Watch Out for School Buses as School Gets Back in Session

As school ramps up in Southern California, be prepared to see a lot more yellow school buses filling the streets. Unfortunately, during the summer months, a lot of drivers seem to forget what it means to drive safely around buses. This puts children at risk and increases the risk of a serious accident.

At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri we’ve seen bus accidents that have left drivers, families, and students devastated. We believe that victims of vehicle accidents deserve fierce, aggressive representation by lawyers who care. That’s why we have a long list of successful settlements and court cases to our name. Our results include $19 million for the seriously injured victim of a car accident and $218,000 for the victim of an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

There’s a lot on the line after a bus accident. Make sure the attorney you choose is up for the challenge. Call DeWitt Algorri & Algorri at 855-WINNING (946-6464) to talk to our team now.

School Bus Accidents in California

The latest data on school bus accidents in California shows that these collisions are a serious problem. In 2017, there were 322 injuries reported in school bus accidents across the state. Additionally, there were seven pedestrians injured while approaching or leaving a school bus in the same year.

Despite this, riding on a school bus is a very safe option for students. The California Department of Education found that riding on a school bus is about eight times safer than riding in a car for a student.

What does this mean? It means that when an accident does occur, the people in the other vehicle are at the greatest risk of death or injury. Per the California DMV, there are four danger zones around a bus—12 feet in front of, behind, and next to the bus on both sides. The area directly in front of the bus is the most dangerous. If you are in one of these zones and a bus driver doesn’t know you’re there, you could be seriously injured if they change lanes, speed up, or come to a sudden stop.

Safety Tips

Following a few key tips can help you keep your family safe as you share the roads with school buses. We recommend:

• Knowing local laws. In California, you must stop for a bus if it extends its stop sign and turns on the flashing lights. This is true whether you are behind the bus or approaching it from the opposite direction. Additionally, note that school bus drivers must stop within 15 feet of railroad crossings, open the bus doors and listen for a train, and then cross.
• Leaving more space than you think you should. Remember that bus drivers can see far less than you expect. Give the bus a wide berth to prevent issues.
• Driving slowly and expecting multiple stops. Buses may stop suddenly for children or at scheduled bus stops. Drive slow enough that you can stop suddenly. 
• Giving extra patience to drivers. School districts often struggle to hire enough drivers for the year. The bus drivers you encounter may be completely new to bus driving, new to their routes, or inexperienced with the specific bus they’re in. You’ll limit your own stress by giving them extra patience.
  
  

What to Do If You Are Hurt in a School Bus Accident

Taking the right steps after a bus collision is crucial when it comes to getting the care you need and seeking compensation. You should:

• Report the accident immediately and check for injuries. Knowing those bus accidents can cause severe injuries, check the occupants of your vehicle for visible injuries. Report them to emergency services when you call.
• Gather any evidence you can. Take photos of the crash scene, get contact information from eyewitnesses, and take pictures of your injuries.
• Get the necessary information from the bus driver. This may include their employer and information regarding their insurance policy.
• Get checked out by a doctor. It’s always worth your time to get a checkup after an accident. If you need any treatment, it’s often in your best interest to get started as quickly as possible.
• Consult an attorney. You may be entitled to compensation, but the bus company isn’t likely to pay what your accident is worth without a fight. You need an attorney willing to uncover the facts and fight aggressively on your behalf.
  
  

Call Us NOW—We’re Ready to Fight for You!

At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, we know how hard insurance companies work to deny you fair compensation. We won’t stand for it. We’ll build a strong case that forces the other side to pay a fair settlement or start preparing for court. Get started now by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or reaching out online.

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