The Las Vegas Sun reports on a school bus crash that injured 11 people including eight middle school students and the bus driver, as well as a woman and an infant who were in the SUV that hit the bus. The accident occurred just before 9 a.m. when the bus was en route to Faiss Middle School. Thirty-seven students were onboard at the time of the collision.
According to authorities, eight students and the bus driver were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, but their injuries did not appear to be life threatening. The driver of the SUV was in critical condition, but her condition has stabilized. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Accidents that injure children are particularly devastating. In addition to the emotional hardship, parents often face exorbitant medical bills.
If your child was injured by a negligent driver, you should not have to pay for healthcare expenses out of your own pocket. Ronald W. Truman is an injury lawyer in Las Vegas who will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 702-821-1821 to schedule a free initial consultation at the Truman Law Firm P.C.
Read on to learn the answers to four frequently asked questions about school bus accidents:
- How common are school transportation-related accidents?
According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school transportation-related collisions account for approximately .35 percent of all fatal traffic crashes. Between 2003 and 2012, 174 school-age children died in school transportation-related collisions. Fifty-five of those children were in school transportation vehicles and 119 were pedestrians.
- Which age group is most at risk of dying in school transportation-related accidents?
According to the NHTSA, from 2003 to 2012, children ages 5 to 13 accounted for 70 percent of school transportation-related fatalities.
- At which times are fatal school transportation-related accidents most likely to happen?
Data from the NHTSA shows that these collisions are most likely to happen between 3 p.m. and 3:59 p.m. The second deadliest hour is between 7 a.m. and 7:59 a.m.
- What can parents do to keep their children safe while going to and from school?
Although parents cannot control the actions of drivers on the road, they can teach their kids how to avoid injuries as a pedestrian. If you have school-age children, the following six tips may save their lives:
- Before crossing the road, look left, right, and left again, and continue looking left and right until you reach the other side;
- Only cross the road at intersections;
- Do not walk between stopped vehicles when crossing the road;
- Stay off the road while waiting for the school bus;
- Remain on the sidewalk until the bus has stopped completely and the door has opened; and
- Do not pick up an item that you drop near the bus—instead, tell the driver.
If your child was injured in a crash with a negligent driver on the way to school, contact the Truman Law Firm P.C. Ronald W. Truman has been practicing law for more than 25 years. Call 702-821-1821 to arrange a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Las Vegas.
