If an investigation finds that the school bus driver broke a traffic law or otherwise behaved negligently and this caused the crash, the school can be held vicariously liable. The legal doctrine of vicarious liability states that an employer will be responsible for the actions and wrongdoing of its employees – including schools and their hired bus drivers. This rule makes most schools responsible for bus accidents caused by negligent drivers.
However, a school could also be held responsible if a bus driver is not to blame. If the school bus contained a defective part, for example, due to the school’s inadequate bus maintenance, victims and their parents may be able to hold the school directly liable. Negligent driver hiring and retention practices, a lack of bus driver training, and ignored safety protocols are also examples of negligence that could make a school liable for a preventable bus accident. A school bus accident lawyer in Pennsylvania can analyze your case to determine the liable party or parties on your behalf.