Colorado Springs School Bus Accident Lawyer
Key Takeaways
- Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
- Who is liable: It depends who operates the bus and who caused the crash.
- If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
- Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
What happens if a school bus gets in an accident?
Two processes start at once, and they run on very different clocks.
The district investigates and notifies parents; separately, any claim against the district is governed by the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, which requires written notice within 182 days under C.R.S. 24-10-109(1) — a deadline that can pass while a family is still dealing with the aftermath. Get the incident report, get the child medically assessed even if they seem fine, and find out whether the bus was run by the district or by a contractor.
Who pays for school bus accident injuries?
It depends who operates the bus and who caused the crash.
A public school district is a public entity: immunity is waived for the operation of a motor vehicle, but only if the 182-day notice is served. A contracted or private operator is an ordinary defendant with commercial insurance. And where another driver caused the collision, that driver's liability policy answers regardless. Because a family often cannot tell which applies, treat the 182 days as running.
Advocating for Injured Children and Their Parents in Colorado Springs
Almost every day, parents send their children off to school in the hopes that they will be safe and that all staff has their well-being in mind. In an area as large as El Paso County, there are dozens of school buses on the road every day, and not all of them are operated safely. A negligent school bus driver can easily cause a serious collision, injuring your child or other drivers. Even if a driver operates a school bus safely, they cannot control the actions of other people on the road, who can also cause catastrophic accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a school bus crash, do not hesitate to reach out to The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. We have years of experience advocating for Colorado Springs accident victims and their families to get them proper compensation for their injuries. Our Colorado Springs bus accident lawyers can sit down with you in a free initial consultation, learn about what happened to you, and handle all of the heavy-lifting of your accident claim. Call us at (719) 475-2555 to get started on your case.
Causes of School Bus Accidents
School buses are large, heavy vehicles that should always be operated with care. School districts should only entrust these vehicles to skilled and trained drivers who put the safety of their passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers first. Unfortunately, not every driver is fit to operate a large bus. A history of alcohol abuse, traffic offenses, and other reckless behavior should disqualify a driver from operating a school bus, but some slip through the cracks and get behind the wheel. All it takes is one mistake for a negligent school bus driver to injure a child, nearby pedestrian, or anyone else on the road.
But school bus drivers are not the only cause of collisions. Other drivers must also act responsibly. School buses often operate in residential areas, which have reduced speed limits, and all drivers should obey these laws. If a driver speeds or makes another reckless driving decision, they can cause serious trauma to anyone aboard a school bus, especially if they are operating a large vehicle like a truck, SUV, or van.
School buses also go through a lot of wear and tear. Tires, engines, steering systems — all of these parts must be regularly inspected and repaired or replaced to keep a bus operational. If a school district fails to maintain a vehicle and an equipment failure causes a collision, you may be able to file a claim with the district for compensation.
Getting You Compensation for Your Injuries
If you or your child was injured in a school bus accident in Colorado Springs, it is important to review all of the details of your case to get you compensation. These vehicles are especially dangerous at high speeds, and anyone injured in a collision can suffer serious trauma. You or your child may need long-term treatment, including surgeries, hospitalizations, medication, and physical therapy to fully recover.
To get compensation for your injuries, you need to work with a skilled attorney who will investigate every aspect of your case. Compensation should be paid by the at-fault party's insurance company, but the process can vary depending on who was at fault.
If another driver collided with your child’s school bus, then you can pursue a car accident claim against his or her insurance company for compensation. In the state of Colorado, you have two years to file a claim against an auto insurance company and can recover up to the driver’s policy limit to cover your child’s medical bills and other damages.
In situations where school bus drivers cause collisions, the time limit is shortened to 180 days, and you are limited to $150,000 for a single person’s injuries or $600,000 for two or more. This will involve filing a government tort claim with the school district itself and requires proving that the school bus driver was at fault for your or your child’s injuries. These cases are more complicated than standard car accident claims, and you should speak to an attorney about your options.
Work With an Experienced Colorado Springs School Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or your child was injured in a Colorado Springs school bus accident, you may be looking at hefty medical bills, a long recovery time, and deep emotional scars. These accidents can traumatize a child for years to come and may require in-depth therapy to help him or her fully heal. Adults can also suffer extensive injuries and should not discount their trauma after a collision.
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we take your injuries to heart and will advocate for the highest possible award in an accident claim. Our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys have recovered significant awards for our clients and can do the same for you. We will investigate whoever injured you or your child, whether it was another driver or school district, to get you the compensation you need after a school bus wreck. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 for a free initial consultation to talk about your crash.
What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?
Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.
| A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle | 3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n) |
|---|---|
| Most other personal injury claims | 2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102 |
| If you were partly at fault | Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111 |
| Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed | El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 |
Sources and References
- Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 13 (Colorado General Assembly)
- El Paso County Combined Courts — Colorado Judicial Branch
- The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. — Google Business Profile
Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.
Our Colorado Springs Office
The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.
12 E. Boulder Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 475-2555
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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