It’s a parent’s worst fear to learn their child has been injured in any way. For parents whose child has been injured in a school bus accident, the following days and weeks can feel incredibly overwhelming and filled with questions regarding who is responsible. While nothing can undo what happened, a trusted Calgary school bus accident lawyer can help you pursue justice for your family.
If your child was hurt in a school bus accident, Litco Law is here to advocate for your child’s rights and support your family through this difficult time. Connect with us for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options and how we might assist you.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- Why School Bus Accident Claims Are Complex
- Common Causes of School Bus Accidents in Calgary
- Common Injuries in School Bus Accidents
- Determining Liability After a School Bus Accident
- What Compensation May Be Available After a Calgary School Bus Accident?
- What To Do After a School Bus Accident in Calgary
- How Litco Law Supports Families After School Bus Accidents
- Our Calgary Legal Team Can Help You Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About School Bus Accident Claims
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Why School Bus Accident Claims Are Complex
School bus accident claims are often complex. When children are very seriously injured, it can have long-term consequences, affecting their development and quality of life from a very young age. This can lead to uncertainty about what the child’s life might look like going forward. The full impact of these injuries and how they affect the child’s future should be considered when filing a claim.
Additionally, the school transportation system has several moving parts that may come into play. Multiple parties may share responsibility for what occurred, including the bus driver. Identifying who can be held accountable is often challenging without the assistance of an experienced legal professional.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents in Calgary
A mix of driver errors, road conditions, and other factors may increase the risk of school bus accidents, including:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone
- Failing to adjust driving for harsh winter weather, causing icy roads and poor visibility
- Reckless or careless drivers in other vehicles
- Inadequate school bus driver training or supervision
Calgary’s icy winters, dense urban traffic, and infrastructure issues can compromise safety on the road, leading to traffic accidents.
Common Injuries in School Bus Accidents
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Psychological trauma
Determining Liability After a School Bus Accident
Personal injury law in Alberta is based on proving negligence, which means demonstrating that someone failed to act as they were legally expected to, causing the accident.
Several parties have a responsibility to make school buses reasonably safe for your child, including:
- The bus driver
- The bus driver’s manager or supervisor
- The school bus company
While bus driver errors or other negligent drivers are often the cause of bus accidents, others may also share responsibility. A skilled lawyer can help identify the at-fault party and explain next steps.
When the Bus Driver or School Board May Be Liable
The driver could be held legally responsible (liable) if their action or inaction is deemed negligent. Some examples of negligence include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Texting or being distracted while driving
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Failing to follow safety protocols
What Compensation May Be Available After a Calgary School Bus Accident?
When another person causes your child’s injuries, your family deserves support for all the ways your lives have been affected, including:
- Medical bills and the cost of future medical care
- Mental health care
- Parental lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
What To Do After a School Bus Accident in Calgary
After a school bus injury, your child’s health is, of course, your top priority. Additionally, there are steps you can take to protect your right to take legal action:
Protecting Your Child’s Health and Well-Being
Even if your child seems unharmed from the accident, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injury symptoms are not apparent right away, or your child may be reluctant to see a doctor and not speak up about pain.
After seeing a doctor, it’s important to follow all recommended treatment plans and medical advice.
Preserving Important Evidence
During your child’s treatment, keep track of medical records and related expenses. You can also document their recovery and how the injury affects your child or even your family’s daily life. A lawyer can use this documentation to prove the full scope of your child’s suffering.
Other important pieces of evidence to consider include accident reports and witness statements from those who were present at the time of the accident. A lawyer can also collect these items to support your claim.
How Litco Law Supports Families After School Bus Accidents
We understand the devastating impact a school bus accident can have on your family. That’s why we handle every step of the legal process, from start to finish, so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
Many families are surprised to learn that insurance companies are reluctant to pay the full value of their claims. Our goal is to balance the power between you and the insurance companies that may try to pay you less than you deserve.
Since 1976, Litco Law has proudly served clients in Calgary and throughout Alberta with compassionate support and award-winning legal services. Here’s how our child injury lawyers in Calgary can help your family:
- Providing free consultations to answer your questions
- Conducting a thorough investigation to determine fault
- Communicating with the insurance companies
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court when necessary
Along with free consultations, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement we recover for you, and you’ll know that percentage before you ever hire us.
A Client-Centered Experience
Our team takes an unwavering client-first approach to every claim, putting your needs at the centre of everything we do. We will meticulously handle every aspect of your claim from start to resolution, providing clear communication and regular updates, so you can focus on your child’s well-being.
Hear From Litco Law’s Clients
Voted Calgary’s Top Choice Personal Injury Law Firm 12 years in a row, we are exceptionally proud of the service we provide to those who need us most. Here’s what clients say about working with our team:
- “Litco Law has been absolutely amazing! Their entire team has gone above and beyond to support me throughout my car accident process. They are professional, compassionate, and truly care about their clients. I’m so happy with the service and communication I’ve received from start to finish. Highly recommend this incredible law firm to anyone looking for a team that genuinely has your back!” – Anna K.
- “Over the last 18 months Litco has consistently worked to make a frustrating and exhausting situation as easy as could be hoped for. I’m appreciative for both the support and outcome, and would certainly recommend.” – Kristen J
Our Calgary Legal Team Can Help You Today
When you need a trusted lawyer to guide your family through the challenging time that follows a school bus accident, Litco Law is ready to help. You’ll have your own personal legal team, what we call a “pod,” assigned to your claim. This means you have dedicated lawyers, a case manager, a client care specialist, and a legal assistant working together to support and advocate for your child throughout the claims process.
Call (403) 273-8580 or contact us online for a free consultation with Lawyers You’ll Love.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Bus Accident Claims
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about school bus accidents. To get answers specific to your situation, reach out to our team today.
How Long Do I Have To File a School Bus Accident Claim in Alberta?
For most school bus accident claims, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Calgary, or your right to do so is lost forever. However, there are some exceptions for minors that may apply to your situation.
What Should I Do if the School Says They Are “Handling It”?
Even if the school says they’re on top of the situation, it’s still important to advocate for your child and hold the school accountable. You have a limited time to take legal action, so we recommend working with an experienced accident lawyer who can ensure your claim is progressing and that you’re being treated fairly.
Do I Need a Lawyer if My Child Seems Okay After the Accident?
Even if your child seems fine, you can schedule a free consultation with a lawyer to see if you might benefit from legal assistance or how they can help with your claim. It doesn’t hurt to explore your legal options. If nothing else you’ll be armed with more information than you had before.
How Are School Bus Accident Settlements Assessed?
Determining a settlement after a school bus accident is a process of ensuring your child’s recovery and future are fully protected. It’s less about a simple formula and more about addressing the physical and emotional impact on their life.
The insurance company will assess your claim, which could include reviewing your child’s medical care needs, pain and suffering, and other losses, before offering a settlement. A lawyer can guide you through this process and evaluate whether a settlement offer reflects the full value of your claim.
What if My Child Was Emotionally Traumatized but Not Physically Injured?
Even if your child did not suffer a physical injury, emotional trauma can be just as serious and debilitating. You may be able to claim compensation for your child’s suffering and the effects on their mental health.
Can I Claim Lost Income if I Had To Miss Work To Care for My Child?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of future income related to caring for your injured child. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure that the full picture of all the effects on your lives is recognized and accounted for.
Have questions about the Alberta government’s proposed shift to a no-fault (Care-First) system? Wondering how it will impact injured Albertans?
