Many parents expect school transportation to practice top-notch safety. Unfortunately, negligent actions still occur, causing children to sustain injuries. If your child was hurt in a school bus accident in Bakersfield, you may have the right to seek compensation.
An experienced bus accident injury attorney could investigate the bus collision, identify liable parties, and help you file a claim. In such cases, legal assistance often plays a major role in fair damage recovery. Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers for help seeking the compensation you and your child deserve.
While everyone involved in transporting children must exercise professionalism and caution, accidents can still occur. Some of the most common causes of Bakersfield school bus accidents include:
If negligence was the main factor in a collision, all school bus passengers have the right to file a personal injury claim. Several types of damages can be recovered depending on the severity of sustained injuries.
While the bus driver or a third-party driver is the most common liable party in school bus accidents, other people or entities in Bakersfield may share responsibility, such as:
If the school district owns the bus and employs the driver, it may be liable for the accident. This often happens if the district fails to maintain the bus or hire a qualified driver.
Some schools outsource transportation to private companies. A company could be held responsible for an accident if it failed to maintain vehicles or its employee caused the crash.
If a mechanical failure led to the accident, the bus manufacturer or parts supplier could be at fault. Defective brakes or steering systems often indicate product liability.
Poorly maintained roads or missing signage may put children at risk. When road conditions contribute to a crash, the city or state agency responsible for roadway safety may share legal responsibility.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California is two years from the moment an injury was sustained or reasonably discovered. However, if a minor is involved, the two-year clock starts running only after the injured child turns 18.
While waiting for a child’s 18th birthday may seem like a good idea, delaying legal action could hurt your case. With time, it becomes harder to collect quality evidence and receive clear witness statements. Because of this, it is best to hire a Bakersfield attorney as soon as possible after your child’s school bus accident to begin examining evidence and building a strong case for compensation.
If you or your child were hurt in a school bus accident, you may have the right to seek compensation. An experienced attorney could help you understand your legal options and fight for your rights. Colvin Accident Lawyers has already helped many victims of school bus accidents in Bakersfield recover full damages. Contact us today to discuss your case.
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