What Parents Need to Know About School Zone Injury Claims

With back to school season here, it’s important to think about the possibility of school zone injury claims. Children are especially vulnerable to accidents and injuries in the first few weeks of the school year when parents, teachers, and other drivers are getting back into the routine. If you or someone you know has recently been hurt in a pedestrian accident or car crash, you may have grounds for a school zone injury claim.

School zone injury claims can follow many kinds of traffic accidents, and studies show that many of these crashes are preventable.

Unfortunately, the back-to-school period means that drivers should adjust their behavior to pay even closer attention as children may be in crosswalks, loading buses, and especially as they are being dropped off or picked up at school. Despite clear safety measures and strict regulations, car accidents in school zones throughout California are all too familiar. And these areas can become even more congested during pick-up and drop-off times, which increase the risk of serious accidents. Crossing guards and other adults can help to safeguard the well-being of children, and the use of safe crossing procedures and designated pickup and drop-off locations all go in the right direction towards reducing school zone accidents. However, school zone accidents can and do still occur.

Causes: School Zone Injury Claims

Some of the most common factors that contribute to school zone accidents include inattention and driver behavior. Failure to yield, distracted driving, and disregarding the speed limits for school zones are some of the leading causes of these incidents. If there is inadequate signage or a lack of a designated drop-off area, this can significantly increase the risk of a serious accident. This puts children at a high chance of being injured on their daily commute to and from school.

Parents can do their due diligence by ensuring they have plenty of time to drop off and pick up their children and always paying attention in the school pickup and drop off lines. Studies have shown that one of the leading factors for safety in school zones is speed. The speed at which vehicles travel in school zones significantly impacts the likelihood and the outcome in terms of severity of accidents.

Studies have shown that even a modest speed reduction can significantly enhance the safety of pedestrians because it allows drivers more time to react to unexpected events. This is why it is essential for anyone driving through a school zone to adhere to posted speed limits.

Laws That Govern School Zones In California

California law mandates strict regulations to safeguard the safety of children in and around school zones under the California vehicle code. The speed limit within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school during the presence of children is set at 25 miles per hour unless otherwise indicated by a sign. All drivers must adhere to these speed limits to reduce the likelihood of collisions with pedestrians, including children as well as any adults who may be assisting them getting in and out of vehicles. Driving slower also gives vehicles more braking time in response to other vehicles that may be stopping for pedestrians.

What to Know About Penalties for School Zone Traffic Violations

A driver who violates the rules surrounding school zones can face significant consequences that are both legal in nature, in terms of California vehicle code violations, and associated with the outcomes of serious accidents.

Driving through a school zone in California requires heightened awareness—and for good reason. These zones are designed to protect children during school hours, recess, and other times when kids are likely to be near the road. Typically, school zones cover areas within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 25 mph, though it may drop to 15 mph in areas with playgrounds or narrow roads. These lower limits are enforced when children are present, including before and after school, and during recess.

Penalties for speeding in school zones are significantly higher than standard speeding violations. Even a slight misstep can lead to steep fines. For example, driving 1–15 mph over the limit carries a base fine of $25, while going 16–25 mph over results in a $50 fine. Exceeding the limit by 26 mph or more increases the base fine to $100. However, these are just starting points. After additional court fees and penalty assessments, the total cost of a ticket can easily rise to $250–$500 or more.

A ticket for going just 10 mph over the limit could end up costing you around $300 once fees are added. If you’re driving more than 25 mph over the limit, you may face a total fine of $500 or more. In addition to the financial cost, speeding in a school zone adds one point to your driving record. Accumulating too many points in a short time frame can lead to license suspension under California’s Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS).

Drivers cited for the first time may be eligible for traffic school, which won’t reduce the fine but can help keep the violation off your insurance record. And it’s not just speeding that gets penalized—improper parking or stopping in school zones can also lead to citations. In some districts, drivers are being ticketed via bodycams or video systems for illegal stopping, with fines ranging from $63 to over $100.

Ultimately, slowing down in school zones isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting lives. With steep fines, points on your license, and rising insurance costs at stake, staying alert and compliant is well worth the effort.

Common Injuries in School Zone Accidents

School zones are meant to be safe spaces for children, parents, and crossing guards—but when drivers speed or fail to pay attention, serious accidents can occur. Pedestrian injuries are unfortunately all too common in these areas, and children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller size and unpredictable behavior. When accidents happen, the injuries can be severe.

One of the most common injuries in school zone accidents is head trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries. These can occur if a child is struck by a vehicle or knocked to the ground. Broken bones are also frequently reported, especially in the arms, legs, or ribs, resulting from impact with a vehicle or the pavement. Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.

Injuries to the spine or back can also occur, especially in higher-speed impacts, potentially leading to long-term disability. Facial injuries such as broken teeth, lacerations, or eye trauma are common when children fall or are struck at head level. In less severe cases, victims may suffer cuts, bruises, sprains, or soft tissue injuries, which can still require weeks of recovery and physical therapy.

Drivers in school zones must be especially vigilant. Reduced speed limits, crosswalks, and the presence of crossing guards are there for a reason—to prevent exactly these kinds of devastating injuries. Even a moment of inattention can result in lasting consequences for a child and their family.

Reasons to Hire a Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer can help you protect your legal rights. A lawyer can assist you with finding the right medical treatment, gathering evidence for your claims, communicating with insurance companies, and helping you file a claim in court if that becomes necessary.