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Minot School Bus Accident Attorneys
Skilled legal help when you or your child is injured in a North Dakota school bus accident
School bus accidents, while rare, are among the most frightening crashes on the road for parents and children. For school bus passengers, the results can be devastating, although those in other vehicles or outside a vehicle often fare worse. Determining fault in these cases can be complicated because multiple parties could have contributed to the accident. The bus driver, the school district, or even other drivers on the road may all be liable. Our Minot personal injury attorneys understand how overwhelming this situation can be, and we’re here to help you figure out your next steps.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we’re experienced in handling these kinds of cases and can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you’ve endured.
The National Safety Council reports that 104 people across the country died in school bus-related crashes in 2022. That number marks a slight 3.7% decline from the 108 killed in 2021.
Importantly, those numbers do not just include fatal accidents that impacted school bus occupants. The NHTSA numbers include any death in which a school bus was involved, directly or indirectly. Importantly, this means it includes fatal accidents involving children entering and exiting these buses.
Here is a breakdown of the types of victims in fatal school bus incidents:
- 71% were occupants in other vehicles
- 16% were pedestrians
- 5% were passengers on school buses
- 4% were drivers of school buses
- 3% were cyclists
The numbers related to non-fatal injuries include:
- 36% were school bus passengers
- 9% were school bus drivers
- 51% were occupants of other vehicles
The remaining 4% were pedestrians, pedal cyclists, others or unknown. To put all of these numbers in context, it’s worth noting that 21.4 million children ride school buses to and from their schools in the U.S. each day.
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Call 701-484-4878 now or fill out the form above to receive a free confidential consultation.
Minot school bus accidents can happen for various reasons, and understanding the common causes can help prevent future incidents. Here are some of the most typical factors:
- Driver distraction. Whether it’s the school bus driver or another motorist, distractions like texting, eating, or using a GPS can lead to accidents.
- Speeding. If a school bus driver or another vehicle is going too fast, it becomes harder to stop in time to avoid a collision, especially in areas with children.
- Failure to stop for school buses. Many accidents happen when other drivers don’t stop when a bus has its stop sign extended. This can put children at serious risk when they’re getting on or off the bus.
- Poor weather conditions. Snow, ice, or heavy rain can make roads slippery, reducing visibility and making it harder for drivers to safely operate school buses or other vehicles around them.
- Bus driver fatigue. Long hours or lack of sleep can make it difficult for a bus driver to stay focused and react quickly to changes on the road.
- Improper bus maintenance. Faulty brakes, tires, or other mechanical issues can cause school buses to malfunction, leading to serious accidents.
By understanding these causes, it’s easier to stay alert and avoid potential risks, but when accidents happen, it's important to know your legal options. Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers can help.
Even though buses are generally designed with safety in mind, here are some common ways kids might get hurt:
- Lack of seat belts. Many school buses don’t have seat belts, so when there’s a sudden stop or collision, kids can be thrown from their seats, leading to injuries like bumps, bruises, or even broken bones.
- Sudden stops or turns. If a bus driver has to brake suddenly or make a sharp turn, kids can lose their balance, fall, or hit against the seat in front of them.
- Rough driving. Driving too fast or hitting potholes can jostle children around in their seats, sometimes causing them to hit their heads or get injured in other ways.
- Horseplay. Children moving around or playing while the bus is in motion can also lead to accidents, like falling in the aisle or hitting their heads on windows or seats.
- Loose objects. Backpacks or other items left in the aisle can trip kids, and if these objects go flying during a sudden stop, they can cause cuts or bruises.
Even with safety features in place, accidents can still happen inside the bus, which is why it’s important to take precautions and address any safety concerns.
What safety features do school buses have to try to prevent accidents?
School buses are equipped with several safety features designed to prevent accidents and keep kids safe. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Flashing lights and stop arms. School buses have bright flashing lights and extendable stop arms that signal to other drivers when the bus is stopping to let kids on or off. These help alert drivers to stop and avoid accidents with children crossing the street.
- High seat backs and padded seats. The tall, padded seats on school buses are designed to protect children by creating a “compartment” that cushions them during a crash. This feature helps reduce the need for seat belts in most situations.
- Emergency exits. School buses are equipped with multiple emergency exits, including side windows, roof hatches, and a back door, making it easier for kids to escape in the event of an emergency.
- Bright yellow color. The bright yellow color of school buses makes them highly visible on the road, which helps drivers see them from far away and react accordingly.
- Crossing arms. Some buses have a crossing arm at the front that extends when the bus stops, forcing children to walk far enough in front of the bus so that the driver can see them and other cars are more likely to notice them.
- Strong construction. School buses are built with reinforced sides and a high ground clearance, which helps protect passengers in the event of a collision by absorbing much of the impact.
These safety features work together to help prevent accidents and protect children both inside and outside of the bus. Nevertheless, accidents do happen, and if your child suffers injury, we can help.
Do you have a Minot school bus accident attorney near me?
Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers handles complex injury cases for clients throughout North Dakota. Our Minot Office is located at 1020 North Broadway, Minot, ND 58703. Please call us anytime at 701-353-2169 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. If you are too injured to visit our office in person, reach out to make alternative arrangements.
Compassionate Minot school bus accident attorneys helping your family
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to fight for your family’s rights and ensure you secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, pain, and suffering. Call our Minot office or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We also provide legal representation to the residents of Ward, Williams, McKenzie, Pierce and Mountrail Counties.