Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer Blog

Lancaster Online reports that a school bus accident occurred in Lancaster, PA. According to the article, the accident occurred on Millersville Pike at approximately 7:23 a.m. when a sport utility vehicle collided with a school bus headed to the Lancaster Mennonite School. Pictures on Lancaster Online show the SUV rear-ended the bus. Officials report that there were middle and high school aged children on the bus at the time of the Pennsylvania school bus accident, and six students were injured. Some children were taken to Lancaster General Hospital for treatment of their injuries, which are reported to be minor.

The article does not disclose why the accident occurs, nor does it state possible factors.
One of the most common causes of vehicle accidents in the United States is distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,474 people were killed and an estimated 448,000 were injured in accidents in 2009 that were reported to involve distracted driving. Anytime a motorist takes their hands or eyes away from the steering wheel, they are putting themselves and all others on the road at great risk.

The NHTSA also reports that 1,564 people have lost their lives in school transportation-related accidents since 1998, with an average of about 142 deaths per year. Of the fatalities, about 8 percent were occupants of school transportation vehicles. Approximately 72 percent were occupants in other vehicles involved in the accidents, and nonoccupants such as pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for about 20 percent of the deaths. While school bus accidents are rare, their massive size and the lack of safety restraints can play a role in the severe or fatal injuries that occupants suffer as a result.

Anyone who has been injured in a bus accident caused by another motorist’s negligence may be able to receive compensation for hospital bills, ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you have been injured in a bus accident, contact the Pennsylvania bus accident lawyers at Anapol Schwartz to learn how we can help. We can help you understand our legal rights and help you conclude the best possible option for your specific case. Call our skilled attorneys today at 866-735-2792.

A school bus with students onboard that was parked at the Maurice J. Moyer Charter Academy in Wilmington, Delaware was rear-ended by another school bus dropping off students the morning of November 17. According to ABC Local, 47 students from both buses were examined by paramedics. Nine students who complained of back and neck pain were taken to local hospitals for further treatment.

This school bus accident comes two weeks after another school bus accident in Delaware in which a bus crashed and flipped onto its side in Newcastle, injured thirty-seven students and a school aide.

Accidents involving students who are being transported for school-related events can be caused by distracted driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, vehicle defects, poor road conditions, and other forms of negligence.

Parents of students injured in school bus accidents often feel angry that their child has been hurt in the hands of their school and can even feel overwhelmed regarding what should be done. School bus accident lawsuits are complex and may involve multiple parties that hold responsibility for the crash.

To ensure that your child is adequately compensated for their injuries and pain and suffering, you may want to contact a school bus accident attorney with years of experience handling these types of cases. At Anapol Schwartz, our personal injury law firm has helped many bus accident injury victims obtain compensation from negligent parties. If you would like to learn more about your rights and legal options, we welcome your call. Contact us today at 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation. We can help.

Early morning of November 3, a school bus crashed and turned onto its side on 1-295 at Route 9 in New Castle, Delaware, at approximately 7 a.m., reports news outlet WPVI Philadelphia. The school bus contained students between the ages of 15 and 18 that were bound for Pencader Business and Finance Charter High School.

According to police officials, 37 students, as well as the school aide, received treatment for injuries they sustained in the bus crash at a local hospital. All have since been released. No students were injured seriously, school officials reported.

It appears as though the school bus driver was approaching the turn quickly, and his speed caused the bus to flip onto its side. Students were forced to exit the bus by using escape hatches on the bus’ roof since the rear exit door was blocked.

The bus driver faces at least one charge of driving at unsafe speeds. No other motor vehicles were involved in the school bus accident.

Since 1998, there have been approximately 414,400 motor vehicle accidents that have resulted in at least one fatality. Of those fatal crashes, about 34 percent were classified as being school transportation-related. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,564 people have died in accidents that were school transportation-related in the United States since 1998. That’s an average of about 142 deaths every year. Sadly, these types of accidents generally involve children or teens, which makes them all the more tragic.

Thankfully, none of the students involved in this school bus crash were injured seriously. However, those injured in bus accidents can suffer severe and life-changing injuries. In those cases, medical expenses and hospital bills can be astronomically high, particularly if on-going treatment is needed. Those involved in school bus accidents should consult with a school bus crash attorney to learn more about their legal rights and options should they decide to pursue a case regarding a school bus crash.