Every day, parents across the country place their children on school buses, trusting the school district and the bus driver to get their kids to school and back home again safely. Unfortunately, every year thousands of children have treated in emergency rooms for school bus-related injuries. In addition, thousands of other motorists or passengers are injured after being involved in collisions with school buses.
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we can help guide you through the complex process of pursuing damages after a West Palm Beach school bus accident. We have worked on cases like yours before, and we are proud of the results we achieved in those cases.
To find out what options you have for recovering compensation or to learn how to start the process of filing a claim, contact a West Palm Beach school bus accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 for a free, no-risk review of your case.
Common Causes of West Palm Beach School Bus Accidents
While there are numerous circumstances that could result in a school bus accident, here are a few of the more common causes:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major problem across Florida, particularly due to the use of cell phones while operating a car. The bus driver or other motorists can easily become distracted and can thereby cause a potentially devastating school bus accident. Bus drivers face other distractions as well, especially from kids who are making noise or who may be rowdy while riding the bus.
Drowsy Driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites bus drivers as among those who are most likely to drive while drowsy. Drowsy driving slows the bus driver’s or other motorists’ reaction times, potentially causing them to miss checking their blind spots, causing an accident when they change lanes.
Defective Parts or Poor Maintenance
Manufacturing companies have a duty to provide products that are safe and free from defects. Unfortunately, defects can occur that cause accidents. Poor maintenance can also be an issue, causing breakdowns and possibly accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
When road conditions are poor, it can make it difficult for the driver to see or react in time if traffic suddenly slows or stops. This can be made more difficult if the driver is struggling to maintain tight schedules and is pushing the bus’s speed beyond what is safe.
These are just a few potential causes of school bus accidents. If you have been hurt in a school bus accident caused by these reasons or any other, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contact the team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270 for a free case evaluation.
Proving Liability After a School Bus Accident
These cases can be highly complex. For one thing, it can be difficult to know who is responsible for causing the accident. These accidents often involve multiple cars as well as the school bus. Moreover, even if it is apparent that the driver is responsible, it can be difficult to make a personal injury claim against them because government employees—such as school bus drivers—are largely protected from lawsuits for actions that they took while doing their job.
There are exceptions to this sovereign immunity, which a Florida school bus accident attorney can explore with you. In some cases, though, the driver may work for a private company that does not have those protections. This is also the case if it is another motorist. In those situations, a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim Settlement.
Recoverable Damages After a School Bus Accident
While every case is different, some of the most common types of damages after a school bus accident are:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future wages, if you cannot return to work
- Pain and suffering
If your loved one died in the accident, you may also be able to recover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
These are just a few potential recoverable damages you may be entitled to as a result of your accident.
How a West Palm Beach School Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
A West Palm Beach school bus accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of holding the at-fault party responsible for your damages. We can conduct an in-depth investigation to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the accident in order to identify the responsible party. We can gather evidence, like police reports, witness statements, and surveillance video, to prove what happened in your case.
We will also calculate the total value of your case to understand what a fair settlement looks like. Finally, we will negotiate with the insurance companies to pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries.
To get started right away or to talk to with a West Palm Beach school bus accident attorney to find out what options you have for recovering compensation, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270.
