As a parent, the last thing you want is for your child to get hurt. As such, if they sustain injuries in a school bus accident, you likely want to file a personal injury claim against the other party. To find success with this venture, though, you’ll need to be aware of some important information. The following questions and answers will help you get started and develop a solid plan moving forward. 

Questions About Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a School Bus Accident

Who should you file against?

Your first instinct might be to file against the driver in question, but this will likely not be the most effective approach. The driver will be covered by the school’s insurance, which means they won’t be personally held liable for any injuries or damages sustained while they’re on the clock. Instead, opt to file against either the school or the staffing agency that supports the driver.

What kinds of damages can you seek on your child’s behalf?

Your attorney will help you recover compensation for any medical expenses incurred, including hospital and ambulance bills, medications, rehabilitation, and travel expenses. They may also help you recover compensation for pain and suffering if your child sustains emotional trauma after the crash.

What type of evidence will you need?

First, you’ll need to prove your child actually sustained their injuries in a crash caused by the driver and not in an outside event. To do this, gather statements from witnesses, as well as photographic or video footage evidence, if possible—this can usually be obtained from nearby street cameras or store security systems. You will also need to utilize medical reports to prove the extent of their damages and how the accident directly caused them harm. 

How long do you have to file?

The key to ensuring minimal disruption in your personal injury claim is to file in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. In Massachusetts, you have three years from the date of the accident to file. Once the proceedings are underway, you should be safe from time restrictions, and you should expect to spend anywhere from six months to two years on the case. 

If your child was hurt in a school bus accident and you want to file a personal injury case on their behalf, talk to the professionals at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. in Boston, MA. With more than 25 years of experience handling a variety of legal cases, from bicycle accidents to slip-and-falls, they have the skills and expertise needed to ensure a favorable outcome. Visit their website to browse their personal injury services or call (617) 778-1000 to schedule a consultation today.