At Abels & Annes, we take special care in working with families dealing with the serious injury or death of a child. Arizona school bus accidents can result from any number of causes, including poorly trained and inexperienced bus operators, distracted driving, poorly maintained buses, overcrowding, road defects and other at–fault drivers on the road.

Additionally, nearly three–quarters of children who are seriously injured or killed by a school bus are struck while boarding or de–boarding. Children may also be injured or killed in an Arizona pedestrian accident while waiting for a bus at a poorly visible or poorly placed bus stop or while crossing the street in an area that lacks school crossing guards, crosswalks or other marked safety zones.

Contact our office for a free consultation to discuss your Phoenix bus injury accident claim today. Contact Abels & Annes online or call (855) 749-5299.

Types of School Bus Accidents

School bus accidents is a broad umbrella term that can refer to many kinds of accidents. Most common are accidents when a school bus is stationary and when it is moving.

Accidents at School Bus Stops

The law requires that drivers stop for school buses to load or unload children in many circumstances. This is to ensure that kids as young as 6 can safely get on or off a school bus without the risk of moving vehicles causing them harm. Unfortunately, some drivers have ignored these requirements and caused accidents that could have been avoided with patience.

Moving School Bus Accidents

Another type of accident involving school buses is a moving traffic accident. Sometimes these are caused by the school bus driver, either because of distracted driving or driving while intoxicated, but most often these are the fault of another driver on the road. Some accidents involving school buses include rear-end collisions and side impacts, among others. Since school buses carry large amounts of children, it is especially important that drivers avoid using their phones while driving around school buses and avoid driving aggressively while sharing the roam with them.

Why Hire a School Bus Accident Attorney

Hiring an Arizona injury law firm can be critical to protecting your rights. At Abels & Annes, we will thoroughly investigate the causes of the accident, determine who is responsible, and conduct a comprehensive review of your child's medical needs.

Determining the extent of your child's injuries and the possible long–term medical consequences is critical when dealing with child injury cases. Bone injuries, joint injuries, head injuries, scaring and other medical conditions are complicated by the growth process. Hiring a law firm experienced in child injury cases will help ensure your child's welfare and the future financial well–being of you and your family.

If you are dealing with an Arizona school bus accident, contact the Phoenix injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights.

Call (602) 819–5191 or (855) 749-5299 for a Free and Confidential Appointment Arizona School Bus SafetyDrivers

• Watch for children walking or bicycling to or from school. Pay particular attention when leaving a driveway or garage or when backing up a vehicle.
• Pay particular attention to school zones; they are in place to prevent tragedy for both you and the families of school children in the area. Watch for children who may not be paying attention; it's your job to avoid an accident.
• Slow down. Watch for children crossing or walking in the street, particularly in areas where there are no sidewalks or where there are known bus stops.
• Stay alert. Children may dart into the street, particularly when late for a bus or for school.
• Learn and obey all school bus laws. Learn and obey bus lights. Yellow lights mean a bus is preparing to stop and load or unload children. Motorists should slow and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights mean a bus has stopped and children are loading or unloading. Cars must stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus begins to move. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red flashing lights.

Children

• Allow plenty of time to be at the bus stop at least five minutes before your bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Stand three big steps – at least 6 feet – away from a bus as it arrives at the curb.
• Wait for direction from the driver before attempting to board a bus.
• Walk in front of a bus at least 10 feet before crossing in front of a bus. Make sure a driver sees you before stepping off the curb in front of a bus.
• Avoid falls by using bus handrails. Secure loose items and be sure backpacks, drawstrings, clothing and other items do not get caught on a bus, or on the handrails or doors.
• Never walk behind a bus.
• Never walk beside a bus; remain at least 6 feet away from a bus at all times, except when boarding with the driver's permission.
• Never attempt to retrieve an item dropped near a bus. Tell the driver. A driver may not be able to see you if you attempt to retrieve an item from near or beneath a bus.

Parents

• Talk to your children about bus safety and spend the time with them that is necessary to help ensure they understand these rules and the safety tips necessary to stay safe in or around a school bus.

Source: Adapted from information provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Determining Fault in a Bus Accident in Phoenix

At Abels & Annes, we will investigate the cause of your accident and determine who is responsible. Causes of bus accidents can include a distracted, inattentive or inexperienced bus driver; careless or negligent operation of the bus; an intoxicated or tired driver or a bus operated in violation of safety regulations; equipment failure or a poorly maintained bus; a road defect or inoperable traffic control device or railroad crossing; or other at–fault drivers on the road whose actions lead to the bus accident.