August has arrived across Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties, and with it comes a familiar countdown. School supply lists are getting checked off, districts are posting their first day dates, and within the next few weeks buses will be rolling through neighborhoods again on their morning and afternoon routes. Now is the time for drivers to start relearning habits they may have let slip over the summer, before those first mornings of foot traffic and bus stops actually arrive. A few extra seconds of attention near a school zone or a crosswalk can prevent an accident that changes a family’s life.
Ohio law requires drivers to stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, regardless of which direction the driver is traveling on most roads. Even so, every year brings reports of vehicles passing stopped buses while children are boarding or exiting. Children can also be difficult to spot in the morning rush, especially in neighborhoods with limited sidewalks or with cars parked along the curb. Add in distracted driving from phones, coffee, or a tight morning schedule, and the risk to young pedestrians and bicyclists will climb quickly once the new school year gets underway.
When a driver fails to follow school zone laws or simply is not paying close enough attention, the people who pay the price are often children walking, biking or waiting for the bus. Injuries from these accidents can range from bruises and broken bones to much more serious harm requiring surgery, rehabilitation or long term care. Ohio law allows families to pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses when a driver’s carelessness causes a school zone accident. Documenting the scene, seeking medical care right away, and speaking with witnesses can all strengthen a family’s case before evidence disappears or memories fade.
Brian Law Offices has called this part of Ohio home for decades, and we genuinely care about the families who make up our community. Our hope every school year is that every child gets to and from class safely and that no family ever needs to call us. But if an accident does happen and your child or another loved one is hurt, we want you to know we are ready to step in and help.
Brian Law Offices Is Here to Help
Attorney Steve Brian and the team at Brian Law Offices have spent decades helping Ohio families recover after serious accidents, including those involving school zones and young pedestrians. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so there is no cost to you unless we recover compensation on your behalf. If your child or another loved one was hurt in a school related accident, reach out to our North Canton office at 330-494-2121, our New Philadelphia office at 330-364-5531, or our Wooster office at 330-262-5246 for a free consultation.
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
