Parents call in lawyers to sue over Lanarkshire school bus crash as cops prepare to question all 44 Cumbernauld pupils on doomed coach
More than 20 youngsters ended-up in hospital when the coach taking them to school plunged down a ditch
PARENTS of kids left seriously injured when their bus crashed into a ditch on the school run plan to seek damages for their ordeal, it has emerged.
Families have already contacted two leading personal injury firms over last week’s school bus smash in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire.
More than 20 youngsters ended up in hospital when the coach taking 44 of them to school plunged down a ditch.
Cops are looking into why the JD Travel vehicle left the road as it negotiated a tight-turn outside the secondary on February 9.
Law firm Digby Brown said while claims were at a “very early stage” those who had suffered loss or injury may have a case.
A spokesman said: “We have received a few inquiries in recent days from families who were affected by the incident in Cumbernauld last week.
“If individuals have suffered injuries or loss as a result of being involved in this crash, they may be able to pursue a legal claim for compensation.”
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He added: “This was a horrible event for everyone affected.
“The priority has to be making sure what happened is fully investigated and lessons learnt to help improve safety in the future.
“This process is at a very early stage and it would not be appropriate for us to comment in more detail at this time.”
Thompson’s solicitors also confirmed they had been contacted by those affected and would likely be taking on cases.
Last week after the vehicle toppled down an embankment.
Joe Smith, 12, said: “People were shouting and crying."
“We hit one of the lampposts and fell down and tipped. I was scared and so were my friends.
“We were at the side that went on the ground. I was fine but I landed on one of my friends.
“The driver smashed one of the windows to get us out then one of the science teachers helped us.”
Police are continuing their investigation into the crash and will quiz the youngsters from the bus this week.
A spokeswoman said: “As part of their investigations officers will be gathering witness statements over the coming days.”
North Lanarkshire Council and JD Travel declined to comment.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport said last week that “while SPT manages school bus contract on behalf of the local authority, the bus operator is entirely responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of the vehicle”.
They declined to add to the statement.
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