School Bus Accident Outside Bloomington Results in Fatality

 Posted on December 07, 2018 in School Bus Accidents

On Wednesday, December 5th, 2018, a school bus was struck by a commercial truck that was heading the wrong direction on I-74, south of Bloomington. The bus was carrying the Normal Community West High School girls’ basketball team. A 72-year-old volunteer was fatally injured in the accident, but fortunately, none of the student athletes suffered severe injuries in the collision. The accident reminded parents throughout the state of Illinois of the real possibility of their child’s school bus colliding with another vehicle. Every parent worries about the safety of their children, and if tragedy strikes, and your child is involved in a school bus accident, you should contact a legal team that will support you and your family in your time of need. 

School Bus Fatality Statistics

When our children ride a school vehicle, we put our trust in the school and the bus driver to take care of our children. Sadly, school bus accidents are more common than most of us would like to believe. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) analyzed school vehicle fatalities from 2004 to 2013. In that time period, more than 1,200 Americans were fatally injured in these types of accidents. Every year, approximately 134 people die in these tragic accidents throughout the United States. 

School Bus Injuries and Causes

Due to the fact that students riding in school buses are not mandated to wear seatbelts, they can suffer incredibly serious injuries in a collision. Common school bus injuries include severe spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. If your child is involved in a school bus accident, it is possible that the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver or the school district. School bus collisions can occur if a driver chooses to drive recklessly, such as by traveling at excessive speeds or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Accidents can also be caused by improper vehicle maintenance. 

Schedule a Meeting With a Lake County Bus Collision Lawyer

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our number one goal is to protect you and your family. In the case of a school bus accident, we fully understand how difficult and emotional the healing process can be. Our legal team is experienced and ready to fight to ensure that your family receives the full compensation that you deserve. To set up a free consultation with a Waukegan school bus accident attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303.

Sources:

https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/12/06/normal-community-high-school-bus-crash-interstate-74-bloomington/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/09/15/school-bus-safety-statistics/72318198/