Few phone calls hit a parent harder than hearing their child was hurt on the way to school. The answer to who is responsible depends on who owned the bus, who was driving, and what actually caused the crash. More than one party may share the blame.
- A public school district may be liable when its employee drives negligently. Michigan generally shields government agencies from lawsuits, but there is a specific exception for negligent operation of a government-owned vehicle (MCL 691.1405).
- A private bus company contracted by the district may be responsible for its driver's conduct and its maintenance records.
- Another motorist may be at fault, such as a driver who passed a stopped bus with its red lights flashing.
- A manufacturer or repair shop could be involved if a mechanical defect played a role.