School Bus Accident Attorneys in Ohio and Pennsylvania
Serving Clients with Offices in Cleveland, Chardon, Youngstown, and Lorain
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road. However, the greatest danger to children isn’t during the ride—it’s when they’re approaching the bus to board or exiting the bus at their stop.
Due to the sheer size and height of a school bus, drivers often have limited visibility around the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle. Children who cross directly in front of or behind the bus—or who run alongside it—may be completely hidden from view. That’s why school bus drivers must exercise extreme caution and visually clear their surroundings before moving the bus.
The risk is further compounded by other drivers who ignore school bus stop arms or fail to slow down in school zones, putting children in harm’s way. School transportation directors also play a crucial role in safety. Routes should be planned carefully to minimize the need for children to cross dangerous or high-traffic roads, especially when a safer stop location is available on the same side of the street.
At Lowe Trial Lawyers, we’re committed to holding negligent drivers, school districts, and transportation providers accountable when preventable tragedies occur. Every child deserves to get to and from school safely—and we’re here to help make that happen.
If your family has been affected by a school bus accident, reach out to us today.
How to Get Help
Lowe Trial Lawyers carefully analyze each individual case to provide the best options and solutions. If you or a loved one have experienced a school bus accident injury, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation.
Other types of vehicle crash cases that we handle:
Frequently Asked Questions About School Bus
Are Ohio school districts immune from lawsuits?
Generally, they have “sovereign immunity,” but ORC § 2744.02(B)(1) provides various exceptions including, for the negligent operation of a motor vehicle by an employee or the negligent or dangerous condition of its property or premises.You can sue the district if a school bus caused the crash.
What are the rules for stopping for a school bus in Ohio?
ORC § 4511.75 requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet away from a bus with flashing lights. On a road with four or more lanes, only traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Can a student recover for injuries inside the bus?
Yes. If a student is injured due to driver negligence (sudden stops, failure to monitor behavior) or mechanical failure, the school district’s insurance may be liable. If a student is injured due to the negligence of another motorist, the student may bring a claim against the other driver.
