Parents may have legal options if their child is injured on a school bus.
Bagdad Elementary School Bus Crashes, Rolling Over and Injuring 17
According to a News4SanAntonio report, an elementary school bus rolled off the road on the first day of school, injuring 17 in Travis County.
Police reported the accident happened around 3:15 p.m. Monday, August 11th, on Nameless Road north of Honey Comb Lane near the Sandy Creek area. A seasoned veteran bus driver was traveling south on a slight curve when the bus left the right side of the road for unknown reasons and rolled onto its side. DPS says it is unclear if rainy weather conditions contributed to the crash.
The bus had 43 occupants at the time of the accident. Twelve children and the bus driver were taken directly to the hospital from the scene. Four more students were taken later after evaluation at the reunification point. Two children sustained serious injuries, but all were listed in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
There have been 574 accidents involving buses in Texas so far this year.
Can Bus Drivers Be Sued If Children Are Hurt in an Accident?
When children are injured in a school bus crash, parents often have urgent questions about who is responsible and whether legal action is possible. In Texas, the answer depends on the cause of the crash, who may have been at fault, and whether the bus is operated by a public school district or a private contractor.
Understanding Bus Driver Liability in Texas
Bus drivers—especially those transporting children—are held to a high standard of care. They must operate safely, follow traffic laws, and adjust their driving to protect passengers.
If a driver’s negligence—such as speeding, distraction, or failing to adjust to weather conditions—directly causes an accident, they can be held responsible. However, because most school bus drivers are employees, liability often extends to their employer.
Public vs. Private Bus Operators
Public School Districts
Public school districts are government entities protected under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Parents can file claims against them for bus accidents, but strict rules, damage caps, and short filing deadlines apply.
Private Bus Companies
If the bus service is provided by a private company contracted by the school, that company can be sued like any other business. This may make it easier to recover the full amount of damages.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
-
The School District or Bus Company – for negligent hiring, training, or supervision
-
Maintenance Providers – if mechanical failure contributed to the crash
-
Vehicle Manufacturers – if a defect played a role
-
Other Drivers – if another motorist’s negligence caused the incident
-
Government Entities – if poor road design or maintenance contributed
Proving Negligence After a School Bus Crash
Evidence may include:
-
Police accident reports
-
Witness statements from passengers or bystanders
-
Traffic camera or dashcam footage
-
Maintenance and inspection records
-
The driver’s training and employment history
Because these cases often involve multiple injured children and potentially several liable parties, they can be complex and require experienced legal guidance.
What Parents Should Do After a School Bus Accident
-
Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries appear minor, some—like concussions—may not be obvious right away.
-
Get All Reports – Obtain police, school, and EMS records.
-
Document Injuries – Keep photos, notes, and treatment records.
-
Avoid Signing Anything Without Legal Review – Quick settlements may not cover long-term costs.
-
Consult an Attorney Promptly – Especially if a public entity is involved, as deadlines may be short.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical
School bus accident claims require careful investigation and strict adherence to Texas law. An experienced attorney can:
-
Identify all liable parties and sources of compensation
-
Communicate with insurance companies and school district attorneys
-
Preserve critical evidence
-
Ensure your claim meets legal deadlines
You don’t have to navigate the complexity of these cases alone. Especially during a time when your attention should be on the full recovery of your child, know that you have the right to seek legal counsel before accepting any settlement offers.
Was Your Child Injured on a Texas School Bus? Call Shaw.
If your child was injured on a Texas school bus, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- And More.
We will help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced child injury lawyer in San Antonio. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need when you need it the most.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.
Related Content:
Top 3 Causes of School Bus Injuries to Children in Texas and What to Do About It
²FMCSA crash data (Texas 2025)