Say, for instance, that your child is a passenger in a school bus that ultimately gets involved in an accident. Upon hearing the news, you may be too overwhelmed to conceptualize how to handle the situation. Rest assured, a seasoned Kaufman County, Texas car accident lawyer is here to guide you through it. Read on to discover how you can file a school bus accident claim.
What Are the Causes of A School Bus Accident?
School bus drivers hold the responsibility of safely transporting children to and from school. So when they carelessly go against this responsibility, an accident may result. Examples of school bus driver negligence include, but are not limited to, the following:
They drive while distracted by texting, navigating a GPS, or talking to children.
They recklessly weave in and out of traffic.
They drive well above the established speed limit.
They do not make a complete halt at stop signs or railroad crossings.
They do not wait for a child to be fully seated before driving.
Though, the school bus driver may not be entirely to blame for your child’s accident, or may not even be to blame at all. Other potentially negligent parties may have been the school district, the owner of the school bus company, the school bus manufacturer, or another driver on the Texas road.
Am I Able to File a School Bus Accident Claim?
Importantly, if a minor incurs injuries and damages due to another party’s negligence, they have the same rights to fair compensation as an adult would. Therefore, if your child has been made an innocent victim of a school bus accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim on their behalf in the state of Texas.
Your child’s litigation process will be similar to that of an adult. Except, you may serve as your child’s representative to make important decisions throughout the proceedings. For example, you may testify in court, appear for depositions, and otherwise.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for My Claim?
Likely one of the most important things you have to remember for your child’s personal injury claim is the statute of limitations. In the state of Texas, this deadline is generally two years. Meaning, you will have two years from the date of the school bus accident to bring your claim forward.
If you miss this deadline by even just one day, you will be permanently barred from the opportunity to sue and overall from recuperating your child’s damages. Ultimately, this will be doing a great disservice to your child. With all that being said, you must consult with a competent Kaufman, Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Schedule your free initial consultation with us today.
