School buses transport millions of children each day, but a single crash can leave students, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists with life-changing injuries. The lack of standard passenger restraints and the size of these vehicles can make the consequences especially severe.

When negligence by a bus driver, another motorist, a school district, or another responsible party causes an accident, injured victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain, and other damages.

School Bus Accidents Across the U.S.

National data reveals who is most at risk in school bus-related crashes. Although these accidents affect passengers and drivers, many fatalities and injuries involve pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of other vehicles. 

According to the National Safety Council (NSC):

• Approximately 20.3 million students ride a yellow school bus to and from school each day in the United States.
• During the 2024 to 2025 school year, an estimated 483,041 yellow school buses transported students nationwide.
• 110 people were killed in school bus-related crashes in 2024, a 14% decrease from the 128 fatalities reported in 2023.
• From 2015 to 2024, about 71% of fatalities in school bus-related crashes were occupants of other vehicles, while 15% were pedestrians, 6% were school bus passengers, 4% were school bus drivers, and 3% were bicyclists.
• More than half (52%) of people injured in school bus-related crashes between 2015 and 2024 were occupants of other vehicles, while 34% were school bus passengers.

While school buses are designed with numerous safety features, many accidents occur while students are boarding, exiting, or crossing the street near the bus.

Types of Accidents Involving School Buses

School bus accidents can happen in many different ways. Determining how the collision occurred is one of the first steps in identifying who may be responsible.

Auto Accidents

Car Collisions With a School Bus

Passenger vehicles may collide with a school bus because of distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, or ignoring a stopped school bus with flashing lights.

These crashes can result in serious injuries to:

• Drivers and passengers of the other vehicle.
• School bus occupants.
• Students entering or exiting the bus.

Truck Collisions With a School Bus

Because of their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage when they collide with a school bus.

These accidents often involve:

• Driver fatigue.
• Unsafe lane changes.
• Brake failures.
• Speeding or following too closely.

Motorcycle or E-Bike Collisions With a School Bus

Motorcyclists and e-bike riders are especially vulnerable because they have little protection during a collision.

These accidents may occur when:

• A school bus makes a turn.
• A rider enters a bus’s blind spot.
• A driver fails to see an approaching motorcycle or e-bike.

Pedestrian Accidents

Many school bus-related injuries happen outside the bus rather than inside it. Students are often most vulnerable while walking to or from the bus stop.

Another Vehicle Hits a Student

One of the most dangerous situations occurs when a driver illegally passes a stopped school bus while children are boarding or exiting.

These crashes may happen because a driver:

• Ignores the bus’s flashing lights or stop arm.
• Is distracted by a phone or other passengers.
• Is speeding through a school zone.
• Fails to see a child crossing the street.

A recent California school bus incident highlighted the dangers children face around school buses when another vehicle struck a student near a stopped bus. Cases like these demonstrate why drivers must remain alert whenever children are present.

A School Bus Hits a Pedestrian

Although less common, school buses can also strike pedestrians.

These accidents may involve:

• Limited visibility around the bus.
• Blind spots.
• Driver distraction.
• Failure to see a child crossing nearby.

Children are particularly difficult to see because of their height, making extra caution essential in school loading zones and neighborhoods.

A School Bus Hits a Bicycle

Bicyclists are also at risk near school buses, particularly during pickup and drop-off times.

Common causes include:

• Turning conflicts.
• Failure to yield.
• Limited visibility.
• Cyclists riding alongside the bus in a blind spot.

Both bus drivers and bicyclists must remain alert and follow traffic laws to reduce the risk of collisions.

Who May Be Liable After a School Bus Accident?

Liability depends on how the accident occurred and who acted negligently. In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility.

Potentially liable parties include:

• The school bus driver.
• The driver of another vehicle.
• A trucking company.
• A school district or private bus company.
• A vehicle or parts manufacturer.
• A government agency responsible for unsafe roadway conditions.

A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine exactly what caused the accident and who may be held accountable.

What to Do After a School Bus Accident

If you or your child is involved in a school bus accident:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Take photographs of the accident scene, if possible.
• Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Keep records of medical treatment and related expenses.
• Speak with an experienced school bus accident attorney before accepting an insurance settlement.

Taking these steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights.

Contact Our School Bus Accident Lawyers

A school bus accident can leave families facing serious injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens. Whether your child was injured while riding a school bus, crossing the street, or waiting at a bus stop, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal process alone.

At TORKLAW, our experienced school bus accident attorneys help victims and their families pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. We investigate every case thoroughly, identify all potentially responsible parties, and fight for the justice our clients deserve.

When you choose TORKLAW, you can expect:

• Free, no-obligation consultation.
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• No fees unless we recover compensation for you.
• Dedicated legal support from an experienced team that puts your family first.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a school bus accident, contact TORKLAW today for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your legal options.