School buses play a crucial role in the safe transportation of children to and from school, but unfortunately, accidents involving school buses do occur. In Georgia, the laws surrounding school bus accidents are strict and are designed to protect children and ensure that drivers understand their legal obligations when it comes to stopping for school buses. If you are involved in a car accident involving a school bus, understanding Georgia’s laws is vital for protecting your rights and avoiding costly penalties. This article will explore the state’s laws regarding car accidents with school buses, the penalties for non-compliance, what to do if you are involved in such an accident, and how you can avoid these accidents altogether.
Georgia’s School Bus Stop Law 
Georgia law mandates that drivers must stop when they encounter a school bus that has its stop sign extended and its red lights flashing. This law applies to all drivers on both two-lane and multi-lane roads, whether they are driving behind the bus or in the opposite direction. The primary goal of this law is to prevent children from being struck by vehicles while they are boarding or disembarking from the bus.
Drivers must remain stopped until the bus retracts its stop sign and the lights are no longer flashing. The only exception to this rule is if you are driving on the opposite side of a divided highway. In that case, you are not required to stop, but you must proceed with caution as there may still be children crossing the road.
If you fail to stop for a school bus, the consequences can be severe. Penalties for violating this law include heavy fines, points added to your driver’s license, and even a temporary suspension of your driving privileges. These penalties are in place to ensure that drivers take the safety of children seriously and adhere to the law without exceptions.
Penalties for Violating the School Bus Stop Law
If you violate the school bus stop law, Georgia imposes strict penalties. If you are caught passing a school bus that has its lights flashing and its stop sign extended, you could face a fine of up to $1,000. Additionally, you may receive points on your driver’s license. Accumulating too many points could lead to a suspension of your driver’s license. For drivers who are caught repeatedly violating this law, penalties can become more severe, including longer license suspensions and even jail time in extreme cases.
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If your violation results in an accident or injury, the penalties will likely be even more severe. Georgia law takes into account the severity of the accident and any injuries sustained, and violators could face both civil and criminal charges. In the case of an injury or death, you may be held financially liable for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, in addition to facing criminal charges related to negligence.
What to Do After a School Bus Accident
If you are involved in an accident involving a school bus, it is important to take immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone involved and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
Ensure Safety and Call Emergency Services
The first priority after any accident is to check for injuries and ensure the safety of all parties involved. If anyone is injured, immediately call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Make sure that no one leaves the scene of the accident before emergency responders arrive. In the case of a school bus accident, the children on board the bus may be injured, and it’s important to ensure they receive proper medical care.
After a car accident, I contacted David May at the Lagrange office. He, and his staff, helped me with medical advice and follow up doctors visits, along with dealing with my insurance and the insurance of the woman that hit me. I have been very pleased with the service I received from David May and the Lagrange staff. They are warm and open, always there to help with advice and answer questions.” - Debau I highly recommend Adam Princenthal .I was looking for someone with years of experience in personal injury.They needed to be knowledgeable, transparent and honest.I wanted to know I was dealing directly with the lawyer I hired.Adam Princenthal could answer all the difficult questions and phone calls were returned.Adam got the settlement I was looking for in a timely manner." - Nancy K. I am glad that I was referred to Princenthal & May. Matthew met with me and gained my trust with the case. I was never left in the dark on any matters, My phone calls were either answered or returned quickly. The office staff are very friendly as well. My case was settled, with both Matthew and Adam present. Both are very professional in their work.. They work for you !!!" - Jacque Minor
Do Not Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident is considered a criminal offense in Georgia, even if the accident seems minor. If you leave, you could face additional charges, including hit and run, which carries severe penalties. Always remain at the scene until the authorities arrive.
Exchange Information
Make sure to exchange information with the school bus driver and any witnesses to the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration details. If there are children on the bus, the bus driver should provide you with the bus identification number and any other relevant information.
Document the Incident
Take pictures of the scene, including the damage to the bus, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. If possible, take note of the time, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors that may have contributed to the accident. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Contact an Attorney
After a school bus accident, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney. A lawyer specializing in personal injury law can help you navigate the legal process, communicate with insurance companies, and protect your rights. An attorney can also help determine who was at fault in the accident and ensure that you are compensated for any injuries or damages.
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Common Injuries in School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity of the crash. Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, whiplash, and in some cases, more severe trauma such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or internal bleeding. In accidents involving children, the risk of injury is heightened, and special considerations must be made to ensure their safety.
If you or a loved one is injured in a school bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs related to the accident. To ensure you receive fair compensation, it’s crucial to work with an attorney who has experience in personal injury cases involving school buses.
Georgia’s Comparative Fault Rule in School Bus Accidents
Georgia follows a comparative fault rule in personal injury cases, including those involving school buses. This rule means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your damages will be reduced by 20%.
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However, if the other party is primarily at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work to establish the other party’s liability, which can increase the amount of compensation you receive.
Steps to Avoid School Bus Accidents
While accidents involving school buses can be inevitable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of being involved in such an incident. Drivers should always be alert when driving near schools and buses. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always obey the posted speed limits, especially in school zones.
- Never pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended.
- Watch for children who may be crossing the street or getting off the bus.
- Keep a safe distance from buses and avoid distractions while driving.
Understanding Georgia’s laws on car accidents involving school buses is crucial for both drivers and parents. School bus stop laws are in place to protect children, and failing to comply with them can result in significant legal and financial consequences. If you are involved in a school bus accident, make sure to take the necessary steps to ensure everyone’s safety, document the incident, and contact a personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights. By staying informed about the laws and being vigilant while driving near school buses, you can help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of children in Georgia.
If you have been involved in an accident with a school bus or have further questions about your rights under Georgia law, contact Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC today. Our experienced attorneys are here to help guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.