year. There are also many others that result in non-fatal injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Further, each incident has the potential to harm dozens of people. An example is a crash which took place this past winter in Chattanooga, which killed six children and injured several others. The bus driver is currently being held on charges of vehicular homicide and was allegedly responsible for the crash.

Types of Injuries that Victims May Experience

Fatality is the most severe and frightening injury that may occur, but there are many other types of injuries that can significantly alter the lives of victims and their families, such as:

• Traumatic brain injury,
• Spinal injury,
• Internal bleeding,
• Organ damage,
• Broken bones,
• Amputation of a limb, and
• Partial or total paralysis.

In the recent crash, one young girl suffered from multiple orthopedic injuries and a traumatic brain injury. Doctors expect her to need years of rehabilitation, and no one can say for sure if she will ever fully recover. Other victims suffered injuries of varying degrees. All must travel the road to recovery, which can be emotionally difficult and financially devastating for families.

Protecting Your Child and Your Family’s Financial Future

If a child is injured or wrongfully killed in a school bus accident, their parents have the right to pursue compensation. Unfortunately, the fight to obtain a settlement is not one easily won. There can be multiple responsible parties, and it is possible that the insurance company or other responsible parties may try to find a way to reduce the payout. This can further victimize injured children and their parents. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help to prevent such situations.

Contact Our Lake County Personal Injury Lawyers

At Salvi & Maher, LLP, we aggressively protect the rights and financial futures of school bus crash victims and their families. With decades of experience, we have the knowledge and skills needed to ensure your case is effectively represented. Schedule your consultation with our Lake County injury lawyers and ask how we can help with your case. Call 847-662-3303 today.

Sources:

http://wkrn.com/2016/12/05/mom-files-lawsuit-after-girl-suffers-traumatic-brain-injury-in-chattanooga-bus-crash/

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/ntsb-chattanooga-bus-crash-on-scene-probe-complete/363133948

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2014

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