Blog > Greenberg & Stein > Tags > Leading Causes of Bus Accidents

Leading Causes of Bus Accidents

Leading causes of bus accidents
New York City Personal Injury Lawyer I Greenberg & Stein, P.C.

Many people commute by bus as it is convenient and a cost-effective way to get to work or go from one destination to another. While buses are convenient and a safe option to travel, bus accidents can lead to severe injuries and even death. Buses are large, whether they are tour, city, or school buses, and therefore, they carry considerable accident risks. And this is one of the reasons why bus accidents can be more serious than car accidents due to the weight and size of the bus. There are many reasons that can lead to bus accidents, but one of the primary factors is driver error. So, if you have been injured in a bus accident due to the negligence of others, you should have a Bus Accident Attorney represent you. Nevertheless, let’s look at some of the leading causes of bus accidents: 

Bus Company Negligence

One of the most common causes of bus accidents is negligence on the part of the bus company. When bus inspections and record-keeping requirements are not strict, the bus will not be well-maintained, it will be fleeting, may not have seat belts, and other safety equipment. Many accidents where the bus company is held accountable for the victims’ injuries are caused by poorly trained drivers. Bus companies and owners must ensure that their staff is properly trained and have the appropriate qualifications to drive a bus. This is especially important in locations where driving a large vehicle is difficult or where driving is problematic due to weather conditions.

Driver Negligence or Distraction

It is stated that one of the leading causes of bus accidents is due to driver negligence. There are laws that regulate bus drivers, which should not be ignored. These laws include how long a driver can be on the road, required breaks, speed limit, and speeding and turning protocols. When these laws are ignored, accidents can happen. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol also comes under driver negligence. Accidents can also occur when the driver is distracted by mobile phones, whether it is texting or talking on the phone.

Bad Weather and Road Condition

Another leading cause of bus accidents is bad weather and road conditions. While the hazardous weather and the road condition alone do not cause accidents, the vehicle’s weight, and the difficulty to maneuver the road can cause the accidents. Bad weather and bad road conditions will occur, so the bus drivers should receive proper training to operate the vehicle in every type of weather. Yes, proper training is essential, but the drivers should also take necessary precautions, such as reducing the speed when the weather is poor.

Common Injuries Sustained By Bus Accident Victims

Injuries caused due to a bus accident can vary, you can have muscle, back injuries and soft tissue injuries. One may also end up with severe lifelong injuries, such as paralysis, or may end up getting an arm or legs amputated. And since buses have higher chances of rollovers, it can lead to catastrophic injuries. Most common bus injuries include laceration, back sprain, fractured or dislocated bones, whiplash, neck sprains,  spinal cord trauma, and traumatic brain injuries.

How Can A Bus Accident Attorney Help?

If you have been in a bus accident and have a case of wrongful death or personal injury claim, a Bus Accident Lawyer NYC can help you find those responsible for the accident and hold them liable for the damage. If you are filing a claim, they will protect your right throughout the process and will help you seek compensation for your injuries. 

At Greenberg & Stein P.C. you will find the best team of attorneys in New York. Our lawyers have represented countless people that were bus accident victims looking for settlement. We have handled all types of accidents and we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. If you believe you are entitled to compensation after being involved in a bus collision, do not hesitate in contacting us. Call us at 212-969-8795 to schedule a consultation with one member of our legal team to review your case. 

These are the leading cause of bus accidents, while the list is not limited to the list presented here alone. 




Blog > Accident Lawyer > Tags > What Happens if a School Bus Gets in an Accident?

What Happens if a School Bus Gets in an Accident?

School bus accident
School Bus Accident

School bus accidents are not very common, however they sometimes occur. When these kinds of accidents happen the first and most important thing to do is get medical attention for anyone that got hurt. Once the kids or passengers that got hurt have received medical attention, the accident has to be reported to the authorities and the school district. Most of the time the authorities will have to investigate the causes of the collision to determine liability.In some situations, the bus driver may be found responsible for the accident, while in others, the drivers of the other vehicles may be held responsible, and it is also possible that a third party, such as the vehicle’s manufacturer, may be found guilty. Additionally, in school bus accidents, the school authorities and the parents of the kids in the bus have to be notified as soon as possible. 

