When the driver of a bus carrying eight special needs children allegedly veered across the center line of a South Carolina road, she risked her own life and the lives of her passengers.
It was reported that the bus crashed into a tractor trailer when the driver failed to navigate the bus around a curve on an Aiken County road. The parents of a 4-year-old boy who lost his life in this tragic accident may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim in civil court.
One other student suffered severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital. Updated reports state that she is recovering and that her condition is fair. The bus driver also received treatment for the non life-threatening injuries she suffered. Initial reports indicated that all eight of the special needs children were restrained by safety belts when the accident occurred.
In a subsequent report, the Deputy Fire Chief, who was the first emergency worker to arrive at the crash scene, contradicted that statement. He stated that the position in which the deceased boy and the injured student were found was a clear indication that both of them were not strapped into their seats. Some parents expressed concerns about the fact that all the children were not taken for medical evaluation at a hospital.
The school district says the emergency workers evaluated the children at the scene and made the call to have them brought to the school and have the parents contacted and asked to collect them.
South Carolina parents who have lost children in accidents that resulted from the negligence of other parties may pursue compensation for end-of-life expenses. Similarly, those whose children suffered injuries under such circumstances may pursue claims for financial relief for medical costs incurred. The owner of the vehicle and the driver’s employer may also be named as additional defendants in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
