School bus crash on Huron River Drive in Brownstown

Monday’s school bus crash left a pickup driver seriously injured.

The Brownstown Township Police Department said the crash occurred Oct. 12 on Huron River Drive near Stefano Drive. No children were aboard the bus.

The front of the bus was damaged, and a broken utility pole rested on its roof.

In its initial notice, the Brownstown Police Department said the Downriver Crash Team was responding and warned drivers to avoid the area because the road would be closed for several hours. Police later reported the road cleared.

How does public ownership affect a Michigan school bus injury claim?

Public school districts generally have governmental immunity, which protects them from many negligence lawsuits when they're performing governmental functions. Michigan law provides an exception for certain crashes involving vehicles they own.

Under MCL 691.1405, a public agency can be liable for bodily injury or property damage caused by the negligent operation of its motor vehicle by an officer, agent or employee. A bus being involved in a crash doesn't by itself establish those requirements.

Vehicle ownership and the driver's relationship to the district therefore matter when deciding whom a claim can be brought against. Michigan Legal Center's explanation of bus accident claims in Michigan discusses how public agencies and private operators can affect that analysis.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles bus accident, car accident and serious injury claims.

If you were injured in a crash involving a school bus, Contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss whether Michigan Legal Center can help with your claim.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.