School bus accidents are incredibly rare but can have tragic consequences.
School Bus Rollover Accident Kills Two Including pre-K Student, Injures 51
According to a KSAT News report, a cement truck veered into a school bus, causing a horrific accident last Friday afternoon.
Police reported the accident happened at around 2 p.m. on a rural highway in Bastrop County on March 22nd. A cement truck traveling in the opposite direction veered into the school bus’s lane, striking its side and causing it to roll over. Another vehicle then hit either the back of the bus or the front of the cement truck. 52 people were injured as a result: 4 people in critical condition were airlifted out, and 6 people with serious injuries were taken by ambulance to the hospital. 10 patients were transported to the children’s hospital. A young boy and a man were killed in the accident. All of the other children were reunited with their parents by the end of the evening.
Did You Know?
108 people died in school bus accidents nationwide in 2021.
How to Drive Around a School Bus in Texas
Did you know that out of all the bus accidents in the United States, school bus accidents have had the most fatalities?
While school bus accidents are comparatively rare, as are school bus injuries, Texas is among the top 5 states in the nation for school bus accidents. Additionally, Texas and Florida tied for the most fatal bus accidents in 2022, with 20 fatalities each — 7 of those fatalities were from school bus accidents in Texas. This is not a trend we want to continue.
Let’s take a look at tips from the TxDOT to learn how to safely share the road with school buses in Texas.
School Bus Driving Safety
Keeping the roads safe for school buses is a responsibility we all share. To avoid a tragic accident with a Texas school bus, follow these tips:
- Keep a Safe Following Distance — School buses drive slower and need more time to stop. Maintain a safe distance when following a school bus to avoid an accidental collision.
- Stay Alert — Where there are school buses, there are often children close by. Keep an eye out and remember that children often don’t look before crossing the street.
- Be Prepared to Stop — School buses make frequent stops. Be prepared! In Texas, if a school bus stops and flashes red lights and/or uses a stop sign, you may not pass the bus in any direction. First-time violations will result in a $1,250 fine.
What to Do If Injured in a School Bus Accident
If your child is hurt in a school bus accident, follow these steps:
- Call 9-1-1,
- Document the Accident (i.e., photos, videos, witness testimony),
- Seek Medical Attention,
- Document Injuries,
- Call a School Bus Accident Attorney in Texas.
Even if you don’t think your child was injured, take them to get evaluated by a doctor anyway. Children often have trouble communicating if they are hurt, and some auto accident injuries are not immediately apparent.
Was Your Child Injured in a School Bus Accident in Texas? Call Carabin Shaw.
If your child was hurt in a Texas school bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Anxiety/PTSD,
- Disfigurement,
- Wrongful Death,
- and More.
School bus accidents can be tricky since they involve government liability. We’re prepared for that.
Carabin Shaw has represented parents of injured children for more than 30 years. We’re a trusted name because we put our clients first. Call the team that cares for a free case evaluation at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to get started. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.