School Bus Accident Claims: A Guide for Texas Parents

Who’s Liable in a Texas School Bus Accident? A Parent’s Guide

When a school bus crash happens, the first question most parents ask is: “Who’s responsible for my child’s injuries?” The answer isn’t always simple. In Texas, liability may rest with the bus driver, the school district, another motorist, or even a private company hired to run transportation.

The truth is, school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road – but accidents still happen every year. And when they do, parents often find themselves navigating confusing rules, strict deadlines, and a system that doesn’t always make it easy to hold the right people accountable.

This guide breaks down the most common causes of school bus accidents, who can be held liable under Texas law, and the steps you should take if your child is hurt.

Why Texas Has So Many School Bus Accidents

Texas has more school buses on the road than almost any other state, simply because of its size and growing population. Every day, thousands of buses transport children across busy highways, rural roads, and crowded city streets. With that much traffic, accidents are bound to happen.

According to state crash reports, hundreds of school bus-related incidents are recorded in Texas each year. Most are minor, but some cause serious injuries. Dallas and other large metro areas see a higher share of crashes because of heavy congestion, distracted drivers, and constant construction zones.

The most common situations where school bus accidents occur include:

• Pickup and drop-off times, when traffic is chaotic and other drivers ignore bus stop signs.
• Busy intersections, where cars try to beat a bus through the light.
• Rural highways, where high speeds make collisions more severe.

Even though buses are designed for safety, children can still be injured in a crash – or even while getting on or off the bus. That’s why knowing the causes and who’s legally responsible matters so much for Texas parents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas School Bus Crash?

When a school bus accident happens, parents naturally want to know: “Who is legally responsible?” The answer depends on the details. In Texas, multiple parties may share liability – and figuring out who’s at fault is often the hardest part.

Here are the most common parties who may be held accountable:

School District Liability in Dallas

If the accident involves a bus operated by a public school district – like Dallas ISD, Plano ISD, or Garland ISD – parents may have the right to bring a claim under the Texas Tort Claims Act. But there are important limitations:

• Governmental immunity protects school districts from many lawsuits.
• Claims must fit within exceptions, such as negligence by an employee driving a district-owned vehicle.
• Parents usually need to file a formal notice of claim within six months – and some districts, including Dallas ISD, may have even shorter deadlines in their local policies.

Private Companies and Third Parties

Not all school buses are operated directly by the district. In Dallas County, some districts hire private transportation companies. In these cases, lawsuits may target the private company instead of (or in addition to) the district.

Liability can also extend to other drivers on the road, or to contractors who failed to maintain the bus safely.

For parents, this means the key question after a crash isn’t just “what happened?” but also “who was responsible for running that bus?”

Special Legal Challenges in School Bus Claims

Filing a school bus accident claim in Texas is not as straightforward as filing a typical car accident case. That’s because many buses are operated by public school districts, which brings in a layer of legal protection known as governmental immunity.

This immunity doesn’t mean parents can’t take action – but it does mean there are extra hurdles.

The Texas Tort Claims Act

Under this law, parents may sue a school district if negligence by an employee – such as a bus driver – caused the accident. But there are limits:

• The claim must fall under certain exceptions.
• Damages may be capped.
• Only specific types of negligence (like unsafe operation of a vehicle) can be pursued.

Strict Deadlines

Another challenge is timing. In Texas, lawsuits against school districts often require a notice of claim within six months of the accident. Some Dallas-area school districts, including Dallas ISD, may set even shorter notice periods in their policies. Missing this deadline can mean losing the right to file a claim entirely.

Private vs. Public Bus Operators

If the bus was run by a private transportation company instead of the district, the claim may be more straightforward – but it still involves complex contracts and insurance issues.

Why It Matters for Parents

For families in Dallas and across Texas, the key takeaway is this: school bus claims are legally different. Between governmental immunity, short deadlines, and multiple possible defendants, these cases require quick action and careful handling.

Steps Parents Should Take After a School Bus Accident

When a school bus crash happens, the first instinct is to make sure your child is safe. Once immediate medical needs are addressed, there are steps parents can take to protect their child’s health and preserve their legal rights.

1. Get Medical Care Right Away

Even if your child seems fine, schedule a medical exam. Some injuries – like concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries – may not show symptoms right away. Documentation from doctors also becomes crucial evidence if you pursue a claim.

2. Request Official Reports

Ask for a copy of the accident report from both the police and the school district. In Dallas, this might mean contacting Dallas ISD’s transportation department in addition to the responding police agency.

