Bus Accidents

This video features Betsy K. Greene, an Employment and Labor Law attorney based in Indiana.

Consult a Bus Accident Attorney for Advice

Are school buses safe? What are the laws for school buses—are kids supposed to be wearing seatbelts? Who is liable for an accident involving a school bus or commuter bus?

While school bus drivers are expected to follow the same rules of the road as passenger vehicles, they must abide by extra laws as well pertaining to buses. However, traffic laws for school buses vary by state. Check your state’s laws to make sure you are familiar with them, and stay up-to-date on new laws that could change the safety standards for your child.

Depending on state law, seat belts may not be mandatory for school buses. There is no federal law requiring seat belts on school buses that weigh over 10,000 pounds.

One important law for all motorists to follow: when a bus is pulled over with its lights blinking and the stop sign arm extended, motorists must come to a stop until the lights go off and the sign is retracted. Drivers who become impatient and try to go around a stopped school bus could cause severe harm to children entering or exiting the bus.

If the bus driver is at fault for an accident, and they are employed by the school district, then the district could be held liable for the damages that occur. However, if the bus driver is an independent contractor, the district may not be liable.

The same goes for drivers of commuter buses. If the city or a private company is employing the driver, then they could be held liable for inadequate training or failing to fully vet a dangerous driver.

To learn more about what to do after a bus accident, contact an attorney experienced in handling traffic accidents. They can explain the options available to you following a bus accident.

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