Kids, Parents Have Rights in School Bus Accident

GASTONIA, NC – A SCHOOLBUS CRASH last week that flipped the bus on its side ended with no fatalities, but left 15 kids injured. Attorney Herb Auger of Auger Law says that the story doesn’t end there.

The crash happened on the drive home from school. Witnesses on board the bus say that a storage compartment popped open. The bus driver, Annette Phillips, closed the compartment which caused her to swerve, according to Fox 46 News. That was when Phillips allegedly-over corrected, causing the bus to tip over and flip on its side while still moving.

Over 40 children were on board at the time of the accident and a third of them received injuries that authorities described as minor. But Auger, who has worked extensively with accident victims, says even minor injuries can cause lasting damage.

“Broken bones and head injuries are example of ‘minor’ injuries that can cause long term or even lifelong problems,” Auger said. “In a bus accident, kids are thrown forward toward the seat in front of them at full speed. It’s not just scrapes and bruises.”

Auger says that the kids and their parents have rights.

“This is a situation where someone else’s bad judgment caused injury to children,” he said. “Families have a right to be compensated for their medical costs. That includes kids who go to the doctor just in case and turn out to have n0 serious injuries.”

After reviewing camera footage from inside the bus, police charged Phillips with reckless driving. Auger says that only strengthens parents’ cases.

“The bus’ insurance company will not want to pay out everything it should,” he said. “It’s important to see both a doctor and a lawyer before you sign anything.”

About Herb Auger:

Herbert W.  Auger, Esquire is a Charlotte car accident lawyer with over 20 years of experience helping victims of auto accidents receive fair compensation. A founder of Auger & Auger law firm, Herb Auger believes in an aggressive results-oriented approach that maximizes the awards his clients receive. He can be contacted at:

Auger & Auger

717 S. Torrence Street

Suite 101

Charlotte, NC 28204

704-323-5427

www.augerlaw.com