Turn To Our Experienced School Bus Accident Lawyers After A Severe Crash

While accidents involving semi trucks and other large commercial vehicles are a well-known danger on Michigan roads, one hazard is too often overlooked: school bus crashes. Our experienced attorneys at Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., understand that accidents involving school buses can be highly injurious or even fatal for other drivers, pedestrians and even the children riding as passengers.

Our legal team brings more than 80 years of combined experience to each case, and they have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims throughout Michigan. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a school bus accident, they can help you, too.

Staffing Shortages Lead To More Inexperienced Bus Drivers On The Road

School bus accidents have become more common in recent years, and that is largely due to bus driver inexperience. There is a shortage of school bus drivers across Michigan, which means school districts cannot afford to be selective about who they hire.

Drivers may be hired with little to no experience driving these large vehicles, and training may be rushed to ensure that drivers get on the job as quickly as possible. When these factors combine, they are a serious bus accident waiting to happen.

School Bus Drivers Are An Exception To Legal Immunity For Government Workers

Under Michigan’s Governmental Tort Liability Act (GTLA), government agencies and employees of those agencies typically cannot be sued for liability if they harm someone while performing their official duties. Because of this, many people assume that you could not sue a school district or a school bus driver following a crash. Thankfully, this isn’t the case.

There are several exceptions to legal immunity in the GTLA, including the “government motor vehicle exception.” When someone injures or kills another through the negligent operation of a government-owned motor vehicle (like a school bus), victims are permitted to pursue compensation. It is only necessary to show that the driver was negligent, which is an easier standard to meet than the “gross negligence” generally required under the GTLA.

One important thing to keep in mind is that in order to bypass Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance laws, victims must have suffered severe injuries, permanent disability, serious disfigurement or death. In the case of a fatal bus accident, the wrongful death lawsuit would be brought by the personal representative (executor) of the victim’s estate.

Answers To Commonly Asked Questions About School Bus Accidents

Below, we’ve answered some questions you may have after a serious school bus crash.

What should I do immediately after an accident with a school bus?

If you find yourself in an accident involving a school bus, remain calm and take the following actions:

• Check if anyone is injured and call 911 if necessary.
• Inform the police about the accident. They will document the scene and create an official report.
• Obtain details from the bus driver, such as their name, bus number, and the school district they represent. Also, contact information must be collected from any witnesses.
• Gather evidence from the scene, like pictures of vehicle damage, tire marks and noticeable injuries
• Seek medical care, even though you may not feel injured
• Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Finally, consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options. They can provide guidance through the process and help you seek compensation.

How much is the average settlement for a school bus accident in Michigan?

The settlement amount can vary significantly based on the specifics of the case, such as the severity of injuries and the extent of property damage. While there isn’t a fixed “average” settlement, compensation can range from a few thousand dollars to much more in cases of severe injury or long-term disability. Our attorneys can give you more case-specific answers and advice during a free initial consultation.

What are the most common causes of school bus accidents?

As noted, inexperienced school bus drivers are a major cause of accidents in Michigan. Other common causes include:

• Driver error: Mistakes made by other drivers on the road.
• Impatient drivers: It is common for other drivers to attempt to pass slow-moving school buses without checking to see if children are present or whether it is otherwise safe to do so.
• Distracted driving: Using a mobile phone or other distractions while driving.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions.
• Improper maintenance: Problems with the bus’s brakes, tires, or other mechanical components due to a lack of regular inspections and repairs.

As soon as our firm is retained, our school bus accident lawyers begin a thorough and independent investigation into the crash to determine what went wrong and who was at fault.

How much time do I have to file a lawsuit against a Michigan school district?

In Michigan, the general time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. However, if you are filing a claim against a government entity, such as a school district, there are additional steps and shorter deadlines. You must provide formal notice of your claim within 120 days of the accident. Consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and requirements.

Get Started With A Free Consultation – Contact Us Today

From our office in Grand Rapids, Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., serves clients throughout Michigan and beyond. You can explore your legal options with no cost or obligation by scheduling a free initial consultation with an experienced and caring school bus accident attorney. Just call 616-649-1411 or submit an online contact form.