Georgia Bus Driver Charged Following Crash that Killed Another Driver and Injured Six Children
A school bus driver in Gainesville, Georgia has been charged following an accident that injured six children and killed another driver. The crash involved a Hall County school bus and a Mitsubishi Galant. It occurred at approximately 3 p.m. during the end of the school day. A Hall County spokesperson reports that the bus was carrying 31 children from a local elementary school when it apparently crashed into the Galant. A witness has stated that the bus pulled out in front of the car, running it entirely over. The driver inside the vehicle was tragically declared dead at the scene of the accident. Several children inside the bus suffered injuries, though thankfully none were too serious. Injuries included hurt backs, legs, and noses. Officials have noted their intent to charge the at fault driver for the accident.
Bus Accidents Can Inflict Devastating Injuries
School, commercial, and city bus accidents can cause serious injuries and even death to innocent passengers as well as occupants of other vehicles. Bus accidents will vary significantly from car accidents because they involve, at times, unique laws, particularly when a city or county bus is responsible for the accident.
Most school bus related injuries happen when a school bus is involved in an accident with another vehicle or while children are boarding or getting off the bus. Most school buses are currently not equipped with seat belts, although there has been a significant push to install safety belts on all school buses. A lack of seat belts leaves children vulnerable to injury if they fall out of their seats during an accident or when a bus driver brakes suddenly or makes a sharp turn.
Negligent school bus drivers can cause accidents that result in serious injuries to the occupants of other motor vehicles as well as their own. In Georgia, when a child is injured or killed in a school bus accident caused by the bus driver's negligence, the child and his or her parents should have a claim against the bus driver and the driver's employer, which is generally the local school board. This claim will be subject to some immunities and statutes of limitations. School bus related accident claims are complex and will require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who is prepared to navigate the various immunity laws and related limitations to bus accident claims. Anyone injured in a school bus accident should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Decades of Experience To Work On Your Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, contact the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our law firm is dedicated to assisting injured car accident victims across Georgia and in the Southeast. We bring over 39 years of experience to your personal injury case, providing you with the dedicated representation you need to obtain the best possible outcome. The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of a licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.