School bus carrying over 30 students crashes in Baytown

Harris County, TX – A Deer Park Junior High School bus was involved in a collision Tuesday morning in Baytown.

ABC 13 reports that the bus, which was carrying 31 students and two adults, collided with another vehicle at around 8:00 a.m. in the 6000 block of Thompson Road near West Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported no serious injuries. One student was taken to an area hospital for observation.

The cause of the collision is unknown at this time.

Who’s Responsible for a School Bus Accident?

Determining who bears responsibility for a school bus accident can be complicated. Depending on how the crash occurred and what caused it, several parties may share fault. Investigators must conduct a thorough review of the evidence to determine who’s liable, which may entail looking at the bus driver’s conduct, the bus’s maintenance history, and even school district policies. Possible liable parties in a Houston school bus accident may include:

• The school bus driver, if distracted driving, fatigue, or speeding contributed to the crash
• The school district or private bus company, if it failed to properly train or supervise drivers
• The bus manufacturer or maintenance provider, if a mechanical defect or lack of upkeep played a role in the collision
• Another motorist, if a negligent driver caused the collision
• The government entity responsible for the roadway, if poor road design or maintenance was a factor

Establishing liability and identifying all responsible parties matters because it determines who pays for injuries, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident.

What Makes School Bus Crash Claims Different?

School bus accident claims often present greater challenges than other vehicle accidents because of the multiple layers of responsibility they may involve. A crash could implicate an individual driver, a public school district, a private transportation company, or a government entity, each of which has its own insurance coverage and legal protections.

The investigations into school bus accidents also tend to be more detailed, as they may involve looking at safety records, driver training standards, and vehicle maintenance logs. In addition, because many victims are minors, claims may involve added legal considerations for children’s injuries and emotional trauma.

How Much Time Do You Have to File a School Bus Accident Claim? 

Most Texas car accident injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident, although when minors are involved, the clock doesn’t start ticking until their 18^th birthday. However, if a public school district or government agency is involved, you may have to file a notice of claim within as little as six months, depending on local rules. To protect your child’s right to financial recovery, consider meeting with a Houston school bus accident lawyer right away to initiate a claim.

Contact a Houston Collision Attorney Today

If your child was injured in an accident while riding in a school bus, you may have a claim against the party or parties responsible for the crash. Consider contacting a Houston car accident lawyer right away to learn more about your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation for your child’s medical expenses and emotional harm.