When you send your child off to school in the morning, the last thing you should be worried about is your child's safety while traveling on a school bus. It is reasonable to expect that the school bus driver will exercise the utmost caution while transporting the precious cargo aboard the bus. Unfortunately, even the most careful bus drivers can still sometimes get into an accident, and if your child is on the bus at the wrong time, the consequences could be disastrous.The statistics regarding school bus accidents are very sobering:* Approximately 450,000 school buses transport our nation's children to and from school every day* Each year, roughly 17,000 children go to the emergency room for injuries sustained in a school bus accident* Since 1990, there have been more than 1,450 school bus accident fatalities, and over 40% of these fatal accidents occurred between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pmCauses of School Bus AccidentsDue to the excessively large size and poor maneuverability of school buses, they pose a particular danger on our roads. Even though they move at slow speeds, they have the potential to cause serious injuries to passengers, especially in the event of a rollover accident.Some of the most common causes of school bus accidents include:* Driver negligence* Dangerous roadways* Adverse weather conditions* Improper maintenance* Defective school bus* Driver inattentiveness when children are crossing in front of the busSchool Bus Accident InjuriesDue to the serious nature of injuries sustained in a school bus accident, these tragic incidents can drastically alter the lives of your children. Often, major surgery and long term rehabilitation is necessary to recover from a school bus accident. Often the cost of this treatment can cripple a hard working family.Some of the most common school bus accident injuries include:* Brain injuries* Broken bones* Spinal cord injuries* Burn injuries* Cuts, bruises, and lacerations* Internal injuries* DeathReceiving Compensation for your InjuriesIf your child has been injured in a school bus accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your child's damages. It is important to consult an experienced school bus accident lawyer who understands the laws governing these accidents in your state. Often, it will take tough negotiations with the bus company's insurance carrier to secure a fair settlement. All too often, insurance companies will go to great lengths to deny your claim or minimize their payout.Depending on who was responsible for the accident, you may be able to receive compensation from:* The bus company* The bus driver* The driver of another vehicle involved in the accident* The bus manufacturer* The company responsible for bus maintenanceAn experienced school bus accident attorney will be able to evaluate the details of your case to help you determine who is liable for your child's injuries.