Many parents send their children off to school on the bus, expecting that the driver will deliver their children to school and then return them safely at the end of the day. But school bus accidents do occur in Nevada, either due to the fault of another driver or from the negligence of the school bus driver. And while no child riding a school bus and involved in a school bus accident has died, the potential for a child to suffer severe, permanent, and (possibly) fatal injuries exists in any school bus crash.
What Are School Bus Drivers To Do After an Accident?
When Nevada school bus drivers are involved in an accident, they are trained to:
- Stop the bus and not move the bus;
- Set the brake, turn off the ignition and activate hazard lights;
- Remain calm and take account of the scene of accident;
- Account for all students;
- Notify the authorities;
- Secure the accident scene;
- Evacuate the bus, if necessary;
- Place emergency warning devices (such as flares, signage, etc.);
- Collect the names of students and establish a seating chart; and
- Not discuss the accident.
Why Are Bus Drivers Told Not to Discuss the Accident?
It may seem odd that a school bus driver would be told not to discuss the accident. After all, shouldn’t a school bus driver want to help the authorities investigating the accident or help parents understand how their children were placed in danger? However, any statements the bus driver makes can be used to establish liability. This can result in the driver, the bus company, the company’s insurer, and others being held responsible for any injuries children and others suffer. By not making any statements about the cause of the accident, bus drivers are protecting themselves and their employers.
What Should I Do After a School Bus Accident?
If your child is injured in a school bus accident, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your child, even if your child does not appear injured. If symptoms develop later, this early evaluation will help establish a connection between the accident and the injuries. Your child may need to speak with a professional if it appears the crash was particularly traumatic.
- Ask your child to remember as many details as he or she can. Your child may not be able to remember much, but those details he or she can may prove to be significant. Also note the name of the bus company and driver, if you know.
- Contact the Ladah Law Firm. The bus driver is not going to assist you in paying for doctor’s bills or other expenses. School bus accidents are typically very complex and knowledgeable legal counsel is essential to recovering compensation. A thorough investigation may reveal a number of individuals or entities other than the bus driver.
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, contact the Ladah law firm right away at (702) 252-0055 for a free consultation.