Ensuring the safety of our children is a top priority, especially when it comes to their commute to and from school. Pennsylvania’s updated school bus law, effective in 2024, takes significant steps to protect children by creating safer conditions around school buses. For parents, this law not only aims to prevent accidents but also empowers families to hold negligent drivers accountable if their actions lead to harm.
At Freeburn Law, we’ll walk you through how the law protects children, the serious risks when drivers fail to stop, and the steps parents can take if their child has been injured in a school bus-related accident.
How the New Law Protects Children
The 2024 update to Pennsylvania’s school bus laws introduces stronger measures to enhance the protection of children. Key changes include:
- Expanded Stopping Distance: Drivers must now stop at least 15 feet away from a school bus when its stop arm is extended or its red lights are flashing, up from the previous requirement of 10 feet. This added buffer provides children with more space to safely cross the road.
- Automated Enforcement Systems: The law expands the use of automated side stop signal arm cameras to capture violations. These systems record license plates of vehicles that fail to stop, helping authorities hold offenders accountable.
By focusing on prevention through better enforcement and safer stopping guidelines, this law is designed to create a more secure environment for children traveling to and from school.
The Real Impact of Failing to Stop for a School Bus
When drivers disregard a school bus’s stop arm or flashing red lights, the results can be devastating. Children getting on or off a bus are often in a rush and might not anticipate a car that fails to stop. These bus-related accidents often happen in moments of carelessness, but the consequences can have a lasting emotional and physical toll on families and communities.
Parents of injured children face unimaginable stress, from hospital visits to ongoing therapies. It’s not just about the physical recovery but also rebuilding a sense of safety for their children. No parent should have to bear this hardship because of someone else’s negligence.
Common Injuries in School Bus-Related Accidents
Children involved in school bus-related accidents may suffer from a variety of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Broken Bones and Fractures: These are common when a child is struck by a car or falls during an accident.
- Head Injuries: Even minor impacts can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which may cause long-term cognitive or physical challenges.
- Internal Injuries: These injuries, often invisible at first glance, can result from impact forces and may require immediate medical intervention.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, children may experience anxiety, PTSD, or emotional distress after an accident.
When these injuries occur, it is crucial for parents to seek immediate medical attention and document the child’s condition thoroughly.
What Parents Should Do After a School Bus-Related Accident
If your child has been injured in a school bus-related accident, it’s essential to act quickly to protect their well-being and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, have your child evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, might not be immediately obvious.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident location, the bus, and any involved vehicles. Record details such as the time, weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident, including other parents, drivers, or bystanders.
- Retain Records: Save all medical bills, treatment plans, and any communications with schools or law enforcement related to the incident.
- Contact an Experienced Attorney: Accidents involving school buses can be legally complex. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, determine fault, and secure the compensation your family deserves.
Why the New Law Matters for Parents and Children
These updates to Pennsylvania’s school bus laws reflect a commitment to prioritizing children’s safety. By creating a more enforceable system and requiring drivers to give school buses adequate space, this law aims to reduce the number of preventable accidents.
For parents, this law provides some assurance that negligent behavior won’t go unnoticed. It also empowers them to demand accountability and fight for justice if a driver’s failure to stop causes harm to their child.
How Freeburn Law Can Help Families Affected by School Bus Accidents
At Freeburn Law, we understand the pain and uncertainty families experience after a school bus-related accident. Our team is dedicated to helping families protect their rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and secure the compensation they need for treatment, recovery, and rebuilding their lives.
With years of experience handling school bus and personal injury cases, we have the knowledge to reconstruct accidents, identify fault, and guide families through the legal process. We believe every child deserves to travel safely to and from school, and we won’t rest until we’ve done everything possible to make our communities safer.
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, don’t wait. Contact Freeburn Law today for a free consultation. Together, we’ll fight to protect your child’s rights and help your family move forward.
