School Bus Crashes Can Involve Several Responsible Parties

 Posted on October 30, 2015 in Bus Accidents

By Daniel Kotin

In the broad category of transportation, school bus crashes are rare. Statistically speaking, there are far more car accidents and truck accidents than crashes involving school buses - the resulting injuries to pedestrians and occupants of passenger vehicles can often be as serious as those seen in trucking accidents. And like trucking accidents, there can be a number of responsible parties that must be identified.

Why Identify All Responsible Parties?

One may question the wisdom and necessity of identifying all responsible parties as part of one’s investigation into a bus crash. After all, if the bus driver is at fault, why bother wasting time finding out who else is responsible? However, failing to identify all responsible parties can severely and negatively impact the amount of compensation you are able to recover. Most bus drivers do not have many assets and resources: if the bus driver is the only person against whom you bring suit, you many never fully recover all the compensation a court may award you.

So Who Else May Be Responsible?

Your Illinois car crash attorney will review the facts of your case and determine what other party’s negligence may have played a role in your crash. Some of the responsible parties may include:

• The school bus company, for negligence in hiring and/or supervising the bus driver or providing inadequate safety training;
• The school district, depending on the contract the school district had with the bus driver and/or the bus company;
• The mechanic and/or maintenance company responsible for maintaining the bus, for failing to keep the bus in good working order (if a mechanical failure is suspected); and/or
• A manufacturer of the bus or a part of the bus if a design or manufacturing defect is suspected in the bus and/or a part of the bus.

Establishing the role each responsible party’s negligence played in a bus crash can require a detailed and thorough investigation of the facts of your case. In addition, expert witnesses like engineers and crash reconstruction experts may need to be consulted. An experienced bus crash law firm will have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with the appropriate experts.

Contact our Illinois Bus Crash Law Firm

The skilled Chicago bus accident attorneys at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman LLC are able and dedicated to helping bus accident victims and their families recover the compensation they need after their crash. Bus accidents can result in victims needing tens of thousands of dollars – or more – in medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation. Our team of compassionate but zealous advocates will ensure your legal interests are protected at every stage of your bus accident lawsuit. Contact us today at (312) 605-8800.