Kentucky Attorney for School Bus Accident Injuries

School Bus Safety in Kentucky

Each year, approximately 450,000 school buses in the United States travel 4.3 billion miles, transporting 23.5 million children to and from school and school-related activities. School buses can vary in size, but on average weigh over 10,000 pounds and fit more than 10 passengers. These vehicles are not often equipped with seatbelts, which exposes their passengers to a greater risk of harm.

In 2014, Kentucky reported 864 collisions involving school buses, resulting in 293 injuries and three fatalities. Despite these numbers, school buses remain the safest form of ground transportation, compared to car or motorcycle accidents.

Common Causes of School Bus Collisions

School bus accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the common factors that contribute to school bus incidents include:

• Bus driver negligence – When bus drivers fail to adhere to traffic laws, they put everyone at risk. Negligence can include speeding, failing to yield the right of way, driving while fatigued, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
• Mechanical issues – A lack of proper maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake, tire, light, steering, or blinker malfunctions, increasing the likelihood of a collision or loss of control.
• Weather and environmental conditions – Poor weather conditions and hazardous road conditions can contribute to accidents, especially if bus drivers take unnecessary risks. Accidents can also occur due to inadequate road maintenance, such as unsalted surfaces or debris on the road.
• Other drivers – Sometimes, the fault lies with another driver who causes a bus accident through reckless or negligent behavior. In these cases, the at-fault driver can be held accountable for the damage.

Types of Injuries from School Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can result in a range of injuries, including but not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken or fractured bones
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Severe burns
• Lacerations and cuts
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Traumatic amputations
• Back injuries
• Wrongful death

Who is Liable in a School Bus Accident?

Determining liability in a school bus accident can be complex. Buses are considered “common carriers,” meaning they owe their passengers a higher duty of care and safety than ordinary vehicles.

When a collision occurs involving a school bus, the following parties may be held liable:

• The bus driver – If the driver is found to be negligent, such as driving while fatigued, distracted, or under the influence, they can be held accountable.
• The bus owner or company – The company responsible for maintaining the bus may be liable if mechanical failure or improper maintenance caused the accident.
• Local government entity – Many school buses are operated by local government agencies. If negligence is proven, these entities may also be liable.
• Other parties – Other motorists, passengers, or safety inspectors may be responsible depending on the circumstances.

Unsure who was at fault for your collision? Kentucky is a comparative negligence state, meaning even if your own negligence contributed to your injuries, you’re still eligible to collect damages for the injuries. The percentage of financial damages is reduced by the amount of fault you’re found to be in. Consult with a Morrin Law attorney if you have questions about liability and fault.

Data on School Bus Accidents in Kentucky

According to the 2022 Kentucky Traffic Collision Report, there were 375 school busses involved in the 196,260 total collisions for that year. Out of those, 43 of the collisions resulted in injury, with a total number of 131 people sustaining injuries.

The following lists the top contributing factors that led to school bus collisions in 2022:

1. Inattention
2. Misjudged clearance
3. Not under proper control
4. Failed to yield right of way
5. Following too close
6. Turning improperly
7. Too fast for conditions
8. Improper backing
9. Distraction
10. Disregarded traffic control

Under KAR 5:030, Section 3, the Department of Education must make annual reports on all school bus incidents occurring throughout the school year. The 2022-2023 report indicated there were 941 total incidents involving school buses.

The incidents resulting in student or district personnel injury are listed as follows:

• Serious incapacitating injury: 4
• Moderate or possible injury: 5
• Minor non-incapacitating injury: 31
• Property damage only: 902

Additionally, the manner of the Kentucky school bus collisions with another object were recorded as follows:

• Angle collision: 168
• Head-on collision: 68
• Rear-end collision: 136
• Sideswipe collision: 327
• Backing collision: 162
• Broadside collision: 44
• Other: 52

Recovering from a School Bus Accident

Recovering from a school bus accident can involve extensive recovery, specifically involving the financial burden. Depending on the severity of the accident and resulting injuries, victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic damages, including the following: 

• Past, present, and future projected medical expenses;
• Lost income, future wages, and lost benefits;
• Property damage;
• Scarring and disfigurement;
• Emotional distress; and
• Pain and suffering.

If you are seeking to file a civil claim for your school bus accident injuries, it is in your best interest to seek assistance from a legal professional. An experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney with Morrin Law will recommend that you collect the following evidence to help support your claim:

1. Physical evidence such as damaged clothing or personal items;
2. Images and videos documenting the accident scene, any immediate signs of injury, and property damage;
3. Medical records documenting all treatments and ongoing procedures;
4. Witness statements from anyone who saw the accident; and
5. Personal testimony that details your experience in the collision.

How Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help

An experienced bus accident attorney can help an injured passenger, pedestrian, or other affected party navigate the complex legal process. While you can attempt to file a personal injury claim on your own, you benefit from having legal representation, specifically with an attorney who can assist you with:

• Investigating the accident, collecting evidence to support your claim, and establishing liability;
• Negotiating on your behalf with insurance companies and government entities;
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary, and preserving claims within Kentucky’s statute of limitations; and
• Maximizing compensation for financial damages.

The attorneys with Morrin Law are experts when it comes to car accident injuries. Whether you were injured while riding a school bus or became injured after being struck by a school bus, you deserve legal representation that will take your injuries seriously and fight for fair compensation. Contact our office today to see how our legal team can add value to your claim.

Statute of Limitations for School Bus Accident Claims in Kentucky

Kentucky law imposes a strict deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, which is known as the statute of limitations. For injuries sustained in an accident involving motor vehicles, a person has two years from the date of the accident or discovered injury to file. If the limitation period expires, the claim becomes legally void. This means the victim will be left with no recourse.

This is why Morrin Law stresses to our clients that acting quickly is the best way to preserve your right to compensation. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Contact Morrin Law Office Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident, contact Morrin Law for a risk-free consultation. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve while ensuring you have an easy road to recovery. Don’t wait—reach out today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our office is available when you call (859) 358-0300.