School Bus Accidents in San Antonio
Since they are carrying children, you expect school buses to be the safest vehicles on the road. However, crashes involving them still occur. Both children and adults can sustain serious injuries in such a collision. If it occurred due to someone’s negligent actions, they can seek compensation.
If you were hurt in a school bus crash, you can file an injury claim. Knowing the legal nuances of school bus accidents in San Antonio can help you get the money you deserve. Our bus crash attorneys are ready to help.
Who Is Liable for a School Bus Accident?
School bus accidents are rare in San Antonio, but they still occur several times a year. While many such crashes result in minor injuries, some cause serious damage to everyone involved. The first step to claiming compensation is determining liability.
- Bus Driver: The driver may be liable if their negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws, contributed to the crash.
- School District: The school district might be responsible if they neglect vehicle maintenance standards.
- Bus Company: If the bus is operated by a private company contracted by the school, the company can be liable for driver negligence and inadequate maintenance.
- Other Drivers: If another vehicle causes an accident, its driver can be responsible.
- Third-Party Contractors: Contractors responsible for roadwork, traffic signals, or other public infrastructure may be liable.
- San Antonio or Texas Government: The municipality or state might be liable if unsafe road conditions, poor signage, or lack of traffic controls played a role in the crash.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help the victim identify liable parties and file claims accordingly. If several parties are responsible for the accident, each one is liable for paying damages according to their contribution to the crash.
Damages in a School Bus Accident Case
Liable parties have to cover damages sustained by injured people in San Antonio school bus crashes. Several types of damages exist:
Economic Damages
Economic damages include all the direct expenses related to the crash. For example, the bus crashed into another vehicle, and a child passenger sustained fractures and internal organ injuries. All medical bills, recovery expenses, and rehabilitation costs are part of the economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are damages that cannot always be backed by tangible evidence. They are related to the reduction of the injured person’s quality of life.
For example, if the child who got hurt faces PTSD, suffers from pain, or has to deal with long-term and painful rehabilitation, they can recover non-economic damages. In many cases, the financial equivalent of such damages is higher than for economic damages.
If the case goes to court, the judge may also award punitive damages. This usually happens when the at-fault party’s behavior is extremely reckless.
Discuss School Bus Accidents in San Antonio with a Practiced Attorney
If you or your child were hurt in a school bus accident in San Antonio, you can file an injury lawsuit. A seasoned attorney can help identify liable parties, prove their negligence, collect evidence, and much more.
At Felix Gonzalez Law Firm, we have years of experience handling claims and helping people recover damages related to school bus crashes. To schedule a consultation, call us at any time. We are here 24/7.
