Liability After a New Hampshire School Bus Accident

October 24, 2021

Buses are integral to the efficient and swift transportation of children throughout New Hampshire. School buses are the most prominent public transportation system in the United States. Statistics by Stanford University and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report that nearly 24 million school-aged children take the school bus every day, not including those who use the system for extracurricular activities. Approximately 17,000 children visit the emergency room every year for school bus injuries. Over 40 percent of these injuries involve motor vehicle accidents. The other incidents typically involve getting on or off the school bus or other onboard events.

Although bus companies continue to add safety features to make their fleet safer for riders and those nearby, accidents continue to occur. Data reveals that each year about seven children suffer fatal injuries in school bus crashes. However, every year, about 19 children die from injuries related to getting on or off the bus. Safety advocates continually lobby to have seatbelts and other safety devices on school buses; however, not every bus company complies with these requests.

Recently, local news reports described a New Hampshire school bus crash after driving into the woods. A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver experienced a medical emergency that caused her to crash into the woods. One child experienced a leg injury, but the others on board did not suffer serious injuries. Emergency responders extricated the driver from the bus and transported her to a local hospital.

Fortunately, none of the children experienced serious injuries; however, this incident could have quickly gone in a more tragic direction. When this occurs, injury vicitms and their families should consult an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies. These cases require a comprehensive understanding of complicated New Hampshire personal injury laws. As a preliminary issue, attorneys can help claimants determine any fault and which party or entity was responsible for the accident. In cases where the bus driver was at fault for the incident, a lawyer can help determine the driver’s status and whether they are liable under the law. Finally, an attorney can ensure that the claimants follow all of the evidentiary and notice requirements that the law requires.

New Hampshire public and school bus accidents can have devastating effects, and an attorney at Peter Thompson & Associates can help you pursue a claim for damages. The lawyers on our team maintain an active practice representing New Hampshire accident vicitms. Our office handles claims involving New Hampshire motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, products liability, dog bites, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. We have recovered significant compensation on behalf of many clients for their losses and damages, and look forward to determining how we can help you. Compensation in these cases may include payments for medical expenses, rehabilitation treatment, lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our office at 1-800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorney on our team.