Who is responsible for paying damages in a school bus accident?
In Washington, the responsibility for paying damages in a school bus accident depends on the circumstances of the accident. Generally, the driver of the school bus can be liable for damages, as well as the school district, who owns the bus and is responsible for its maintenance. Additionally, if the accident was caused by a third party, that person or entity may be liable for damages as well. In most scenarios, the driver of the school bus would be held liable for damages due to negligence while operating the vehicle. This could include failure to obey the rules of the road, or operating the vehicle in a reckless manner. Additionally, if the bus was found to be in a state of disrepair or had not been properly maintained, the school district could be held liable. In some cases, if the accident was caused by another motorist, that person or entity may also be held liable for damages. This could include failure to follow the rules of the road, such as failure to yield or speeding. The same is true if the accident was caused by a pedestrian or cyclist who was not following the rules. In the event that multiple parties are found to be at fault for an accident, Washington utilizes a system of comparative negligence to determine who is liable for the damages. In accordance with this system, each party will be assigned a percentage of fault, and the responsibility for damages will be shared in proportion to their assigned fault level.
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