3. Document Everything

Keep detailed records, including:

• Photos of your child’s injuries
• Medical bills and therapy costs
• Notes about behavioral or emotional changes
• Any communication from the school district or insurance companies

4. Identify Witnesses

If possible, collect names and contact information of other parents, students, or bystanders who saw the crash or its aftermath. Witnesses can make a big difference in proving liability.

5. Be Careful with Insurance or District Representatives

After an accident, you may be contacted by the school district’s insurer or legal team. Avoid signing documents or giving recorded statements before consulting an attorney. These early interactions can affect your claim later.

6. Consult an Attorney Quickly

Because school bus cases involve strict deadlines – sometimes as little as six months to file notice – it’s smart to speak with a lawyer right away. They can guide you through the process and make sure you don’t miss key steps.

Damages Parents May Recover in a School Bus Claim

When a child is hurt in a school bus crash, parents often ask: “What can we recover in a claim?” The answer depends on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and whether the bus was run by a school district or a private company.

Economic Damages

These cover the tangible costs of the accident, including:

• Emergency room visits, hospital bills, and follow-up care
• Rehabilitation, physical therapy, or ongoing treatment
• Counseling or therapy for emotional trauma
• Out-of-pocket expenses like medical equipment or transportation

Non-Economic Damages

These account for the emotional and quality-of-life impact, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Long-term psychological harm

Future Damages

Children may need extended care if the injuries are severe. Texas law allows families to pursue compensation for:

• Ongoing medical needs
• Educational support if the injury impacts learning
• Projected counseling or therapy costs

Example Scenario

A child in Dallas suffers a broken leg and PTSD symptoms after a bus crash caused by driver negligence. The family may recover immediate medical expenses, the cost of counseling, and compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. If the injury requires future treatment, those projected costs may also be included.

Because Texas limits some claims against school districts, the type and amount of damages may vary. But parents should never assume their child’s case is too small – especially when the long-term impact of injuries is still unknown.

When to Speak with a Texas Child Injury Lawyer

If your child was hurt in a school bus accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Between medical care, school communication, and insurance questions, legal action may be the last thing on your mind. But in Texas, acting quickly is critical – especially if the bus was run by a public school district.

Why Timing Matters

• Texas law requires most claims against school districts to be filed within six months – and some districts, like Dallas ISD, set even shorter deadlines.
• Evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses move, memories fade, and bus inspection records may be lost if not requested immediately.

How an Attorney Helps

A Texas child injury lawyer can:

• Investigate the cause of the crash and identify all liable parties
• Handle deadlines under the Texas Tort Claims Act
• Gather medical, emotional, and financial documentation to strengthen your case
• Negotiate with insurers and represent your family in court if necessary

Local Insight Matters

In the Dallas area, cases involving Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, or other districts require knowledge of both state law and local district policies. An experienced lawyer will know how to navigate these rules while keeping your child’s best interests front and center.

For parents, the takeaway is simple: don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for help. A lawyer can take on the legal stress while you focus on your child’s recovery.

FAQs about School Bus Accidents in Texas

Are school buses really safe?
Yes. Statistically, school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road. But accidents still happen every year in Texas, and children can be injured either in the crash itself or while boarding or exiting the bus.

Who pays if my child is injured in a Dallas ISD bus accident?
If the bus was owned and operated by the district, liability may fall on Dallas ISD under the Texas Tort Claims Act. However, damages may be capped and parents must follow strict deadlines.

What if another driver caused the accident?
If a negligent driver collides with a school bus, parents may file a claim against that driver’s insurance. In some cases, both the driver and the district or bus company may share responsibility.

Do I need to file a notice of claim?
Yes, if the accident involved a public school district. In Texas, parents often have only six months (sometimes less) to file notice. Missing this deadline could prevent recovery.

What if the bus is run by a private company?
Some school districts outsource transportation. If a private company is at fault, claims are generally handled like other personal injury cases and aren’t subject to the same immunity restrictions.

Can my child get compensation for emotional trauma?
Yes. Claims may include therapy costs, counseling, and non-economic damages for emotional distress. Documenting changes in behavior or obtaining professional evaluations strengthens these claims.

Do I need a lawyer to file a school bus accident claim?
Technically no, but because of the strict deadlines, government immunity issues, and multiple parties that could be involved, most parents choose to work with a lawyer to avoid costly mistakes.

Contact a Dallas School Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If your child was injured in a school bus accident, you don’t have to navigate the system alone. Between strict deadlines, school district immunity rules, and multiple possible defendants, these cases can be overwhelming for parents.

Genthe Law Firm, based in Dallas, is here to help families across Texas. We understand the unique challenges of school bus accident claims and fight to protect children’s rights.

📞 Call us today at 214-957-0898 for a free consultation.