According to the American School Bus Council, 26 million students ride a school bus each school day in the U.S., and most ride twice a day. Students deserve a safe, reliable way to get to school, and school bus crash victims deserve justice. If you or a loved one were injured by a negligent school bus driver, schedule a free consultation with Maginnis Howard for experienced, personalized representation.
How Common Are School Bus Crashes?
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles reported a total of 1,125 school bus crashes in 2024. Of these incidents, 258 resulted in injuries, while three crashes unfortunately caused fatalities. Mecklenburg County experienced the highest number of school bus crashes, with 182 incidents. Following closely was Wake County, with 106 crashes recorded. These concerning figures highlight the urgent need for increased caution among school bus drivers and all other drivers on the road, underscoring the importance of vigilant, responsible driving to prevent future accidents.
Why School Bus Crashes are Different
Buses outweigh and outsize most vehicles, excluding other large trucks. Because of this, when another vehicle gets in a crash with a bus, the greater weight of the bus has the potential to crush a car upon impact, and, depending on the circumstances of the accident and how fast each vehicle is going, chances are the passengers in the other vehicle will be seriously injured.
Additionally, buses are often slower to stop due to their size and weight, which can make accidents more severe. Their larger turning radius and limited maneuverability can also increase the risk of collisions in tight spaces or heavy traffic. These factors underscore the importance of cautious driving around buses to prevent accidents and protect all road users.
Making a Claim For Damages
Treatment for injuries related to school bus accidents can be costly. Depending on the severity of a crash, the injured person might need hospitalization, surgery, or rehabilitative therapy. An accident victim could also lose income while unable to work. Those with disabling injuries may require ongoing medical care or personal assistance for years. There might also be permanent disfiguring scars. These costs—past, present, and future—must be taken into account after a school bus crash. If the bus driver is at fault, all victims should be compensated for their pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, the process for recovering compensation after a North Carolina school bus accident is complicated. Claims may generally be filed against the school bus driver in the North Carolina Industrial Commission. While some cases may settle, many must be heard at trial before an Industrial Commissioner. That’s why it’s essential to hire an experienced school bus accident attorney who can represent you or your loved one’s best interests.
Why Choose Maginnis Howard
Maginnis Howard’s lead personal injury attorney, T. Shawn Howard, is experienced in handling school bus accident cases where the school bus driver was at fault. He has represented other North Carolinians in claims before the Industrial Commission and successfully obtained a $1.3 million settlement for the family of a 14-year-old child who was killed while trying to board the school bus.
Contact Us
Maginnis Howard provides compassionate support to accident victims across the Carolinas. We understand the stress and uncertainty that victims and their families face, and we work to ease their burden. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we manage every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery. Our team takes a personalized approach to each case, so you’ll never be just a case number. Whether your case involves serious injury or a minor claim, we are ready to help. We accept cases of any size. Contact our offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, or Fayetteville, or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
