School Zone Accident Lawyers in Rochester, NY

The streets of Rochester can be challenging during school hour congestion. Car accidents in school zones happen often from drivers who fail to exercise proper caution near schools, putting children and other pedestrians at risk. School zone car accidents can result in severe injuries and long-term consequences for their families. 

The personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP have extensive experience representing victims of school zone accidents to make sure they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages.

What Causes Most School Zone Car Accidents in Rochester?

School zones are designed at base to protect children and others in and around schools. Unfortunately, car accidents and pedestrian accidents still happen for fairly common reasons:

• Failing to Follow Traffic Laws: Drivers don’t always abide by speed limits in school zone, fail to slow down in school zones, violating the reduced speed limits set forth in New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1180(c). Increased speeds over the limit drastically increase the chances of a crash with pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Distractions Behind the Wheel: Scrolling on a mobile phone, entering directions on a GPS, and other distractions inside the vehicle can divert driver’s attention. Focusing more on the inside of the vehicle than the outside makes drivers less aware of crossing guards, children, or school buses.
• Congestion Around Schools: High traffic volumes near schools like East High School or School No. 12 during drop-off and pick-up times can lead to reckless maneuvers, such as illegal U-turns or sudden stops.

Injuries in Rochester School Zone Car Accidents

Accidents in school zones often involve young children, pedestrians, or cyclists, leading to serious injuries requiring emergency medical treatment. Injuries in school zone car accidents include fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even cuts or abrasions. Children and teens struck by vehicles while crossing streets on their way to school can sustain traumatic injuries given their smaller size compared to adults. 

These injuries often result in significant medical costs and emotional strain. Families may also face lost wages if a parent must care for an injured child, compounding their financial burdens.

What Laws Protect Rochester’s School Zones

New York has strict laws in place to protect children, students, and parents while in school zones to reduce the possibility of an accident. Drivers who fail to follow the laws can expect significant fines and points assessed on their license compared to that same violation separate from a school zone.

• Reduced Speed Limits: In designated school zones, speed limits are often reduced to 15-20 mph, especially during school hours. New York VTL § 1180(c) governs reduced speed limits in a school zone. Drivers who speed will face fines and increased liability in accidents.
• School Bus Safety Rules: Drivers are required to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights, ensuring children can board or disembark safely. Attempting to overtake or pass a school bus improperly is a violation of NYS VTL §1174 that will result in steep fines and serious consequences.
• Pedestrian Right of Way: Crosswalks near schools give pedestrians priority, but inattentive or aggressive driving can still lead to tragic outcomes. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians in school zones can be fined and punished under NYS VTL §1151. 

Pursuing Compensation for School Zone Accident Victims

If you or your child has been injured in a school zone accident, seeking legal help is essential. Compensation can address the significant financial and emotional toll these incidents take.

• Recoverable Damages: Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, emotional trauma, and lost wages due to missed work in a car accident personal injury case.
• Proving Fault: New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that partial fault doesn’t bar recovery but may reduce the compensation awarded. Horn Wright, LLP works to minimize any assigned fault to maximize your recovery.

The experienced legal team at Horn Wright, LLP, can navigate these complexities, holding negligent drivers accountable and ensuring victims receive justice.

Why Choose Horn Wright, LLP?

At Horn Wright, LLP, our attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of accident victims throughout Rochester. We have local knowledge and familiarity with Rochester’s school zones, including high-risk areas near local schools and learning centers. Our personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, have a track record of successfully representing victims of pedestrian, vehicle, and school zone accidents. 

If anyone you know has been affected by a school zone accident in Rochester, the experienced attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP are here to help. We will guide you through every step of the legal process, providing the support you need during this difficult time.