Harrisburg School Zone Car Accidents: Who May Be Liable for Your Damages?

Parents trust drivers to be extra cautious when passing through Harrisburg school zones, but accidents still happen. When a crash occurs in these areas, the impact affects families and school communities.

If a school zone car accident has affected you or someone you know, our trusted law firm is ready to help you secure the compensation you need and deserve. Our experienced Harrisburg car accident attorneys are here to guide you throughout the legal process and fight for your rights.

Schedule your free consultation today: 717-727-2500.

Why Do School Zone Car Accidents Happen?

School zone accidents in Harrisburg often occur due to rushing drivers and unpredictable pedestrian activity. During morning drop-off and afternoon pickup times, these areas become especially hazardous when drivers fail to take extra precautions to focus on the road and adjust their driving behavior.

Distracted Drivers

Drivers often get distracted by their phones, adjusting navigation systems or even helping their children in the backseat of the car. Being distracted while driving, even if it is only for a few seconds, is enough time to cause serious harm to other drivers or pedestrians, most of whom are likely to be children.

Speeding

Speeding through school zones remains a persistent problem. Some drivers ignore or miss posted speed limit changes during school hours. Others deliberately speed through these zones, wrongly assuming they can react quickly enough if a child appears. Reduced speed limits exist in school zones because children often make sudden movements. For example, some children may run out into the street unexpectedly to dash to their school bus. Drivers need to mind the speed limit in school zones to give them extra time to stop safely when the unexpected occurs.

Poor Visibility

Poor visibility may also cause an accident. Early morning sun glare can blind drivers approaching school crossings. During winter, early morning commutes in low light make it harder to spot children wearing dark clothing. Weather conditions like rain or snow further contribute to these visibility issues.

Ignoring Crossing Guards

Failure to obey crossing guards creates another serious risk. Some drivers try to beat the guard’s signals or become impatient waiting for large groups of children to cross. This dangerous behavior puts both children and crossing guards at risk of severe injury.

Parking Lot Chaos

Parking lot confusion often triggers accidents. Parents dropping off children frequently make sudden stops, illegal U-turns or back up without warning. The combination of rushed parents, crowds of children and busy parking areas creates an environment prone to car accidents.

How Do Pennsylvania Laws Protect Our Children in School Zones?

Pennsylvania enforces strict school zone laws to keep children safe during their daily commute to and from school. These regulations create multiple layers of protection:

Speed Limit Requirements

Pennsylvania mandates a 15-mph speed limit in school zones during specific times, typically when students arrive or leave school. These zones have flashy yellow signs to warn drivers about slowing down.

Crossing Guard Authority

School crossing guards in Pennsylvania have the same authority as police officers within school zones. Drivers must obey their signals and directions.

Bus Safety Regulations

Drivers behind a school bus and on the opposite side must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms. Violations result in significant penalties, including fines, points on your driving record and potential license suspension.

Cell Phone Restrictions

Texting while driving is prohibited statewide. However, drivers who text while driving in a school zone face increased penalties.

Construction Zone Protections

When construction is near school zones, additional safety measures are required. These precautions include reduced speed limits, increased signage and mandatory flaggers.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Harrisburg School Zone Car Accident?

Multiple parties may share responsibility for the resulting injuries and damages when a school zone accident occurs in Harrisburg. Understanding who bears responsibility for a school zone accident often requires thorough investigation. Multiple parties may share liability, making it essential to identify all potential sources of compensation for injured victims.

Negligent Drivers

Most commonly, drivers violating school zone traffic laws are liable for accidents. If a driver speeds through marked school zones or fails to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, they may be held liable.

School Districts

The school district may bear partial responsibility, mainly if it creates unsafe drop-off or pickup procedures. Additionally, school districts may become liable if they hire unqualified crossing guards.

School Bus Operators and Companies

When accidents involve school buses, liability for negligent operation might extend to the bus driver. The company could also be liable for poor maintenance and failure to screen drivers properly.

City of Harrisburg Municipal

The City of Harrisburg may be liable if it fails to fix traffic signal malfunctions or if school zone signs are missing or damaged. Poorly maintained roads and lack of adequately marked crosswalks can also deem the city liable.

Construction Companies

Construction companies could be liable for inadequate safety barriers and missing warning signs if road work is present. For example, if construction work creates improper traffic flow patterns, it may be difficult for drivers and pedestrians to maneuver through school zones, increasing the risk of an accident.

What Compensation Can Your Family Recover After an Accident in a School Zone?

When your family faces the aftermath of a school zone accident in Harrisburg, you may be eligible for various types of compensation. Families must be aware of the multiple types of compensation they can receive to secure the maximum settlement amount.

• Medical Expenses: These can cover emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries and physical therapy sessions. They can also cover future medical needs.
• Lost Income and Future Earnings: Parents who miss work to care for injured children may recover lost wages during recovery time and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation covers non-economic damages that may include physical pain, discomfort, emotional trauma, anxiety and depression.
• Property Damage: Compensation can cover vehicle repair or replacement. If personal items were damaged in the crash, you may receive compensation for medical devices, school supplies and belongings.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a School Zone Accident in Harrisburg?

Contact our law firm immediately if your family experiences any injury, property damage or loss in a Harrisburg school zone. Early legal intervention helps protect your rights while also preserving key evidence for your claim. Being proactive helps to ensure we can preserve surveillance footage and collect witness statements while memories are fresh.

Call Harrisburg Car Accident Attorneys After a School Zone Crash

If your family faces the aftermath of a school zone accident, you should not have to navigate the complex legal process alone. At Schmidt Kramer, our experienced Harrisburg attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on children and their families. We work tirelessly to identify all liable parties and secure the full compensation your family deserves.

Do not let insurance companies or responsible parties minimize your claim. Contact Schmidt Kramer today for a free consultation about your potential school zone accident case.

Experienced. Local. Lawyers. Call: 717-727-2500 today.