School zones are designed to be safe areas for children, parents, and school staff, with reduced speed limits and strict traffic laws in place to prevent accidents. Unfortunately, crashes still occur, often with serious consequences, especially if a child is involved. Whether you were a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, knowing what to do after an accident in a school zone can protect your legal rights and help ensure accountability.
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims in Florida pursue justice and fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a school zone accident, here’s what you need to know about the steps to take and your legal options.
Immediate steps to take after a school zone accident
1. Prioritize safety and call 911
The first and most important step is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If possible:
- Move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further collisions.
- Check for injuries, especially involving children or pedestrians.
- Call 911 immediately, as Florida law requires accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $500 to be reported (Florida Statutes § 316.065).
Even if the accident seems minor, police reports are crucial for determining fault and protecting your rights in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
2. Seek medical attention
Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries, and some conditions (such as whiplash or internal injuries) may not appear until later. If a child was involved, immediate medical evaluation is critical–even a seemingly minor impact can cause severe injuries in young children.
Medical records will serve as evidence if you pursue compensation for your injuries.
3. Gather evidence at the scene
If you are physically able, document as much as possible before leaving the accident scene:
- Take photos of vehicles, damage, injuries, traffic signs, and skid marks.
- Note the exact location of the accident, including the presence of crosswalks, stop signs, or flashing school zone signals.
- Obtain witness statements from parents, school staff, or pedestrians who saw what happened.
- Check for surveillance cameras, as many school zones have traffic cameras that may have captured the crash.
4. Do not admit fault or apologize
Accidents in school zones can be highly emotional, especially if a child is injured. However, never admit fault or apologize at the scene, as this can be used against you in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Instead, stick to the facts when speaking with police officers and other parties.
Legal considerations after a school zone accident
Who can be held liable?
Determining liability in a school zone accident depends on several factors, including whether speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or another traffic violation was involved. Potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers – A driver who sped through a school zone, ran a stop sign, or failed to yield to a pedestrian may be held responsible for injuries and damages.
- School districts or municipalities – If the accident was caused by improperly placed crosswalks, defective traffic lights, or inadequate school zone signage, a government entity may be liable.
- Bus drivers or school transportation services – If a school bus driver was involved in the crash, the school district or a private bus company may be responsible.
Florida laws governing school zones
Florida has strict traffic laws in school zones, and violations can be used as evidence of negligence in an injury claim.
Reduced speed limits and penalties
- School zones in Florida have a speed limit of 15 to 20 mph, and fines double for exceeding this limit (Florida Statutes § 316.1895).
- Speeding in a school zone can be used to establish negligence per se, meaning the driver is presumed at fault if their violation caused the accident.
Right-of-way laws for pedestrians
- Drivers must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk (Florida Statutes § 316.130).
- Failing to yield in a school zone can lead to civil liability for any injuries caused.
School bus safety laws
- Drivers must stop for a school bus when its stop arm is extended, even on multi-lane roads (Florida Statutes § 316.172).
- Failing to stop for a bus and causing an accident can lead to both criminal and civil penalties.
What compensation can you recover?
If you were injured in a school zone accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and future treatments.
- Lost wages – If you are unable to work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Wrongful death damages – If a loved one was fatally injured in a school zone accident.
If a child was injured, the family can pursue a claim on their behalf to cover long-term medical care, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
How Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help
Accidents in school zones can be devastating, and navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our team has the experience, resources, and dedication to help victims recover the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a school zone accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to fight for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
