Who is liable for a school bus accident?
When a school bus accident occurs in Virginia, liability for the harm resulting from the incident often falls on whoever was responsible for causing the accident. Depending on the circumstances, this could include the bus driver, the school district, a manufacturer of a defective bus part, or a third-party motorist. In order to determine who is liable for a school bus accident, a thorough investigation should be done. This investigation should include any relevant evidence, such as eyewitness statements, recorded dashcam footage, the bus driver’s credentials, and the maintenance records of the bus. It is important to note that the bus driver’s negligence, if any, must be proven before they can be held liable. For instance, if the bus driver is found to have been distracted at the time of the accident, or operating the bus in a reckless manner, their employer can also face liability. In some cases, liability can also be placed on the school district if they are found to have allowed a driver to operate the bus without adequate training or proper licensing. Liability can also be found if a manufacturer is found to have provided a defective part for the bus, such as a worn out or malfunctioning braking system. Similarly, a third-party motorist can be found liable if they are proven to have caused the accident, such as by driving recklessly or failing to adhere to the rules of the road. Ultimately, when determining who is liable for a school bus accident in Virginia, it is important to gather all available evidence and consult with a legal professional before making a determination.
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