School bus drivers are entrusted with carrying society’s most precious cargo – its children. Because of this, school bus drivers are held to a high standard. Indeed, whenever a Maryland school bus accident occurs, the driver is usually suspended, and the accident is investigated.
After a Maryland school bus accident, the families of the students involved may be left wondering how the accident occurred and whom they can hold accountable for their child’s injuries. Of course, the obvious answer is the school bus driver or, if the accident was another driver’s fault, the at-fault driver. However, there may be additional parties that can be named in a Maryland school bus accident case, such as the school district and any of the officials responsible for hiring the driver.
Under the doctrine of vicarious liability, employers can be held responsible for the actions of their employees. These include school bus drivers, whose employers are usually the school district for which they drive. In some cases, the school district contracts with an outside company who provides the drivers. In any event, when a school bus driver is acting within the scope of his employment and causes an accident, the driver’s employer – whether public or private – may also be held accountable. Of course, establishing vicarious liability requires that proof be submitted establishing that the driver was properly hired and employed at the time of the accident, as well as the fact that he was acting as an employee at the time of the accident.
School Bus Accident Injured Two Children, Driver Ticketed
Earlier this month, an accident between a school bus and another vehicle resulted in two students being transported to the hospital with minor injuries. According to a local news report, the bus driver entered the turning lane with the intention to make a left-hand turn. However, as the driver attempted to complete the turn, he did not account for oncoming motorists, and the bus was struck by another car. After the initial collision, the bus was pushed into three nearby vehicles that were stopped at a red traffic light.
Two of the students on board the bus, as well as a driver from one of the other vehicles involved, were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the school bus was not injured; however, he was ticketed for failing to yield to oncoming traffic while making a left turn.
Has Your Child Been Injured in a Maryland School Bus Accident?
If your child has recently been injured in a Maryland bus accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland accident attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience helping injured clients prepare and litigate their case against those responsible for their injuries. We represent clients across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. in all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases. Call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
The Destructive Potential of Chain-Reaction Truck Accidents in Maryland, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 5, 2017.
Chain Reaction Truck Accidents on Maryland Highways, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 19, 2017.