OREGON SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Get Trusted Help with School Bus Accident Injury Claims Across Oregon

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Over 21 million children in the US ride yellow school buses to and from school each day. When you send your children off to school, you trust that they will arrive safely. 

Unfortunately, accidents involving school buses do happen. The results can be devastating for children, their families, and other drivers on the road. 

If you or your child has been injured in a school bus accident, you need to understand your legal rights and options. The Oregon bus accident lawyers of Johnston Law Firm, P.C. can help you navigate this complex situation, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free consultation or complete our confidential contact form.

Common Causes of Oregon School Bus Accidents

A school bus accident in Oregon can occur due to various factors, such as the following. 

Driver negligence

The most frequent cause of bus accidents is driver error, including:

• Distracted driving: School bus drivers can become distracted by their smartphones, radios, or the behavior of the children on board
• Reckless driving: Bus drivers who fail to obey traffic laws, such as speeding or running stop signs, increase the chance of accidents
• Drowsy driving: Many drivers of school buses get up early and work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and reduced concentration
• Inadequate training: Some school bus drivers may have not received proper training on how to deal with difficult road conditions or emergencies

Road and weather conditions

Hazardous road conditions can contribute to accidents involving school buses. Factors such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or construction zones can make it difficult for a bus to navigate safely. Poor signage and unclear road markings may confuse drivers, resulting in errors and accidents. 

Weather in Oregon can be severe and unpredictable. Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, fog, and ice, can impair visibility and traction, making it challenging for buses to stop quickly or stay within their lanes. 

Vehicle malfunctions and design flaws

Failure to perform regular maintenance checks and fix issues can result in preventable accidents. 

The following mechanical issues with buses can lead to accidents:

• Brake failure
• Tire blowouts
• Engine trouble
• Faulty lights 
• Steering issues

Sometimes, the design or manufacturing of the bus itself is defective. Faulty seat belts, lack of safety features, or design flaws that make the bus more prone to rollovers are some possible issues. 

Other drivers

At times, accidents are not the result of bus driver negligence but are caused by other drivers. Examples include failure to stop for a school bus and impaired or distracted drivers.

Oregon law requires drivers to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children. Failure to do so can lead to collisions. Additionally, other drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who are distracted by their phones can cause accidents involving school buses. 

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

Who Is Liable for an Oregon School Bus Accident?

Determining liability following Oregon school bus accidents can be complicated. This is especially true if multiple parties are involved. 

Individuals and entities who could be held liable include the following:

• The bus driver: What if the bus accident occurred because of the driver speeding, failing to obey traffic laws, driving distracted, or some other form of negligence? Then the bus driver could be held accountable.
• The school district: School districts have a responsibility to hire qualified bus drivers and ensure that buses are properly maintained. If the district failed to train drivers properly or neglected routine inspections on buses, they could be held liable. 
• The bus manufacturer: If a defect in the design or manufacturing of the bus played a part in the accident, the bus manufacturer could be held accountable. In these situations, a personal injury attorney could help you file a product liability claim. 
• Other drivers: If another driver’s reckless actions cause or contribute to a motor vehicle accident, he or she can be held responsible for resulting injuries and damages.
• Maintenance contractors: What if the school district uses a third-party company to perform maintenance on their buses and that company fails to keep the buses in proper working order? The company could be held liable for any accidents resulting from vehicle malfunctions. 
• Government entities: In cases involving poor road conditions or lack of signage, a government entity could be held liable for an accident. Bus accident cases against a government entity often involve specific procedural requirements, such as short deadlines for filing a claim. 

How an Oregon School Bus Accident Attorney Can Help

If your child was harmed in a school bus accident in Oregon, make sure to work with a personal injury attorney who has experience with these types of cases. 

Consider some advantages of having a lawyer handle your school bus accident claim. He or she can:

File a personal injury lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, school bus accident lawyers are prepared to take the case to court to pursue full compensation.

Investigate the accident: Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the incident. This includes examining the bus maintenance records and the bus driver’s records.

Establishing liability: Identifying the liable party is key to getting fair compensation. Personal injury lawyers will gather evidence to prove who is liable, whether it’s bus drivers, school districts, or other parties. 

Calculate damages: Your lawyer will ensure that all your child’s injuries are accounted for, including medical bills, rehabilitation, and therapy.

Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they have to pay out in claims. To counteract this, your lawyer will handle all negotiations and ensure that you receive fair compensation for damages. 

Offer support: A school bus accident can be extremely stressful for your entire family. A lawyer can take the legal burden off of your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery.