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School Buses are Back in Action

Sep 18, 2019

With summer almost officially over, this not only means a change in foliage and arrival of cooler temperatures, but it also signals the return of kids back to school. The roads become more congested and more accidents occur. We do not usually think about school buses when it comes to car accidents. After all, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has labeled them the safest vehicles on the road.

However, last year some 148 accidents involving school buses were reported in Arizona. Those accidents resulted in nearly 40 serious injuries and four deaths. The cost of a school bus injury can be staggering, especially when it comes to children suffering injuries. It can also be difficult to prove who is at fault for the accident.

School District Negligence

Not all, but many school buses are owned and operated by the school district. This means that the district is legally obligated to ensure that their buses are safe for transportation, are operated only by qualified drivers, and receive routine maintenance based on state guidelines and standards. When an accident involving a school bus occurs, the blame is often directed at the school district first. Even if the bus driver acted negligently or their poor driving resulted in the accident, the district may be the party responsible for the accident. This is because, in some situations, employers are responsible for the actions of their employees.

Negligence of a Private Bus Company

In some situations, the school district may hire a private bus company to bus the kids to and from school. This may mean that the district is not responsible for accidents that occur. Instead, it could be the private company based on the level of involvement the school has with the company. For example, if the school is required to audit or monitor the private company, the school district may still assume part of the liability.

Manufacturer Negligence

Some accidents may be due to technical defects of the bus. If a mechanical malfunction that was outside of the driver or school district’s control caused the accident, the blame may be placed on the bus manufacturer due to product liability laws. These laws hold manufacturers liable for releasing products that are defective into the market.

Negligence of Other Drivers

In many situations, it is neither the fault of the bus driver, school district, or manufacturer. Instead, the injuries and damages are due to another driver’s negligence. Whether the other driver was speeding, tailgating, texting, and driving, or disobeying traffic laws, if they caused the accident, they may be held responsible for the injuries and damages that they caused.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or your child has been injured in a school bus accident, it is important that you seek legal counsel to ensure that your rights are protected and you get the compensation for your injuries that you deserve. Contact Wattel & York, Attorneys at Law today to schedule a consultation.

Online Reviews

“Amazing people, they had my claim for about a week before they were able to get my truck totaled out. Otherwise I would have been stuck with a truck that had heavy front end damage if they hadn’t stepped in to help me. I tried to deal with my insurance company myself for over a month and that got me nowhere, all I got was a massive headache and a messed up truck. They are very professional and act quickly on your claim. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for help.”

Candy J.

2/9/2020

“I was in an accident and decided to call Wattel and York. After months of going to a Chiropractor, I finally felt better. When it came time for settlement, the insurance company was making an offer I wanted to accept, Mr. Wattel advised against it and felt the insurance company was shortchanging me. He recommended I file a lawsuit and that will get them to cave. Well, Dave filed suit, and sure enough, the insurance company increased their offer by $4,000! I am very satisfied with how my case was handled.”

Nardeasha S.

20/20/2020

“Wattel & York were flat out outstanding with my personal injury case. They made the process painless and kept in constant communication throughout the entire time. Any questions I might’ve had were promptly answered and detail oriented. They gave me crucial advice that I would’ve otherwise not been aware of. I couldn’t have asked for more from them. Put your trust in these guys, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Wattel & York.”

Mattew P.

13/9/2020

“Thank you so much for all your hard work on our behalf! Thinking I could handle it on my own, I was originally reluctant to take my accident claim to an attorney. But I am SO glad I called you instead. Your people were always helpful, pleasant and responsive at every step along the way. You represented us with honesty and integrity and made a traumatic experience as painless as it could be. And best of all, you helped us get a settlement that was fair and far more than I could ever have negotiated on my own! I highly recommend Wattel &York to anyone who has suffered a personal injury.”

Cathy M.

“I was the passenger in a vehicle that was 'T- Boned' at an intersection in 2014. The issues of responsibility and recovery became a difficult and convoluted confusion. I really needed help. This Team at Wattel and York walked me patiently and encouragingly through difficult months, sorting through issues and finally arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. I especially want to name two great and encouraging "warriors" of Wattel and York who directed me along the way..Brian Torba and Melissa Patterson..to them and the whole team I say "Thank You" with heart felt gratitude. Sincerely, God Bless You.”

Robert G.

“Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Partnership. Wattel & York brought all of these qualities and more to my accident case. I'd love to thank all of the team members who helped me with the process: David Guzman, who conducted the initial interview in my home, Aly Shomar-Esparza, who seamlessly guided me through paperwork and filings, Debbie Harrach, who conducted final review, paperwork revisions and scheduling, and Thomas Grisoni, who counseled me before and attended my deposition. I never felt alone during the arduous process and always knew there was a professional team looking out for my best interest. I highly recommend Wattel & York if you are unfortunately involved in an accident that was not your fault.”

Russ W.

“I was a passenger in a car that got t-boned a few years ago and got a huge gash. I didn't know a lot about lawyers, so I basically just picked one on the flip of a coin. I called Wattel and York and they explained everything, I went into the office and filled out paperwork. Got treatment on my gash over the time I worked with them, glad I did as it opened back up a couple times and bled. They did really good, got me the maximum amount of money, and made sure I was well taken care of. I was updated from time to time so that was good. The only thing I might change is I never got to thank or talk to my lawyer. I think it was because I was already used to dealing with the lady at their Glendale office so they just kept her as my point of contact. So it's okay, I'll thank them with a good review. The last thing I could say about them is months after I thought my case was over they called me and said they had another check for me for a few hundred dollars. Apparently, they negotiated with the hospital I went to after the accident. It was a nice surprise and shows they really had my interests in mind.”

Trent B.

“Wattel & York has been great for me in the past few years. I was involved in a really bad accident while I was on Active Duty in Yuma, Arizona and they have been patient with me every step of the way through a very long process. I would recommend them to anyone thank you for all your help.”

Levy G.

“Appreciate David taking the time to speak with me. He was most kind. From the front line with the receptionist, to him, the firm was a class act all the way around.”

Claire B.

“Dave Wattel represented me and my son on a Personal Injury case from a motor vehicle accident back in 2009. Jake P. handled my deposition and Dave did the Quarterbacking. The insurance company hired NFL referee Ed Hochuli's firm to try and deny our claim. But Wattel & York made it look as easy as Tom Brady on the football field. The result was more than acceptable and my son and I were compensated for our injuries and rehabilitation. Dave Wattel cares about his clients. If I ever find myself in a situation like this again, Wattel & York will be on speed dial!!”

Vince C.

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