A couple of students were injured in a school bus crash that happened in Charles County, Maryland, on December 19.
According to news reports, around 4:30 p.m. the bus was hit by another vehicle that had ran a stop sign in the Pinefield neighborhood of Walforf.
Two or three students were taken to the hospital after the accident but did not appear to have life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to the hospital.
School bus accidents, while relatively rare compared to other motor vehicle accidents, can be particularly concerning given the precious cargo they carry. According to the National Safety Council, school bus crashes killed 104 people nationwide in 2022. In the majority of these cases those who were injured in a school bus accident were occupants in other vehicles — however, about 36 percent of the school bus passengers were injured.
When a school bus accident occurs, the immediate priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of all students aboard. The bus driver should first assess the situation, checking for injuries while keeping students calm and seated if it’s safe to do so. They must then contact emergency services and the school administration immediately. The school district typically has established protocols for accident response, including notifying parents and coordinating with first responders.
Parents whose children are involved in a school bus accident should remain calm and wait for information from the school district. While the natural instinct might be to rush to the accident scene, this can complicate emergency response efforts. Schools generally have systems in place to notify parents about their children’s status and provide instructions about where to reunite with them.
Documentation becomes essential in the aftermath of a bus accident. This includes gathering witness statements, preserving video footage if available, taking photographs of the accident scene, and maintaining detailed records of any injuries. School districts typically conduct thorough investigations in conjunction with law enforcement to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
If your child was injured in a school bus accident anywhere in the DMV, our DC school bus accident lawyers can help. Contact Regan Zambri Long today to schedule a free consultation.
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This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. If you or a loved one has been injured, please seek immediate medical care.