888-843-8326 When a school bus crash causes an injury, families may be left trying to figure out what happened and who should be held responsible. A school bus accident lawyer in Wilmington can look into the circumstances of the crash, determine whose actions may have contributed to it, and help injured people understand their options for seeking compensation.
At CR Legal Team, we help injured people and their families navigate the legal process after serious crashes. Our Team has over 600 years of combined legal experience. Our bus accident lawyers in Wilmington understand how quickly an unexpected accident can disrupt your family’s life. We Stand Up For You®.
How Can We Help After a School Bus Accident?
School bus accidents can involve several drivers, insurance companies, and other parties. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may rest with another motorist, a bus driver, the entity operating the bus, or a company responsible for vehicle maintenance.
Our personal injury lawyers in Wilmington can gather police reports, photographs, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence. CR Legal Team can also communicate with insurance companies while you focus on medical care and your family’s needs.
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Call 888-843-8326What Causes School Bus Accidents?
School bus crashes can happen for many of the same reasons as car accidents and other motor vehicle collisions. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and failure to follow traffic laws can all contribute. Mechanical problems may also play a role.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Phones, passengers, navigation systems, and other distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
- Driver fatigue: A tired bus driver may react more slowly to traffic, pedestrians, or changing road conditions.
- Unsafe driving: Speeding, improper turns, or failing to yield can put bus passengers and other road users in danger.
- Mechanical problems: Brake malfunctions, worn tires, or other equipment failures may contribute to a crash.
- Poor road conditions: Road hazards can make it more difficult for a large school bus to stop or maneuver safely.
CR Legal Team will investigate what happened before the collision rather than relying only on what is visible at the crash scene. Identifying the cause can help determine who may be responsible for the resulting injuries.
What North Carolina Laws Apply To School Buses?
North Carolina has specific traffic laws designed to protect children entering and leaving school buses. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-217, motorists approaching a properly marked school bus generally must stop when the bus is receiving or discharging passengers and displaying its stop signal or flashing red lights. Certain divided roadways are treated differently under the law.
These rules are especially important around school bus stops, where children may need to cross the roadway. A motorist who fails to stop can put students at immediate risk of serious injury.
CR Legal Team considers applicable traffic laws when investigating a bus accident. Evidence that a driver failed to follow a safety requirement may help establish how a collision occurred and who may be responsible.
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Call 888-843-8326Who May Be Responsible for a School Bus Crash?
Liability depends on how the accident happened. Another motorist may be responsible for striking a bus or injuring a child near a bus stop. Bus driver negligence, mechanical failure, or inadequate vehicle maintenance may also need to be investigated.
Our Wilmington bus accident lawyers can use different types of evidence to piece together what happened before and during the accident, such as:
- Police reports: Details recorded at the scene may help establish where the vehicles were, what drivers reported, and whether citations were issued.
- Witness accounts: People who were nearby may have noticed something the drivers or passengers did not.
- Video footage: Recordings from the bus or surrounding properties can sometimes show the events immediately before the collision.
- Vehicle records: Service and inspection histories may point to brake problems, worn equipment, or other mechanical concerns.
- Medical records: These documents can show the nature of the injuries and the treatment required following the crash.
A school bus accident attorney serving Wilmington can work to preserve important evidence while investigating potential sources of liability. Claims involving a government entity may also require consideration of legal rules that don’t apply to an ordinary car accident.
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Call 888-843-8326What Compensation May Be Available?
School bus accidents can cause broken bones, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other serious harm. Injuries may lead to medical expenses, time away from work or school, and physical or emotional difficulties that continue long after the crash.
Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury claim may seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. When a school bus crash results in a death, eligible family members may have a wrongful death claim.
North Carolina generally provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions under G.S. § 1-52. Wrongful death actions generally have a two-year limitations period under G.S. § 1-53. CR Legal Team can determine which deadlines and other requirements apply to a particular case.
Speak With a School Bus Accident Lawyer in Wilmington
After a school bus accident, families may be juggling medical appointments, insurance calls, missed work, and concerns about the future. Our school bus accident law firm serving Wilmington can take on the legal work while you concentrate on your family’s recovery.
CR Legal Team provides Whole-Person Legal Care™ because an injury affects more than a legal claim. We consider the physical, financial, and emotional challenges our clients face throughout recovery. Our Team has served over 200,000 clients. Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss what happened and how we may be able to help.
