Common Causes of School Bus Accidents

School bus collisions raise understandable concerns for families in Arlington. Parents trust these vehicles to carry their children safely, yet several recurring issues continue to contribute to these crashes. Some of the most significant causes of school bus accidents include operator distraction, inadequate training, mechanical breakdowns, and careless actions by surrounding motorists. These factors often overlap, creating dangerous situations that place children, bus operators, and other road users at risk — something our team at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP has seen firsthand while helping families navigate these complex cases.

Steps to Take Immediately After a School Bus Accident

When a school bus is involved in a wreck, safety comes first. Even when injuries appear minor, children and adults involved should be evaluated by trained medical professionals. Some symptoms take hours—or even days—to appear. Gathering basic information early can help preserve crucial evidence later in the claims process.

Here are the most important steps families can take:

• Ensure children receive prompt medical attention.
• Document visible injuries and emotional changes.
• Request the bus number, operator’s name, and the school district involved.
• Photograph the crash scene, vehicle positions, skid marks, and any property damage.
• Save clothing, backpacks, or damaged personal items that could support the claim.
• Contact the responding police department to obtain the accident report number.

After these initial actions, our team can step in to evaluate the circumstances, identify responsible parties, and guide families through the next steps with clarity and care.

Common Injuries from School Bus Accidents

Parents rely on school buses to keep their children safe and secure. Yet, there are a variety of preventable factors tied to the causes of school bus accidents. Many crashes involve distracted driving, insufficient operator training, mechanical issues tied to poor maintenance, or hazardous behavior by surrounding motorists.

School buses are designed with safety features that help protect passengers, but the force involved in a collision can still lead to significant harm. Injuries vary depending on impact speed, whether restraints were available, and how passengers were seated at the time of the crash.

Frequent injuries include:

• Head trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken bones and joint injuries
• Back, neck, and spinal damage
• Cuts, bruising, and soft-tissue injuries
• Emotional distress, including anxiety or difficulty returning to bus transportation.

Crash data reported by federal transportation authorities shows that school buses are involved in both fatal and non-fatal collisions each year, underscoring how serious these events can be. According to summary statistics published by the , school-bus-related crashes include numerous injuries annually in Texas.

How Liability Is Determined in School Bus Accidents

Determining responsibility requires a careful review of all factors involved. The driver of the bus, a school district, a private transportation contractor, or another motorist may be legally accountable depending on the situation.

Texas uses a proportionate responsibility model, meaning fault can be shared among multiple parties. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (TCPRC) §33.001, a person cannot recover damages if they are found more than 50% responsible for their own injuries. This rule influences how claims are evaluated, how settlement negotiations unfold, and what compensation may ultimately be available.

When representing families, we evaluate:

• Actions of the bus operator
• Training and supervision provided by the school district
• Maintenance records and mechanical performance of the bus
• Conduct of other drivers on the road
• Weather and road conditions
• Compliance with safety procedures

Clear documentation allows us to build a strong liability assessment based on Texas law and factual evidence.

The Role of Evidence in Supporting Your Claim

Evidence plays a major role in school bus accident cases. Without reliable information, important details can be lost, and responsible parties may dispute fault. Our team prioritizes early preservation and thorough investigation so that families have the strongest foundation possible for their claim.

Some of the most important forms of evidence include:

• Official crash reports
• Photographs and videos from the scene
• On-board bus camera footage
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Driver qualification and training documentation
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical records that establish the full extent of injuries

Collecting and organizing these materials helps us demonstrate how the crash occurred, why it happened, and how it affected each child or adult involved.

Contact Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP for Legal Support After a School Bus Accident

School bus collisions place families in an incredibly stressful position. When injuries occur because of negligence, you deserve clear answers and reliable guidance. Our team at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP is here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Call us today at 817-920-9000 for a free consultation.

Meet John Cummings

As a Fort Worth native and a double-Board Certified trial lawyer, John Cummings is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured. With a track record that includes record-setting verdicts and multi-million dollar settlements, he is an aggressive advocate who isn’t afraid to take on tough cases.

• Named a Top Personal Injury Lawyer by Fort Worth, Texas magazine.
• Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2003.
• Holds two Board Certifications in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law.

Free Case Consultation Call Us At (817) 920-9000