School bus accidents can be devastating, leaving families and children traumatized and injured. If your child has been involved in a school bus accident in Santa Rosa, you need an experienced legal team to protect their rights and secure the compensation they deserve. At Flahavan Law, we specialize in personal injury cases, including school bus accidents, and we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of injured children and their families.
Common Causes of School Bus Accidents in Santa Rosa
School buses are generally considered safe, but accidents still happen due to negligence. Some of the most common causes of school bus accidents in Santa Rosa include:
- Distracted Driving – Bus drivers may be distracted by phones, GPS devices, or conversations, leading to collisions.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving – Failure to follow traffic laws increases the risk of accidents.
- Poor Bus Maintenance – Faulty brakes, worn tires, or mechanical failures can cause crashes.
- Driver Fatigue – Long hours without proper rest can impair a driver’s reaction time.
- Other Negligent Drivers – Motorists who ignore bus stop signs or fail to yield can cause severe accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, or slippery roads can contribute to accidents if drivers are not cautious.
When negligence leads to a school bus accident, injured children and their families have the right to pursue legal action.
Injuries Commonly Seen in School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents can result in serious injuries, including:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries (whiplash, spinal damage)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
Children are especially vulnerable in bus accidents because they may not be properly restrained. While California law requires seat belts on school buses, not all buses have them, and enforcement varies. If your child was injured due to a lack of safety measures, you may have a strong legal claim.
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Who Is Liable in a Santa Rosa School Bus Accident?
Determining liability is crucial in a school bus accident case. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The Bus Driver – If they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent.
- The School District or Transportation Company – If they failed to maintain the bus or hired an unqualified driver.
- Other Drivers – If a reckless motorist caused the crash.
- Bus Manufacturers – If a defect in the bus design or parts contributed to the accident.
An experienced attorney from Flahavan Law can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and hold the right parties accountable.
What to Do After a School Bus Accident in Santa Rosa
If your child has been involved in a school bus accident, take these steps to protect their rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms appear later.
- Report the Accident – Ensure the incident is documented by the school and local authorities.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of the scene, collect witness statements, and keep medical records.
- Contact our Santa Rosa School Bus Accident Lawyer – An experienced accident attorney at Flahavan Law can help navigate insurance claims and legal action. Let us help relieve your stress.
Why Choose Flahavan Law for Your Santa Rosa School Bus Accident Case?
At Flahavan Law, we understand how overwhelming a school bus accident can be for families. Our dedicated legal team will:
- Investigate Thoroughly – We work with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault.
- Handle Insurance Companies – We negotiate aggressively to ensure fair compensation.
- Pursue Maximum Compensation – This includes medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care costs.
- Provide Compassionate Support – We treat every client like family, offering personalized legal guidance.