We know that injuries happen to all kinds of people in various situations. Still, when your child is involved in an accident, there is an additional layer of fear and concern added to the problem, and understandably so.
If your child gets hurt while riding the school bus, you should be prepared to act by knowing what to do.
Assessing your child’s injury
To begin, evaluate your child’s injuries. If an ambulance has not arrived, you should take your child to a medical facility regardless of how serious they appear and feel. If there are serious injuries, let the paramedics decide what to do.
Reporting the accident
Notify all relevant authorities, including the school district’s management, about the accident as soon as possible. Ensure a formal record of what happened and your child’s injuries, and ask for a copy of those records and that report.
Gathering evidence
Most people are so overwhelmed during and after an accident that they do not consider gathering evidence, even though it could be very helpful in the future.
Take pictures and videos of the scene if you have a smartphone, write down as much as you can about what happened, and ask witnesses for their contact details.
Consulting with an attorney
There are many reasons to contact an attorney after an accident like this, for example:
- significant medical expenses
- loss of school/educational time
- long-term disabilities
- possible negligence
While you might initially think one thing caused the accident, it might be another. An experienced attorney knows what to look for. Ensure you show them a copy of all the information you compiled, as it may be critical in determining fault or negligence.
Filing a claim
If necessary, you may have to file a claim. Your attorney will guide you through this process; you should not be afraid. The claim could be against the school, an insurer or a personal injury lawsuit.
Monitoring medical treatment
After the accident, monitor everything that happens with your child, including any symptoms or physical manifestations of potential conditions and all medical updates and records when you take your child to the doctor.
A child suffering an injury on their bus ride to or from school is a shocking event, and most parents will want to secure their children and find out what happened.
Having an advocate on your side can help you ask the right questions to obtain the information you need to make informed decisions.