School Bus and Bus Stop Accident

When a routine school day turns into an emergency, families are left facing more than just fear. Whether your child was hit at a bus stop or involved in a crash while riding a school bus, these accidents can bring real physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Burnham Law Firm, we help families understand what their options are—and how Louisiana law applies to school-related transportation injuries.

 

Common Scenarios We Handle

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We represent individuals and families in cases involving:

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• Children struck by vehicles while waiting at a bus stop

• School buses hit by other drivers

• Bus drivers causing injury due to negligent driving

• Lack of supervision or unsafe pickup/drop-off practices

• Poorly maintained or defective buses or bus equipment

 

Each of these cases presents different legal questions about fault, insurance coverage, and who is legally responsible.

 

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

 

In school bus and bus stop accident cases, the responsible party might be:

 

• A negligent driver who ignored traffic laws near a school bus

• A school district or bus company that failed to follow safety procedures

• A bus manufacturer or maintenance provider, in the case of mechanical failure

 

Liability in these cases depends on the details. In Louisiana, public school buses are typically operated by the local school board, which may affect how claims are handled under state law, including damage caps and required notice procedures for public entities.

 

Stopping for School Buses

 

Under La. R.S. § 32:80, drivers must stop at least thirty feet away from a school bus when it is loading or unloading children and its visual signals are activated. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the signals are turned off.

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Bus drivers can report violations within 24 hours using a sworn statement with two witnesses. If the vehicle’s license plate and description are included, law enforcement may issue a citation to the vehicle’s owner or lessee—unless the car was stolen or another driver is cited. Penalties for breaking this law vary:

 

• No injury: $100–$500 fine, up to 6 months in jail, possible license suspension

• Injury: $200–$500 fine, up to 6 months in jail, up to 90-day suspension

• Serious bodily injury: $500–$1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, up to 180-day suspension

• Death: $1,000–$5,000 fine, up to 12 months in jail, up to 360-day suspension

 

"Serious bodily injury" includes unconsciousness, extreme pain, disfigurement, long-term impairment, or a substantial risk of death.

 

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

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If your child was injured in a bus-related accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for:

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• Medical expenses, including future treatment

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Lost time from school or developmental impacts

• Long-term disability or impairment

 

If you were the driver or passenger injured in a collision with a school bus, you may also have a right to pursue a claim depending on the facts of the accident.

 

What to Do After a Bus Stop or School Bus Accident

 

• Get medical care immediately, even for injuries that seem minor

• Report the accident to the police and school officials

• Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries

• Get witness names and contact information

• Request a copy of the bus video, if available—school buses often have cameras onboard

• Speak with a lawyer before dealing with the school board or any insurance company

 

Talk to a Lawyer Who Handles These Cases

 

Bus and bus stop accident claims involve a mix of public school liability laws, insurance coverage issues, and child injury standards. They can be complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

 

At Burnham Law Firm, we handle injury cases involving children and know how to investigate these types of accidents thoroughly. If your child has been hurt, you don’t have to guess your way through the process.

 

Let us help you understand your options. We’ll walk you through the next steps.