Atlanta School Bus Accidents on the Rise: Are Your Children Safe?
It seems like more and more bus accidents are occurring throughout the nation, especially involving school buses. Sadly, school bus accidents put the lives of innocent children in danger. They also endanger pedestrians and other drivers and motorists sharing the road with school buses.
Although other people, companies, and school districts may be held liable for school bus wrecks, bus drivers are generally the ones at fault. Take for example one fatal Georgia school bus accident that occurred in October 2010 in Carroll County, GA on rural Highway 113, south of I-20 near Hog Liver Road. This crash was indeed caused by a negligent bus driver who went off the road and overturned into a ditch, claiming the life of one student and injuring about 13 others.
Sentencing for this case was recently decided in court, and the Carroll County school bus driver, Kenneth Herringdine, 59, was sentenced to one year of probation and a fine of $600 for failing to maintain his lane. Herringdine was taking cough medicine and reportedly drowsy and inattentive the day of the bus accident, but he was not found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even though a student lost his life, the school bus driver did not lose his license.
If you or your children have been injured in an Atlanta school bus accident or bus accident anywhere in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, physical therapy, ongoing medical care, and more.
Find out your rights by calling a skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyer after your accident. Call Kalka & Baer to schedule your free appointment today.