Individuals who drive commercial vehicles are held to a higher standard of driving than most other individuals. Typically, individuals are required to obtain commercial drivers' licenses, and they can be subject to more severe punishments when they are involved in accidents.

Unfortunately, that does not always prevent those individuals from causing accidents. A Pennsylvania school bus driver is the target of a personal injury lawsuit after he crashed a bus into a group of about 20 students. Although the exact details are unclear, the bus lurched forward and injured several students who were waiting outside the school.

The school officials acknowledged the liability they have in the bus accident, and the National Transportation Safety Board said the accident was caused by the driver's error. Even so, the family of one victim may not be able to receive the money they deserve from the personal injury lawsuit.

One girl who was hit in the accident needed to have her leg amputated after the crash. Her hip was crushed, and she testified that the accident left her disfigured. Since the accident, she has also been struggling with depression.

Although the family asked for at least $3 million in damages from the district, the district only offered to pay $500,000, which is the capped amount allowed by Pennsylvania law. It is unclear whether $500,000 is enough to pay for the girl's medical bills and ongoing physical therapy. However, it is certainly not enough to replace the leg that was taken from her.

Hopefully the family's continued work with an experienced personal injury attorney will help them receive the financial support they need.

Source: WHTM 27, "Closings set in suit over Pa. bus crash," The Associated Press, Dec. 5, 2011