Every parent’s worst fear is receiving a call that their child was hit by a car — especially when they were just walking to school, waiting for the bus, or crossing the street with a crossing guard. Unfortunately, these accidents happen more often than you’d think — and they are almost always preventable.
At Ron Meyers and Associates, we represent families in Olympia and throughout Washington who are coping with the aftermath of devastating injuries to children in school zones or at bus stops. These cases involve not only physical harm, but emotional trauma and complex legal questions around liability, negligence, and compensation.
Here’s what every parent should know about school zone accident claims in WA, including what to do if your child was injured in a stop-arm violation incident or pedestrian crash near a school.
Why School Zones and Bus Stops Are High-Risk Areas
Despite flashing lights, lower speed limits, and frequent signage, drivers continue to speed, ignore crosswalks, and fail to stop for school buses — putting children in harm’s way.
Common causes of school zone and bus stop accidents include:
- Speeding in school zones
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Distracted driving (texting, talking, etc.)
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Ignoring stop arms on school buses
- Poor visibility or dangerous street design
These factors contribute to serious injuries — especially when the victim is a young child who has little to no protection in a crash.
Understanding Stop-Arm Violations in Washington
In Washington State, drivers are legally required to stop when a school bus has its stop sign (or stop arm) extended, and its red lights are flashing. This law applies whether you’re behind the bus or approaching from the opposite direction on a two-lane road.
A stop-arm violation injury in Washington can occur when:
- A driver passes a stopped school bus illegally
- A child is struck while crossing the street to board or exit the bus
- The driver fails to slow down near an active school bus zone
These violations are not just traffic infractions — they can lead to catastrophic, even fatal, injuries. When a driver disregards a stop-arm signal, they may be held civilly liable for the child’s injuries in addition to facing criminal charges or fines.
Legal Options After a Child Is Injured in a School Zone or Bus Stop Crash
If your child has been injured in a school zone car accident in WA or a bus stop injury incident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim on their behalf. These claims can help cover:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Educational impacts (e.g., missed school or learning disruptions)
- Future loss of income or quality of life in catastrophic cases
You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering or permanent disability, depending on the nature of the injury.
A skilled Olympia child pedestrian lawyer can help you identify:
- Who is responsible (the driver, a school district, or a third party)
- What evidence is needed (traffic footage, eyewitnesses, expert analysis)
- How to file a claim while protecting your child’s best interests
Proving Fault in a Child Pedestrian Injury Case
Unlike adult pedestrian accidents, cases involving children require special care. Children are less predictable and more vulnerable, but drivers still have a duty to exercise extreme caution in areas where children are present.
To succeed in a child hit by car claim in WA, your legal team must show that:
- The driver acted negligently (e.g., by speeding, texting, or failing to stop)
- That negligence caused the accident
- Your child sustained injuries and resulting damages
In some situations, more than one party may be at fault — for example, if the school district failed to provide safe crossing guards, signage, or bus stop placement.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Child Injury
School zone and bus stop accident claims are emotionally difficult and legally complex. Insurance companies may try to downplay injuries, delay claims, or argue that your child was at fault — even in cases where it’s clearly not true.
At Ron Meyers and Associates, we work with medical professionals, child psychologists, and accident reconstructionists to build a powerful case for full compensation. We fight for the future your child deserves, especially in catastrophic injury cases involving long-term care or disability.
Is Your Child Recovering from a School Zone or Bus Stop Injury? Let Us Help.
If your child was injured by a careless driver near a school or bus stop, you don’t have to handle this alone. Let a trusted personal injury attorney in Olympia guide you through the legal process and protect your child’s rights.
Contact Ron Meyers and Associates to schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen, investigate, and help you seek the justice and support your family needs.
FAQ: School Zone and Bus Stop Injury Claims in Washington
What should I do if my child was hit by a car near a school or bus stop?
Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to local authorities, gather any witness information, and preserve evidence (including the child’s clothing or photos of the scene). Then, contact a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
Can I sue a driver for hitting my child in a school zone?
Yes. If a driver’s negligence caused your child’s injury — such as speeding, failing to yield, or ignoring a stop-arm — you may be able to file a personal injury claim on your child’s behalf.
What if the driver didn’t stop after hitting my child?
Hit-and-run cases are taken very seriously. If the driver is identified, they may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability. Even if they aren’t found, you may still be able to pursue a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Is there a time limit for filing a child injury claim in Washington?
Yes. Washington has a statute of limitations, but the deadline for a child’s injury case may be extended. However, it’s still important to act quickly while evidence is fresh.
How much does it cost to hire a child injury lawyer in Olympia?
At Ron Meyers and Associates, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning there’s no fee unless we win your case. Initial consultations are free.