If you or your child have been injured in a school bus accident, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney. Depending on who is liable for the accident, getting compensation for injuries or the injuries suffered by your child can be a difficult task. 

What to Do After a School Bus Accident

  1. As mentioned previously, the first and most important thing to do after a school bus accident is to ensure that all passengers are unharmed. If anyone got injured due to the accident, it is imperative to call an ambulance as soon as possible.
  1. The second step is to notify the authorities about the accident. The bus driver must report the incident to the authorities and provide all data about the accident, including the location, number of children on board, severity of the accident, and injuries sustained by the passengers.
  1. Since we are talking about a school bus and not a private vehicle. The bus driver has to report the accident to the different school authorities. The school district, the principal of the school and the superintendent have to be notified and provided with all the details of the incident. 
  1. Gather evidence. Like in any other accident, gathering as much evidence as possible should be one the bus driver’s priorities. The bus driver needs to take photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles involved, the location of the vehicles and anything else that could help understand the cause of the accident. 
  1. Exchange information with the other drivers. All drivers must remain at the accident scene and exchange information. Each driver has to provide their driver license number, the insurance policy number, and insurance company name. Once this information has been provided it is important to keep calm and not make any statements to anyone. 
  1. Talk to witnesses. If the accident occurred in a very crowded area it is very likely that there were people who witnessed the accident. The bus driver can talk to them and ask for their names and phone number in case they may need a statement from them in the future. 

Leading Causes of School Bus Accidents?

School bus accidents can arise for a number of causes, including the bus driver’s or other drivers’ negligence. In certain cases, the accident is the result of a poorly maintained bus or car. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of school bus accidents. 

  • Speeding: This is the cause of thousands of accidents every year in the United States. Driving at high speeds can be very dangerous, the driver will have less time to react if anything happens and the injuries can be more severe. 
  • Driving under the influence: Drivers that have consumed alcohol or other drugs can be extremely dangerous on the road. Driving under the influence slows reaction time, reduces coordination and causes lack of concentration. All these factors can easily lead to a very serious car accident. 
  • Distractions in the bus: Driving a bus requires a lot of concentration. However, in school buses most of the time the kids will be playing, making noise and creating other distractions. In some cases the bus drivers may fail to focus solely on the road and get distracted by the kids.
  • Poorly maintained vehicles: School buses, like any other vehicle, must be serviced on a regular basis. If the bus’s brakes or any other part that is critical to the bus’s proper operation suddenly fail, it can easily lead to an accident with serious injuries.

Who is Liable in a School Bus Accident?

Determining culpability in a school bus accident is equally as difficult as determining blame in any other type of accident. To identify who is to blame for the collision, officials will need to investigate the cause of the collision. If there are cameras at the accident scene, the police will review the recordings to see if there is any footage that can help explain what happened. 

Bus driver

When the bus driver was negligent and their actions caused the accident it is possible that they can be held responsible for the crash. If this is the case, it is possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against this person. 

School district

Because the school system owns and operates the majority of buses, even if the bus driver was negligent, the school district can be held liable for the accident. For example, if the bus driver who caused the accident did not have the necessary qualifications to operate a school bus, the school district is liable for failing to hire someone with sufficient expertise. Keep in mind that suing a government organization might be quite difficult. These institutions benefit from sovereign immunity, which shields them from civil litigation. This immunity can be waived but it will depend on the situation. To learn more about this, contact an experienced school bus accident attorney. 

Other drivers

In most cases the other drivers are responsible for school bus accidents. If the authorities determined that they were negligent, it would be a fairly easy legal case. In most cases their insurance company will compensate the victims of the accident before even having to file a personal injury lawsuit. 

