On Wednesday morning, a Mansfield Independent School District bus overturned in Grand Prairie. According to KFDX News Channel Three, the incident happened in the 5700 block of Lake Ridge Parkway at about 8:00 a.m. At the time of the wreck, there were three people aboard the school bus. There were two district employees and one child on the bus.
Two Adults and One Child Sent to Hospital
First responders with the Grand Prairie Police Department were quickly on the scene. Very few details about the one-vehicle crash have been released, but we do know that all three occupants were taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of potential injuries. Thankfully, law enforcement officials reported that the child on the bus was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. At this time, it’s unclear why the bus tipped over beside the roadway, but icy conditions may have been a factor.
School Bus Safety in Texoma
Although school buses are designed to be safer than smaller light cars and trucks in the event of a crash, they’re not totally without risk to young passengers. One of the most dangerous parts of riding the school bus is actually getting on and off the bus. The school bus “Danger Zone” is the 10-foot area extending all around the bus where most children are injured or killed in school bus related incidents.
School Buses and Seat Belts
Additionally, not all school buses in Texas have seat belts, which adds another element of danger to the ride. Even though some school districts have incorporated seat belts, it’s not currently a requirement. Texas, California, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Louisiana have all passed some type of legislation for seat belts on school buses, but funding has not been appropriated in every state.
When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, or if your child has been injured while getting on or off of a school bus, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. While you’re focused on taking care of your recovering child, your lawyer can handle the details of the case.
If your child has been injured in or near a school bus, contact the skilled team at the Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free case consultation today.