How to Determine Liability in A School Bus Accident in the UK

Buses are one of the safest modes of road transports. In the UK, most child fatalities recorded on the road are due to car crashes. However, an estimated 14 children are seriously injured or hurt as school bus occupants each year. At the start of the year, a school bus carrying 21 pupils in Sheffield crashed into a barbershop. Two children were taken to the hospital while six were treated for minor injuries on the spot. The barbershop faced serious damages and filed a suit for compensation.

Determining Liability in A School Bus Accident

When someone is injured due to a school bus accident, the first step is determining which party was at fault. This is important in case the injured party files a suit for compensation. By determining the liability, we can find out which party is responsible for the expenses of damage and injuries.

Identifying the party responsible requires taking certain factors into account, such as where and when the accident occurred, the condition of the road, and the circumstances that lead to the accident. It is also important to factor in any other vehicles that were involved in the accident or inadvertently caused the accident.

In rare instances, the physical condition of the driver also plays a part in the accident, such as driving intoxicated or a health issue that compromised their driving ability.

Image Name: Parent-Child

Alt-Text: A school bus on the road in Sheffield, UK

Can the School Be Liable for Damages?

Schools are entrusted with the care of the child as long as the child is on the premises, including the school bus, they can be held accountable. Schools are required to follow all laws regarding student transportation and must maintain the buses in good working conditions. They should also get regular inspection to ensure there is nothing wrong with the bus that can result in an accident or injure a student. They are also responsible for the employee and can be held responsible for any reckless driving behaviour of the driver, such as driving under the influence.

Who Else Can Be Liable?

If the school has chosen a bus service for the transport of the students, the company can be held liable in case of an accident or injured student due to a fault in the bus or unsafe behaviour of the driver.

Other parties that can be held liable include:

• bus and part manufacturers
• drivers of other vehicles involved in an accident with the c=school bus
• private property owners and municipalities if the road surface contributed to the accident
• pharmaceutical manufacturers for dangerous side-effects of a drug that the driver was taking

Seek legal help for school bus accident today!

Wembley Solicitors offers the services of experienced school bus accident lawyers to help you determine if you or your child is entitled to compensation in Middlesex, UK.  Contact us today for friendly advice or a free consultation and discuss your case with top personal injury and road accident solicitors.