Massachusetts Lawsuit Against School Bus Insurer Highlights Potentially Dangerous Driving Practices
by
Michael O. Smith on Feb. 07, 2018
Accident & Injury Personal Injury
Summary: School Bus accidents are an unfortunate occurrences and sometimes are caused by the bus driver's negligence
School buses are required to travel down residential roads to pick up and drop off schoolchildren. Those roads were often constructed for smaller vehicles, such as sedans or SUVs. The large size of buses, combined with the narrow residential roads, can lead to accidents. At least, the Massachusetts bus accident claim filed against the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association alleges that buses are traveling down roads that are too narrow.
The owner of a 2008 Honda vehicle stopped at an S-curve as a school bus approached from the opposite direction. The bus appeared to idle for a moment, possibly considering whether it could fit through the turn, and then proceeded. The plaintiff’s car was struck as the bus rounded the turn.
The owner of the Honda filed a complaint against the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association. The organization is a not-for-profit group that provides insurance for Massachusetts school buses. The plaintiff’s damages are not exceptionally high and do not involve any personal injury damages. However, as the plaintiff noted, the lawsuit was filed to not only recoup compensation but also allege that bus drivers are not being properly trained to drive down narrow residential roads. The plaintiff alleges that school buses are being sent down roads where they cannot simply fit or navigate without damaging other people’s cars.
In response, the school district issued a formal statement stating that school bus drivers are trained to use “due caution” when transporting children to and from their homes and that they expect the general public to do the same when in the vicinity of bus operations.
Although this case is only one highly publicized instance of alleged school bus negligence, it’s true that it can require extreme care to navigate a school bus down a narrow residential road. The school district maintained that school bus drivers are trained in this regard. However, mistakes are still possible. The plaintiff’s lawsuit is set for a November 28, 2017 court date, but his goal of raising public awareness relating to school bus accidents has already been achieved.
