The start of the school year ushers in many changes for those with school-aged children. An earlier bedtime needs to be established and a new daily route adapted to. It also means that there are changes to the roads as more school buses are out-and-about transporting children to their schools each day. Some school districts also utilize school vans. Unfortunately, as is the case with all motor vehicles, it is possible that those being used to transport children will be involved in motor vehicle accidents.

Late last week a fatal school van accident occurred in Butler County, Pennsylvania. The incident took place on Saxonburg Boulevard at the end of the school day. According to police, the van rolled over after first leaving the road and hitting a tree.

One of the vehicle's two occupants, the 66-year-old driver, died at the scene. The 12-year-old student who was also in the vehicle was injured and transported via helicopter to UPMC Children's Hospital.

It is not yet known what caused the accident. One possibility authorities are investigating is that the driver experienced a medical episode of some sort, causing her to lose control of the van. During her time with the company she had established a good safety record. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

This accident clearly could have been much worse. It is fortunate that there was only one student in the van at the time of the crash. Though the extent of her injuries is not known, it is believed that she suffered a broken leg as a result of the rollover. Depending on the seriousness of her injuries, the girl's parents may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. Any damages recovered could be put toward things such as her medical bills.

Source: WPXI, "Driver killed, 12-year-old girl injured in school van accident in Butler County," Sept. 6, 2012

• Our firm handles similar situations to the one discussed in this post. For more information on these types of claims, please visit our Butler County fatal motor vehicle accidents page.