What Parents Should Know to Prevent Injuries This Fall
From Your Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers | Overbey, Hawkins, Wright & Vance, PLLC
As students across Virginia return to school, it’s a time of excitement, fresh routines, and unfortunately, increased risk on the roadways. According to the National Safety Council, more children are injured in pedestrian and school bus-related accidents in the months of August and September than at any other time of the year.
At Overbey, Hawkins, Wright & Vance, PLLC, we care deeply about protecting our community. While we’re always here to help if someone gets hurt, we also believe that awareness and prevention are key. In this post, we’ll break down key back-to-school safety risks and what you should do if your child, or anyone you know, is injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Why Back-to-School Season Is a High-Risk Time for Accidents
Once school starts, there’s a dramatic uptick in:
- Pedestrian traffic near school zones
- School buses making frequent stops
- Teen drivers on the road early in the morning
- Distracted drivers during school drop-off and pick-up
These changes increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents involving students, parents, and school personnel. According to the Virginia DMV, collisions in school zones and near crosswalks spike during the first 60 days of the academic year.
Who Is Liable in a School-Related Injury?
Determining liability in a back-to-school injury depends on the situation. Common responsible parties might include:
- A negligent driver who struck a pedestrian or caused an accident
- A school district or third-party bus company for improper training or supervision
- A property owner or school for hazardous sidewalk or parking lot conditions
That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can investigate the circumstances and protect your rights.
What to Do If Your Child Is Injured in a School-Related Accident
If your child has been injured in a school zone, by a vehicle, or while using school transportation:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Document everything. Take photos, gather witness names, and keep medical records.
- File a report with local authorities or the school, depending on the incident.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to review your legal options.
We’re Here to Help Virginia Families Stay Safe
At Overbey, Hawkins, Wright & Vance, we’ve helped families across Central Virginia recover after pedestrian and vehicle accidents. If your child was injured due to someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
We offer free consultations and never charge a fee unless we recover for you.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Call us at (800) 201-9987 to speak with a personal injury attorney who understands the challenges Virginia families may face this time of year.
