Managing Partner
School buses are meant to be one of the safest ways for children to get to and from school, yet when serious accidents happen, the consequences can be life-changing for students and their families. At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we represent victims of school bus accidents throughout California, helping them recover the compensation they need for medical care, rehabilitation, and other losses.
When the School District May Be Liable
Public school districts in California have a legal duty to protect the students they transport. This responsibility includes hiring qualified drivers, ensuring proper training, maintaining vehicles in a safe condition, and following all safety regulations.
A school district may be held liable when an accident is caused by:
- Negligent driving by a district-employed bus driver
- Poor maintenance or failure to repair known mechanical problems
- Unsafe loading and unloading procedures
- Failure to supervise students on or around the bus
Because school districts are public entities, claims against them follow a different process than standard personal injury cases.
When the Bus Company May Be Liable
Not all school buses are owned and operated by school districts. Many California districts contract with private transportation companies to provide student bus services. These companies have the same duty to keep children safe, and they can be held accountable for:
- Hiring unqualified or unsafe drivers
- Failing to properly train drivers in safety protocols
- Neglecting regular inspections and repairs
- Allowing buses to operate with worn tires, faulty brakes, or other hazards
When a private bus company is at fault, the legal process is more like a standard personal injury claim, but the company may still be subject to special regulations that can strengthen your case.
Common Causes and Injuries in School Bus Accidents
Serious school bus accidents often involve:
- Collisions with other vehicles
- Rollovers due to sharp turns or high speed
- Pedestrian accidents during boarding or drop-off
- Mechanical failures leading to loss of control
Children involved in these accidents may suffer injuries such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal injuries, or severe emotional trauma. These can lead to long-term medical care needs, missed school, and lasting effects on a child’s quality of life.
Legal Options for Victims and Families
If you or your child has been injured in a school bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future care
- Lost income (for parents who must miss work to care for an injured child)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of future earning capacity
The path to recovery will depend on who is responsible. Our team will investigate whether the school district, a private bus company, a driver, or another third party is at fault. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, which can affect how your claim is pursued and how compensation is distributed.
Understanding Deadlines
California law sets strict time limits for filing a claim:
- Against a school district (public entity) – A government claim must be filed within six months of the accident. If the district denies the claim, you generally have six months from that denial to file a lawsuit.
- Against a private bus company or other private party – You usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Meeting these deadlines is critical. Even if you are unsure who is responsible, it is wise to take immediate action so your rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Bus Accident Claims in California
What if my child was hurt while getting on or off the bus?
Accidents during boarding or drop-off are common and can be just as serious as crashes. Liability may rest with the school district, a private bus company, or even another driver who failed to stop for the bus. We can investigate the details and determine who is responsible.
Who is responsible if another driver caused the bus accident?
If a third-party driver caused the collision, that driver (and their insurance) may be liable. In some cases, the bus driver or company could still share fault if they failed to take reasonable steps to avoid the crash.
Do I need a lawyer for a school bus accident case?
Because these cases often involve multiple parties and strict filing deadlines, having a lawyer can make a significant difference in preserving evidence, meeting deadlines, and maximizing your recovery.
We’re Here to Help
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we have decades of experience holding negligent parties accountable in serious injury cases, including those involving school transportation. We know the steps it takes to investigate a bus accident, identify all responsible parties, and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.
If you or your child has been injured in a school bus accident in California, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery.