- Drivers must stop for school buses. Virginia drivers must stop for a school bus that is stopped with flashing red lights and extended stop arm, and remain stopped until children are clear (Va. Code § 46.2-859).
- Government notice rules may apply. Claims involving a public school system can raise sovereign immunity issues and short notice requirements, so contact a lawyer promptly.
- Children’s deadlines are different. A minor’s own injury claim is generally paused until age 18 (Va. Code § 8.01-229), but parents’ claims and claims against government entities follow different rules.
- Settlements for children need court approval. Virginia courts must approve the settlement of a minor’s injury claim (Va. Code § 8.01-424).
School Bus Accidents
The big yellow school bus is an iconic part of nearly every person’s childhood memories. When most parents put their kids on the school bus in the morning, they worry more about their child being bullied or perhaps forgetting their lunch than they do the possibility of a crash. Although school buses are generally much safer than other ways of getting to school, there are still thousands of school bus-related injuries every year. In fact, recent data reveals that these injuries occur much more often than previously thought. For example, one study released by the Columbus Children’s Hospital’s Center for Injury Research and Policy says that an average of 17,000 children are sent to emergency rooms each year for injuries sustained in school bus crashes. Researchers add that one-fourth of these injuries occur as children are boarding or leaving the bus, while 42 percent are caused directly by bus collisions.Commercial Bus Accidents
In recent years, devastating commercial bus accidents have featured prominently in the news. For example, the crash that severely injured comedian, Tracy Morgan, and killed another man on board drew attention to the problem of fatigued driving on the part of semi-truck drivers. Other commercial vehicle and charter bus accident cases have shined a much-needed spotlight on serious safety concerns in commercial passenger vehicles.- In 2016, a motor coach crash in California claimed the lives of 13 people, prompting many to question why the bus was not equipped with seat belts.
- In 2014, another charter bus crash in California claimed the lives of 10 people when the bus collided with a FedEx truck and burst into flames. Investigators later determined that the bus had just one exit, as well as a lack of ventilation.
- In 2014 alone, 44 people were killed in bus crashes, and another 233 motorists and pedestrians were killed in accidents involving buses.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: School Bus & Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus or commercial vehicle accident, our lawyers are here to help. The bus accident lawyers at Hilton & Somer, LLC also help individuals and families who have lost loved ones in these devastating accidents. We have offices in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Call us today to receive your free case evaluation. There is no fee to talk to us, and we never charge a fee unless we obtain a successful result on your behalf. You can reach us through our online contact form, or by calling 703-560-0700.
Areas We Serve
Hilton & Somer is based in Fairfax, Virginia and represents injured clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland, including:
- Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield, Manassas, Annandale, McLean, Falls Church, Centreville, Leesburg, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, plus Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Culpeper Counties
- District of Columbia: Washington, DC
- Maryland: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Oxon Hill and College Park, plus Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard, Frederick and Washington Counties
School Bus Accident FAQ
Who is responsible when a child is hurt in a school bus accident?
Depending on the facts, responsibility may fall on another driver, the school bus driver, the school system or a private bus contractor, or a vehicle or parts manufacturer.
Can I sue a public school system for a bus accident in Virginia?
Sometimes. Claims against public school boards and government employees can be limited by sovereign immunity and may carry strict notice requirements, so it is important to speak with a lawyer quickly.
What happens when a driver illegally passes a stopped school bus?
Passing a stopped school bus with its warning lights activated is illegal in Virginia. A driver who does so and injures a child can be held liable for the child’s injuries.
How much does it cost to hire a school bus accident lawyer?
Hilton & Somer handles school bus accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family, and the first consultation is free.
