School bus-related crashes are more common than you might expect. According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accidents with school buses have been on the rise since 2020.
So what should you do if you are hit by a school bus while driving your car? Here, we will discuss what you need to know to protect your safety, claims, and legal interests.
For a free legal consultation, call 303-777-1000
Tell us about your case
Do You Have Questions? Call Our Bus Accident Injury Lawyers For Help!
If you were hit by a negligent school bus driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, losses, and expenses. Each bus accident is different and your case should be evaluated by a legal professional. Those who hire attorneys early on after an accident have a better chance of avoiding legal mistakes and reducing their potential compensation. So, contact a lawyer as soon as you can following your accident to get skilled advice. You can call experienced personal injury attorneys who can assist you after your school bus accident in Colorado at 303-487-8911. Or, visit the Matlin Injury Law website and fill out a free case consultation form.
What to Know About School Bus Accidents in Colorado
School bus drivers are required to adhere to certain statutes and regulations. For instance, all school bus drivers in Colorado must possess a CDL, be over 21 years of age, and pass a pre-employment physical exam and drug test.
However, drivers employed by Colorado school districts are not necessarily required to have other commercial vehicle experience prior to driving a school bus. This means that some school bus drivers are less adept at operating a large vehicle than one would expect. This can seem concerning, considering the fact that school bus drivers are often carrying young and vulnerable passengers.
Bearing this in mind, the aftermath of a school bus accident may lead to serious injuries or other ramifications. Here are some things to know about school bus crashes to help you protect your interests after a potential collision.
Those Involved Should Take All Accidents with School Buses Seriously and Call 911 Right Away
Being in an accident involving a school bus should always be taken seriously. The passengers of any vehicles involved in a crash and the occupants of the bus itself (which have a high likelihood of being children) could be seriously harmed in a collision, even if it seems like a minor fender bender.
If a school bus hits your car, call 911 immediately. That way, police, and medical personnel can get to the scene as quickly as possible. Then, they can begin caring for any injured victims. Stay on the scene and remain calm. Use common sense and caution as you attempt to help anyone who has been hurt or needs assistance.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Tell us about your case
You Should Cooperate with Responders and Accept Medical Attention
When police and paramedics ultimately arrive on the scene, cooperate with them as well as you can. Get medical attention and allow the first responders to evaluate your injuries. If you need to go to the hospital, it may be smart to call a family member to accompany you.
Be Sure to Clearly and Truthfully Recount the Details of Your Accident to the Police
Most Colorado school buses are equipped with cameras. This means that if the school bus driver is responsible for the collision, there could be clear video evidence. For instance, if the driver was looking away from the road, distracted, or otherwise impaired, there will likely be some kind of footage.
With this in mind, you should give the police your side of the story in detail without any embellishments. Then, ask for the business card of the officer in charge so that you can get a copy of the official police report later.
303-777-1000
Matlin Injury Law can help you get the compensation you deserve.
A Lawyer Can Help You
Filing insurance claims and seeking compensation after an accident with a school bus can be a complicated process. For one thing, many parties may be involved in the claims process. This may include but is not limited to the bus driver, the school district, third-party bussing companies, and insurance adjusters. A skilled automotive collision personal injury attorney in the state where your accident took place can help you.
Your lawyer will give you qualified advice on how to speak with any claims adjusters, school district officials, or the police. In addition to this, your attorney will begin working to gather evidence on your behalf and protect your best interests. When it comes time to file claims, your counselor will then be able to help you submit all necessary documentation in the right order. With legal help, any resulting court processes are likely to go smoother.
Were You in a Colorado School Bus Accident? We Are Here to Help.
School bus accidents can be confusing, stressful, and incredibly traumatic. At Matlin Injury Law, our bus accident injury lawyers are here to answer your questions, help you file claims, speak with insurance adjusters, and bring a lawsuit forward in Colorado. If you are the victim of a school bus accident in Colorado, our adept team is here to provide you with advice and support from the start.
Victims can call our firm and schedule a free case consultation or fill out a consult form online. We will work hard to make sure that your claims are settled fairly and that your compensation amount will cover your actual bills and expenses. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your unique accident case!
Don’t Wait, Allow Our Skilled Team of Lawyers to Help You with Your School Bus Accident Case Now – Call Matlin Injury Law at 303-HURT-911!
Call or text 303-777-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Tell us about your case
