According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riding in a school bus is seven times safer than going down the road in a car or truck. However, despite their high levels of safety, school buses are involved in numerous accidents each year. As a result, many children sustain serious injuries, sometimes never fully recovering physically or emotionally. When this happens, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced bus accident attorney who is specialized in handling these complex cases. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas have extensive experience in handling bus accident injury cases. If your child has sustained injuries due to a school bus accident, here are some important steps you should take.

Have Your Child Medically Evaluated

Even if your child did not sustain life-threatening injuries, it’s still important to have them medically evaluated after the accident. By doing so, you will not only ensure your child has no underlying injuries that went undetected initially, but you will also have medical documentation of any injuries sustained, and how they came about as a result of the accident.

Keep Accident-Related Information

When your child is involved in an accident while riding a school bus, your school district will send you information about the accident. When they do, never lose it or throw it away. Instead, file it away for future reference, since it could contain details that could prove crucial if you pursue legal action.

Talk to Other Parents

If possible, speak with the parents of other children involved in the accident. In many cases, it’s possible they may have witnessed the accident, or know someone who was a witness to the accident. If you do locate any eyewitnesses, try to obtain their contact information, and forward this to your attorney as soon as possible so they can be interviewed.

Document Your Child’s Progress

If you choose to pursue legal action regarding the accident, always make sure you carefully document your child’s healing process. Along with documenting their physical struggles, be sure to make note of any emotional or psychological problems related to the accident, such as nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. And if your child was involved in activities they can no longer do, such as sports, music lessons, or other activities, also document this, as it may be critical in determining the compensation you may be granted by a court. To make sure you have the necessary information and evidence, not only should you keep detailed notes, but also take photos or videos if possible.

Contact an Attorney

If your child is suffering from physical and emotional injuries as the result of a school bus accident, contact an attorney skilled in handling these cases as soon as possible. By doing so, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other issues related to the accident. Rather than suffer alone and fail to make those responsible for your child’s injuries be held accountable, work with an experienced school bus accident attorney. By doing so, you’ll take the first step toward receiving the full and fair compensation you and your child deserve.