Back-to-School Safety & 4 Common Personal Injury Risks

School is back in session for millions of kids in Florida, and with it comes more traffic around school buildings and busy bus stops.

Since children are among the most vulnerable pedestrians on our roads, drivers, schools, and local governments have a greater responsibility to prioritize safety during the school year.

In this blog, we cover:

• Common back-to-school injury risks
• Legal responsibilities of drivers, schools, and governments
• What to do if your child is injured

4 Common Back-to-School Personal Injury Risks

School Zone Car Accidents

School zones are designed to protect pedestrians by enforcing reduced speeds and providing clear signage. Unfortunately, distracted or speeding drivers ignore these rules, which can lead to accidents and injuries. 

Pedestrian Accidents

In Florida, buses and cars aren’t the only modes of transportation to and from school. Kids can walk or bike as well. Many routes don’t have sidewalks or proper crossings, making it hard for kids to get to and from school safely. 

Bus-Related Injuries

School bus accidents involving other vehicles aren’t uncommon, and neither are incidents involving students being struck while boarding or exiting buses. These can happen when drivers don’t stop for flashing lights or illegally pass a stopped school bus. 

Slip and Fall at Schools

Schools are responsible for keeping their grounds safe for students and staff. From wet floors following a Florida rainstorm to uneven pavement, schools must keep up with a maintenance schedule to prevent injuries. 

Who’s Liable?

When accidents happen in or around school property, determining liability comes down to whether parties fulfilled their duty of care. 

Here are some examples:

1. Drivers must follow all posted signs, avoid using cellphones while operating a motor vehicle, come to complete stops for school buses, and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
2. Schools are responsible for maintaining the safety of their property and providing adequate supervision during arrival and dismissal.
3. Local Governments must provide proper signage and maintain roads and crosswalks.

When any of these groups fail in their duty of care, they can be held liable in a personal injury claim.

What to Do If Your Child Is Injured

If your child is hurt in a back-to-school accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect both their health and your legal rights.

Here are the five things you should do:

1. Get medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries.
2. Report the accident to school officials and police.
3. Document everything with photos of the scene, witness contact information, and detailed notes about what happened.
4. Save all records, such as medical bills, treatment notes, and any missed school or work documentation.
5. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help protect your family’s rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

If your child has been injured in a back-to-school accident in Florida, our personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation your family deserves.

Schedule your free case evaluation today.