Parents try very hard to protect their children. But, this need to protect children must also be balanced with letting go of your children, such as letting them go to school. The hope is that the people that care for your children when you’re not around will be responsible and ensure that your child stays safe. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
For example, Arlana Haynes, a 6-year-old girl in first grade died as a result of injuries she sustained in a school bus crash, and her parents say it was because the bus driver was negligent and reckless. Because they feel that this tragic accident was the result of bus driver’s actions, Arlana’s parents have filed a lawsuit against the bus driver and Houston County schools.
How Did This Tragedy Occur?
According to police, the accident occurred when the bus driver entered a left curve too fast and tried to veer right, which resulted in the bus leaving the roadway and rolling onto its side. Arlana was critically injured after she was ejected from the vehicle, and died in the hospital the next morning. The bus driver is currently facing criminal charges for reckless driving and vehicular homicide.
Holding the Bus Driver Accountable
In their lawsuit, the parents are claiming that the bus driver drove recklessly and was negligent by failing to make a proper and legal left turn, failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to apply the brakes in a timely and proper manner, and was traveling too fast in light of the conditions. The parents are seeking the value of Arlana’s life (which will be determined later), as well as other damages against the bus driver and the school system, including punitive damages from the bus driver.
Related Resources:
- Find Personal Injury Lawyers in Your Area (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
- Accidents and Injuries (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Teen Dies After Gym Teacher Refuses Asthma Inhaler Request (FindLaw’s Injured)
- Girl Dies From Falling Mirror in Payless (FindLaw’s Injured)
