School Bus Injuries in Texas
When parents send their children to school on a bus, they trust that their kids will arrive safely in their classrooms for a day full of learning, creating, and playing. However, this is not always the case for some of the 1.3 million Texas students who ride a school bus every day. A report from the Texas Education Agency reveals that 28,922 accidents involving a school bus have been reported since 2009, with 4,575 of those accidents resulting in a student fatality or injury.
If your child has been hurt or a loved one has passed away because of an accident on a school bus in Texas, our team of school bus accident attorneys at The Button Law Firm can help you get the accountability your family deserves and protect other children from getting hurt in the future.
Why School Buses in Texas Are Dangerous
Did you know that most school districts, charter schools, and private schools across Texas outsource all aspects of student transportation to third-party companies in order to save money? This includes everything from vetting and hiring bus drivers to maintaining the buses. While it is impossible to make road accidents 100% preventable, having 28,922 school bus accidents in Texas, with 4,575 student injuries or fatalities, is unacceptable. One thing is clear: These third-party transportation companies are not holding up their end of deals with school districts to safely take children to and from school. They need to value the lives of school-aged children over profits.
How Children are Injured on a School Bus
While the large size of a school bus gives the impression that it’s a safe mode of transportation, that isn’t always the case. Children can be hurt on a school bus in different ways. Common scenarios include:
- Injuries sustained on a school bus involved in an accident when a driver is untrained or poorly vetted
- Child struck by the school bus
- Physical or sexual abuse by a school bus driver
- Neglect by a school bus driver, such as leaving a child on a bus, resulting in a medical emergency
- Student bullying that is not stopped by the bus driver
- Unmaintained buses
To make matters worse, although school buses purchased after 2018 are required to have three-point seat belts, school boards are allowed to opt out if they can’t afford to retrofit buses or buy new ones. Therefore, buses belonging to many third-party transportation companies go without seat belts. So, when a child is injured on a school bus, they are oftentimes seriously injured. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries, including internal bleeding, organ bruising or puncturing
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Muscle damages
- Spinal cord injuries
Was Your Child Hurt on a School Bus? We Can Help.
School bus accidents can take a toll on you and your family. You have options to hold the third-party transportation companies responsible for any wrongdoings. If your child was involved in a school bus accident, your family may be eligible for compensation to cover:
- Emotional distress
- Medical expenses, including ongoing medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
In the tragic instance that a child is seriously hurt or killed as a result of a school bus accident, your family may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses incurred
- Unexpected costly fees
- Funeral expenses
Our team of experienced attorneys at The Button Law Firm is dedicated to holding third-party transportation companies and drivers responsible after a school bus accident. We have successfully helped families with these cases. We will advocate for your child and family. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to listen, fight for your family, and help you move forward. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions about Helping Your Family with a School Bus Injury Claim
Is there a time limit to file a claim?
Family members who have a child injured or killed following an accident on a school bus have two years to file a claim. There are some exceptions to this time limit, so contact our team of experts today at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form and we can determine how the legal statutes impact your case.
How much does it cost to file a claim?
At The Button Law Firm, we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. We work on contingency. This way, your family can focus on helping your child heal from their injuries while we focus on advocating and fighting for you. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form to get started.
Who do you represent?
We advocate for children in Texas who have been hurt as well as the family members of a loved one who passed away because of a school bus accident. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to help you and your family anywhere in the Lone Star State.
How can I file a claim?
Simply contact our team by calling 214-699-4409 or filling out a contact form and we can determine the best way to help you.
Why should I work with The Button Law Firm?
We are dedicated to defending Texas children and families after being harmed in an accident involving a school bus. Our team is ready to listen to you, advocate for you, and help you hold negligent bus companies and drivers accountable. See what our past clients have to say about working with us to handle their legal matters.