What are the Most Common Causes of School Bus Accidents?

While school buses are considered one of the safest ways to transport children, unfortunately, accidents still happen. Whether due to driver mistakes, road conditions, or mechanical issues, these accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the causes, legal implications, and how to respond if your child is involved is essential for every parent.

At RTRLAW, we’re dedicated to protecting families affected by school bus accidents throughout Florida. We help you understand your rights and pursue justice when negligence plays a role.

What Are Some of the Potential Reasons for School Bus Accidents?

While generally safe, accidents involving school busses still occur and the consequences can be devastating. In a state like Florida, school bus crashes happen with concerning frequency, often due to a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and preventable negligence.

Florida experienced 282 school bus-related accidents from 2019 to 2021. About 15% of these incidents resulted in injuries, affecting nearly 400 children annually. The highest concentration of crashes occurred in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. According to sources, school bus accidents actually rose by 16% between 2012 and 2015, and that trend is continuing.

These statistics aren’t just numbers. They represent real families, real trauma, and long-term consequences for young students who were simply on their way to school.

The overwhelming majority of school bus accidents stem from human error. In many cases, it’s the other drivers on the road who are responsible, and not the bus drivers themselves.

Common causes include:

• Drivers illegally passing stopped school buses
• Speeding in school zones
• Ignoring crossing guards or traffic signals
• Distracted or impaired driving near schools

Bus drivers can also be at fault in some cases, especially when they:

• Drive while distracted or fatigued
• Fail to adhere to safety protocols
• Make poor decisions under pressure

Additionally, vehicle malfunctions such as brake failure, worn tires, or defective warning lights can increase the risk of a crash, particularly if regular maintenance is ignored.

Finally, poor weather conditions, such as Florida’s heavy summer rains and early morning fog, often reduce visibility and reaction time, making accidents more likely.

These dangers are not theoretical. Florida crashes tend to spike around the beginning of each school year, particularly in August and September, when roads become busier and drivers are still adjusting to new traffic patterns. High-population areas such as Broward and Miami-Dade counties consistently report the highest number of school bus-related incidents. Despite increased public service announcements and law enforcement crackdowns, many drivers still fail to yield or slow down in school zones.

What all of this points to is a pattern of preventable tragedy, and when you look at the data and the details, a few clear patterns emerge:

• School buses themselves are often safe. It’s how other people behave around them that’s dangerous.
• Negligence, poor oversight, or mechanical failure are recurring factors in serious crashes.
• These accidents are highly preventable with proper safety protocols, driver awareness, and legal enforcement.

At RTRLAW, we believe accountability matters. Parents shouldn’t have to worry every time their child steps onto a school bus. If your family has been impacted by a school bus accident in Florida, we are here to help you explore your options, hold negligent parties responsible, and pursue the justice you deserve.

Why Does the Cause of the School Bus Crash Matter?

When a school bus accident happens, it’s crucial to understand who or what caused it. Identifying the root cause helps determine whether a legal claim for compensation is possible.

If a bus driver was negligent, by texting, speeding, or running a stop sign, legal responsibility may fall on the school district or transportation company. If another driver ignored the stop arm or ran a red light, that individual may be liable.

In cases involving poor vehicle maintenance, the school district or a private bus contractor might be responsible. Meanwhile, unsafe roads or bus stops may place liability on city or county governments.

Proving negligence requires thorough investigation. That’s where RTRLAW comes in. We handle the details and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable.

What Should Parents Do After a School Bus Accident?

If your child is involved in a school bus accident, your first priority should be their health and safety. Even if they appear uninjured, seek medical attention right away, as some injuries can take time to become evident.

Next, try to document everything you can. Take photos of the scene, your child’s injuries, and any damage to the bus or other vehicles. Ask for a copy of the police report and get the names of any witnesses.

Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or signing documents before consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly, and for far less than you deserve.

At RTRLAW, we understand how emotional and confusing this time can be. We’ll guide you through the process, handle the legal aspects, and work to ensure your child receives proper care and compensation.

How Can RTRLAW Help After a School Bus Crash?

Our legal team has extensive experience handling school bus accident cases across Florida. We know how to investigate these incidents, identify liable parties, and push for maximum compensation.

We provide:

• Free, no-obligation consultations
• Thorough investigations, including accident reconstructions
• Negotiations with school districts, bus companies, or insurance carriers
• Litigation support if a fair settlement cannot be reached
• And most importantly, we never charge fees unless we win your case.

School bus accidents, while relatively rare compared to other types of crashes, can be devastating when they occur. The consequences are especially serious when they involve children. With these accidents on the rise in throughout Florida cities, it’s critical that families understand their rights and take action when something goes wrong.

If your child was injured in a school bus accident due to someone else’s negligence, RTRLAW is here to help. Call us today at 1‑833‑HIRE‑RTR or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.