Manufacturer 

If the bus accident was caused due to the malfunction of the bus, an investigation has to be conducted to determine if the manufacturer failed to identify if a part was defective. These investigations can take a long time and these are usually complex cases.

What Should I Do if My Child is Injured in a School Bus Accident?

If your child was injured in a school bus accident, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Once your kid has received medical care, you will need to keep documentation of the incident. Try to get photos of the accident, copies of the police report, medical bills and anything that can be useful if you need to file a lawsuit. Contacting a lawyer is always a good idea, especially if you plan on filing a lawsuit against the school district. 

School Bus Accident Attorney

If you or one of your children sustained injuries due to a school bus accident, do not hesitate in contacting us. Greenberg & Stein P.C. is a prestigious law firm in New York with some of the best lawyers in the state. Our attorneys have handled numerous cases and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Call 212-969-8776 to schedule a free case consultation with one of our lawyers to learn more about your legal options. 




Blog > Child Injuries @es > Tags > 5 Common Accidents that Happen at School

5 Common Accidents that Happen at School

common accidents at school
New York City Personal Injury Lawyer I Greenberg & Stein, P.C.

The number of injuries suffered by children while they’re in school is on the rise. Many times, these injuries are normal accidents that couldn’t be avoided, but there are also injuries that occur due to fault or negligence of the teachers, the school administration, or the janitorial staff and it’s up to the school district and the administrators to reduce the risk of child injury whenever and wherever possible in New York City schools.

The 5 most common types of accidents that cause child injuries are listed below.

Slips, Falls, and Trips

According to recent statistics, 55% of all major accidents in schools are caused by slips, falls, and trips. The most common place for these types of accidents to take place are in the corridors, playgrounds, and stairs of the school. Additionally, a child injury can occur in the classroom due to backpacks being left in an aisle way, cables to TV’s and computers not being properly secured, among other circumstances.

While some slips, falls, and trips may be hard to avoid, many of these school accidents could be prevented in New York City schools by simple proactive or preventative efforts.

If your child has suffered injuries due to a slip, fall, or trip in their New York City school, you should contact a NYC injury attorney on your child’s behalf to assist you with your claim.

Sports Injuries

Just by their very nature, playing sports often leads to many child injuries at school. This risk is increased, however, in New York City schools due to the high number of students, the level of supervision required, and the often-deteriorating quality of the provided equipment.

The risk of child injury due to a sports related school accident could be reduced if they New York City school districts provided up-to-date or quality equipment, properly trained staff, and a high level of supervision during school sporting events.

Playground Injuries

Many school accidents leading to child injuries are on the playground during recess. The majority of these accidents are caused by lack of proper adult supervision, poorly maintained playground and playground equipment, and/or faulty or broken playground equipment.

School Bus Accidents

In New York City, many children are injured in school bus accidents due to driver error, poorly trained bus drivers, improperly maintained and/or faulty school buses, or because the driver of another vehicle was negligent and crashed into your child’s NYC school bus causing them to be injured.

What to Do If Your Child Was Injured in A New York City School

The courts in the state of New York have placed an obligation, or duty of care, on school administrators and teachers. This duty of care means that your child’s school must do everything that is reasonable to prevent an accident that causes injury, harm, or death to the children under their supervision.

New York City school authorities must repair and/or eliminate any dangerous conditions or equipment in a timely manner and make sure that all students receive proper supervision while on school grounds, on school buses, and while they are at school for extracurricular activities like sports.

School injuries can occur in many different ways and for a variety of different reasons, but the most important thing is to speak to a New York City school injury lawyer as soon as possible following the accident since you can claim for an accident at school in New York. Our team of experienced lawyers at Greenberg & Stein can help you if your child has been injured in a New York City school, regardless of whether it is public or private.

While every school injury case is unique, you can be assured that our team will explore all legal options available in order to ensure that your family receives a fair and just compensation if your child has been injured at school.

We offer a free consultation and a 24-hour phone line, so don’t hesitate to call us following your child’s injury or accident at school. Call us today at 888-411-3966 to schedule your free legal consultation.