NJ School Bus Accident Lawyers Seek Compensation for Children
Ridgewood firm offers experienced representation for injured students
School buses are generally very safe modes of transportation when children are well supervised and drivers focus on the road. Unfortunately, there are incidents where student misbehavior is not promptly or properly addressed, and drivers neglect their primary consideration, which is safety. These circumstances increase the likelihood of school bus injuries. At Seigel Law in Ridgewood, our accomplished litigators take school bus injury claims very seriously. We thoroughly investigate such incidents to gather the evidence we need to collect compensation from liable parties through a verdict or settlement.
Common causes of school bus injuries in New Jersey
New Jersey school buses transport more than 800,000 students each day. Most passengers arrive at their destination with no problem. However, when problems arise, the most frequently occurring types of school bus injuries include the following conditions:
- Strains or sprains — 39.6 percent
- Contusions, abrasions or hematomas — 26.9 percent
- Fractures or dislocations — 11.8 percent
Children between 10 and 14 years old sustain the most school bus injuries. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 108 people were killed in school bus crashes in 2021, and about 9,700 were injured. Along with passengers, others who are hurt in collisions involving school buses include drivers and passengers of other vehicles, bus drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
However, counted among injured pedestrians are children who had just left the bus or were approaching to board the bus. These moments are when children, especially the youngest and smallest, are most vulnerable to being struck and suffering serious injury.
Many school bus accidents are attributed to these factors:
- Driver error — Even a moment of school bus driver inattention or distraction can result in a crash. There are also situations where pressure to stay on schedule leads to overaggressive driving, especially in inclement weather.
- Unsafe maneuver by another vehicle — State law is clear about how motorists should behave around school buses, but impatient motorists sometimes make dangerous decisions.
- Inclement weather — Rain and snow can make roadways slick. They can also impact visibility, making accidents more likely.
Our legal team thoroughly investigates all accidents to determine the causes and the parties responsible.
Breaches of school bus safety that increase the likelihood of serious injury
In addition to regulations put forth by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the New Jersey Administrative Code sets standards for bus operation, maintenance and inspection. If a district has been lax in its maintenance of equipment and a related problem contributes to a personal injury, the district can be held liable. Our attorneys pore over maintenance records to ascertain whether the district has violated any applicable regulations. School districts can also be held accountable for errors by their drivers while on the job and for negligent hiring if the driver was unqualified for the position.
Contact a New Jersey lawyer for a free school bus injury consultation
Located in Ridgewood, Seigel Law represents children hurt in school bus accidents throughout North Jersey. Please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you are unable to travel, we can meet in your home or hospital room.
