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Key Takeaways
- School bus accidents can involve multiple liable parties, including drivers, school districts, maintenance contractors, other motorists, or vehicle manufacturers.
- Children are especially vulnerable in bus crashes, with common injuries including head trauma, spinal damage, fractures, and emotional distress like PTSD.
- Texas law limits claims against public school districts, with damage caps of $100,000 per person and strict notice deadlines—often within six months.
- Immediate medical evaluation and proper documentation are critical to protect both your child’s health and your legal claim.
- Experienced personal injury attorneys can help families pursue maximum compensation, especially in complex cases involving government entities and sovereign immunity laws.
Every morning, thousands of parents across Southlake and Fort Worth trust yellow school buses to safely transport their children. But what happens when that trust is broken by a school bus accident?
School bus crashes occur more often than most parents realize. While these vehicles are designed with safety in mind, accidents still happen due to driver negligence, mechanical failures, or careless motorists. When your child is involved in a school bus accident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Understanding your rights and the claims process is essential for protecting your family’s future.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents don’t just happen randomly—there’s usually a clear cause that could have been prevented.
Driver Error
Bus drivers carry enormous responsibility operating large vehicles filled with children. Unfortunately, some fail to meet expected standards. Distracted driving—checking phones or not paying attention—leads to devastating consequences. Fatigue is another major factor, especially for drivers working long routes without adequate rest.
In Fort Worth and Southlake, we’ve seen cases where bus drivers ran red lights, failed to check blind spots, or didn’t properly secure students before moving. When driver carelessness causes an accident, both the driver and their employer can be held accountable.
Reckless Motorists
Other drivers pose significant risks to school buses. One of the most dangerous scenarios occurs when motorists illegally pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended and lights flashing. Speeding through school zones and aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or cutting off buses have all contributed to accidents throughout the Fort Worth area.
Mechanical Failures
School buses require regular maintenance to operate safely. Brake failures, steering malfunctions, and tire blowouts can lead to catastrophic accidents. When school districts or private bus companies cut corners on maintenance, they put every child at risk. If mechanical defects caused your child’s accident, Bus accident attorneys can help determine liability.
Injuries Children Suffer in School Bus Accidents
Because school buses often lack seat belts, children are particularly vulnerable during collisions. They can be thrown from seats, strike hard surfaces, or collide with other passengers.
Head injuries are among the most serious concerns. A child might suffer a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) affecting cognitive function and development. Broken bones, fractures, and spinal injuries are also common. Damage to the spine can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
Internal injuries from blunt force trauma can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Beyond physical wounds, many children develop anxiety, depression, and PTSD after accidents, affecting their ability to return to school or feel safe in vehicles.
If your child has been injured, connecting with experienced Fort Worth personal injury lawyers is critical for securing compensation for current and future medical needs.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in school bus accident cases requires thorough investigation. Multiple parties may share responsibility.
The Bus Driver
If the driver violated traffic laws or operated recklessly, they can be held liable. In Texas, bus drivers are “common carriers,” held to higher standards than regular drivers.
The School District or Bus Company
School districts and private companies employing drivers can be accountable under vicarious liability. If employers failed to properly train drivers, conduct background checks, or ignored safety violations, they face claims of negligent hiring.
Maintenance Contractors
When accidents result from mechanical failures, entities responsible for maintaining vehicles may be liable. This could be the school district’s maintenance department or third-party contractors.
Other Motorists
In many cases, another driver’s negligence is the primary cause. Car accident lawyers in Southlake can help pursue claims against negligent drivers who endangered your child.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If defects in the bus itself caused the accident, manufacturers may be liable under product liability laws.
What to Do After a School Bus Accident
The actions you take immediately following an accident significantly impact your child’s recovery and claim success.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your child appears uninjured, get them evaluated by medical professionals. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Prompt examination creates documentation establishing links between the accident and injuries.
Document Everything
Gather information at the scene or shortly after. Take photos of vehicles, visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect witness contact information and obtain copies of police or accident reports.
Avoid Insurance Company Statements
Representatives may contact you requesting statements or medical records. Before providing information, consult with an attorney who can protect your rights and prevent harm to your claim.
Consult an Experienced Attorney
School bus accident cases involve unique legal challenges, especially with government entities. Texas law includes sovereign immunity provisions limiting ability to sue public schools, but exceptions exist for vehicle accidents. Personal injury attorneys in Fort Worth can evaluate your case and develop strategies for pursuing maximum compensation.
Understanding Texas Law and Damages
Texas law imposes limits on school bus accident claims involving public school districts. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, recovery is capped at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident for bodily injury or death.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. However, claims against government entities often require notice within six months. Missing these deadlines can eliminate your right to compensation.
Recoverable Damages Include:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future medical care
- Pain and Suffering – Physical pain and emotional distress impact on quality of life
- Psychological Trauma – Counseling and therapy for anxiety, PTSD, and fear
- Lost Educational Opportunities – Tutoring and special services if injuries cause academic setbacks
- Future Care Needs – Ongoing treatment, adaptive equipment, and home modifications
Frequently Asked Questions
+How long do I have to file a claim?
+What if my child seems fine?
+Can I sue the school district?
+Will my case go to trial?
Why Choose Francis Injury
At Francis Injury, we’ve spent decades fighting for families in Southlake, Fort Worth, and throughout Texas. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of cases—reviewing accident reports, maintenance records, and consulting medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists.
We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win. This allows you to focus on your child’s recovery without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Take Action to Protect Your Child’s Rights
When your child is hurt in a school bus accident, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines pass quickly. Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into quick settlements that don’t cover your child’s needs.
Contact Francis Injury today for a free consultation. Our compassionate legal team serves families throughout Southlake, Fort Worth, and all of Texas. Your child’s future is too important to leave to chance. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on what matters most—your child’s recovery and well-being.
Call Francis Injury now and take the first step toward justice.
