Every school day, millions of parents across California place their trust in the school transportation system — believing that their children will be safely picked up, transported, and returned home without incident. School buses are supposed to be one of the safest modes of transportation for students. But when accidents do happen, the consequences can be devastating — especially for young children who are physically and emotionally vulnerable.
Unfortunately, school bus-related injuries are on the rise in California. From collisions with other vehicles to loading and unloading mishaps, children can be hurt not only while riding the bus, but also while walking to or from it. In many cases, these accidents are entirely preventable — the result of driver negligence, poor supervision, mechanical failure, or systemic issues within a school district or contracted bus company.
For families, a school bus accident is far more than a headline. It's a life-changing event. A single moment of carelessness can result in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, missed school, costly medical care, and long-term developmental challenges. On top of that, parents are left dealing with insurance companies, school districts, and legal procedures — all while trying to comfort and care for their child.
That’s where Tim D. Wright Law comes in. We understand the unique challenges families face when a child is injured in a school bus accident. With decades of experience in California personal injury law, Attorney Tim D. Wright is committed to helping families seek justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and recover the compensation they need to support their child’s recovery — physically, emotionally, and financially.
When the school bus is operated by a public school district or government entity, your legal claim must comply with the California Government Tort Claims Act (GTCA).
This law establishes a special process for suing public agencies, including:
Failure to meet these deadlines may result in your case being dismissed — even if your child was clearly injured due to someone else’s negligence. That’s why it’s vital to consult with a qualified attorney immediately.
California has strict rules under the Vehicle Code that regulate how school buses must be operated. These laws are designed to protect child passengers and include:
Violations of these rules — by the bus driver or other motorists — may establish clear legal fault for the accident.
Under California law, drivers, school employees, and transportation providers owe a heightened duty of care to children. This includes:
Failure to meet this heightened duty can result in liability — especially when a young child is involved.
California follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that:
This concept is important in cases where a third-party driver, a bus aide, or even a pedestrian’s actions may be partially to blame. A skilled attorney can help minimize your share of liability and maximize your recovery.
Children under the age of 18 cannot independently file a personal injury claim. A parent or legal guardian must file the claim in civil court or with a government agency if a public entity (like a school district) is involved.
This legal action can be filed as a “guardian ad litem”, which simply means the parent is acting in the best interest of the child and representing their legal rights.
Under California law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of injury. However, when the injured person is a minor, that timeline is typically extended.
For children, the statute of limitations is generally paused ("tolled") until they turn 18, meaning they have until age 20 to file a personal injury lawsuit.
BUT — there’s a major exception when the claim involves a government entity, such as a public school district or city-run bus system.
If a public school or government agency is responsible for the accident, you must file a government claim within 6 months of the date of the incident — regardless of the child’s age. This is required under the California Government Tort Claims Act.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to pursue compensation, even if the child’s injuries are severe or long-lasting. These strict deadlines are one of the reasons why early legal intervention is so critical.
You can recover the full cost of medical treatment your child has already received, including:
In cases of serious or permanent injury, we also pursue compensation for anticipated future medical needs, such as:
Recovery doesn’t stop at physical healing. Many child injury victims require:
Children who suffer serious injuries are often left dealing with significant physical pain, which may last for weeks, months, or even years. Pain and suffering damages take into account:
School bus accidents are traumatic, especially for children. Many victims develop:
If the injury leaves your child with permanent impairment, additional compensation may be available for:
An injured child may struggle with:
Children should be free to play, learn, and grow without limitation. If the injury prevents your child from enjoying activities like sports, dance, or even playing with friends, this loss of joy and normalcy can also be factored into your claim.
Parents often bear a financial burden while caring for an injured child, including:
School bus accidents involving children are uniquely traumatic and legally complex. They raise difficult questions for families — How did this happen? Who is responsible? How will we afford the medical care and support our child needs? At Tim D. Wright Law, we understand that when your child is hurt, nothing matters more than getting answers, accountability, and the resources to move forward.
But time is critical. Acting quickly not only protects your child’s rights, but also preserves key evidence, such as witness statements, bus surveillance footage, and school district records. Delays can jeopardize your case, especially if a government agency is involved — where strict deadlines apply.
Let us help ease the burden. We’ll take on the legal fight while you focus on helping your child heal. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers and school districts, Tim D. Wright Law is here to guide and support your family every step of the way.
📞 Personal Injury Office: (323) 379-9995
📍 Address: 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
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