Blog

When you put your child on the school bus in the morning, the last thing you expect is to get a call about a crash. But school bus accidents do happen, and when they do, it’s not always clear who’s legally responsible.

At Benjamin Levine Law, we’re here to help Cranberry Township families understand what comes next. Whether your child was injured, traumatized, or just involved in a scary situation, here’s what you need to know about liability and your legal options.

What Causes School Bus Accidents?

School buses are statistically one of the safest forms of transportation, but they’re not immune to crashes. Common causes of bus-related accidents include:

• Driver negligence (speeding, fatigue, distraction)
• Other reckless drivers who hit the bus
• Mechanical failure (faulty brakes, tire blowouts)
• Poor road conditions or lack of signage
• School district oversight failures

Who Could Be Held Liable?

Unlike a typical fender bender, school bus crashes often involve multiple layers of liability. Depending on the facts, one or more of the following may be responsible:

• The bus driver: If they were distracted, speeding, or impaired
• The school district or private transportation company: If they hired unqualified drivers, failed to maintain the vehicle, or ignored safety complaints
• Another driver: If a third-party vehicle caused the collision
• A vehicle manufacturer or repair shop: If a defect or faulty maintenance contributed

Every case is fact-specific, which is why an investigation is crucial.

What Rights Do Parents Have in Pennsylvania?

If your child was injured, you may have the right to:

• Recover medical expenses
• Get compensation for emotional trauma
• Hold negligent parties accountable
• Prevent future incidents by demanding change

In Pennsylvania, there’s a limited window to take legal action, especially if a public school district is involved—so don’t wait.

What Should You Do After a School Bus Crash?

• Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries

• Document everything: Take photos, save hospital records, and get witness info

• Request the incident report from the school or police

• Contact an attorney to protect your rights and start the investigation

How Benjamin Levine Law Can Help?

We know how terrifying it is when your child is involved in an accident. Our team at Benjamin Levine Law is experienced in handling school transportation injury cases, and we’ll fight to make sure your family gets the support and answers you deserve.

📞 Call us at (878) 309-1751

📍 Or visit our Cranberry Township office for a free consultation

When the system fails, we step in to protect what matters most, your child.