Assisting Accident Victims & Their Families Throughout Arizona
Bus accidents are highly traumatic events, frequently causing serious, catastrophic injuries. Sometimes, multiple vehicles are involved, and several passengers can be injured. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you need a Phoenix bus accident lawyer from Ybarra Maldonado Law Group. We understand these cases, as well as many other types of personal injury cases. These cases have multiple potentially liable parties, including the driver, the city’s transit system, a school district, or even our local government.
As a highly skilled and knowledgeable firm handling personal injury matters, we know how to aggressively fight insurance companies to get just compensation for your injuries. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Don’t settle for low-ball offers. We’ll fight to get you a settlement that covers all costs associated with your accident, and then some.
Call our office at (602) 905-9299 or reach out to us online today to set up a case evaluation. Hablamos español!
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents?
Just as with car accidents in Phoenix, a variety of factors contribute to bus accidents.
Some of the most frequent causes of bus accidents include:
Size and weight: Buses are very large and heavy compared to other vehicles. That means they produce much more force, and they cause catastrophic injuries and property damage. Additionally, they often block multiple lanes during a crash and require more distance to come to a complete stop.
Fewer safety features: As we mentioned before, many buses do not have seatbelts or even airbags. Some passengers also stand up in a moving bus, making them more susceptible to injury.
Faulty parts: As with any vehicle, buses are susceptible to faulty auto parts. The possibility of overlooking a defective part always exists, as buses generally keep tight schedules.
Inexperienced drivers: Even though all bus drivers must have a CDL, their employers must also conduct background checks, as well as routine drug testing. Sometimes, this is not properly enforced.
Common Injuries Resulting from Bus Accidents
Some of the most likely injuries seen in bus accident victims include:
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How to Establish Who is at Fault in a Bus Accident
In bus accident cases, determining liability can be tricky. It is, however, a very important part of your case. Our attorneys aim to prove liability and secure compensation for your case. If multiple parties are at fault, we ensure that each liable party pays for at least a portion of the damages. Below, we outline some of the common parties at fault for a bus accident in Phoenix.
The driver: Drivers sometimes behave recklessly or take their eyes off the road. If your injuries resulted from their negligence, they are liable for the damages.
The driver’s boss: Employers of bus drivers are responsible for training, background checks, and inspections. If they fail to meet these standards, they are liable.
Passengers: If passengers cause a scene inside the bus or distract the driver, they are liable.
Outside drivers: Other drivers might make mistakes or poor decisions while on the road. If they cut off or improperly pass a bus and cause a wreck, they are liable.
Pedestrians and cyclists: Non-drivers like cyclists or pedestrians might enter a crosswalk or cross the road without the right of way. If this results in a crash, they are liable.
Local government: City governments are responsible for proper maintenance and design of the roads. If the state of the road, a lack of signage, or other factors cause a wreck, the city is liable.
What Compensation Can Bus Crash Victims Receive?
Victims of bus crashes in Phoenix can seek various types of compensation depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their bus accident injury.
Similar to a car accident, a victim in a bus crash may be able to recover the following forms of compensation:
Current and future medical expenses
Current and future lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Wrongful death costs, like funeral and burial expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Legal fees
In rare cases of particularly egregious or reckless behavior, punitive damages
What To Do After a Bus Crash in Phoenix, AZ
Call the police. In the event that the driver or other staff is unable to call the police, you should call for assistance. The accident must be reported to the authorities so that the details of the crash can be documented.
Seek medical attention. Even if you cannot see or feel any injuries right away, you should still have a medical professional examine you. That way, any initially unseen injuries will be brought to your attention. Failing to seek medical attention after an accident can be very detrimental to a personal injury case.
Document the scene. Write down as much contact information as possible from the driver and the passengers. Take pictures and videos of the scene, as this will help your case later.
Call an attorney. Law firms like ours have attorneys who prioritize personal injury cases. We work diligently to protect your legal rights, protect you from any insurance company involved, and get just compensation for you.
How Common Are Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents aren’t as common as personal passenger vehicle accidents. This is because bus drivers are often held to higher standards than passenger vehicle drivers. In 2019, bus accidents resulted in nearly 200 injuries and 4 fatalities. However, in the same year, passenger cars saw over 450 fatalities and nearly 39,000 injuries. Although bus accident claims are less common than car accident claims, they are no less serious for those involved.
Types of Bus Accidents
Public Bus Accidents
Unfortunately, even public transportation is subject to serious accidents. Victims of public transportation accidents can sustain long-lasting injuries, depending on the severity of the crash. Most of the time, these vehicles do not have seat belts, except for the bus driver. Overcrowded buses, with standing passengers and only bars or straps to hold onto, pose a much larger threat than you might think. In extreme circumstances, passengers have been ejected from the vehicle entirely.
Drivers of vehicles other than the bus, pedestrians, and cyclists view public buses in an entirely different light. They pose massive threats to other motorists, as the potential damage is serious. Because of their size and tendency to operate in highly urbanized areas, the risk of an accident increases just from their proximity to so many other drivers. Also, bus drivers are not immune to fatigue, as they work long and late hours.
Private Bus Accidents
Private transportation companies, such as Greyhound, offer affordable ways to get from one place to another, compared with more expensive options like air travel. For that reason, many people use this mode of transportation every year. Unlike public buses, private company buses must provide seat belt protection for their passengers. Any passengers injured in private bus accidents are usually entitled to some form of compensation from the company. With that in mind, victims still benefit from hiring a Phoenix bus accident attorney to ensure the company compensates them for all their losses fairly.
School Bus Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are safer than cars for children traveling to school on a daily basis. Even so, these accidents still pose significant risks to both passengers and those outside the bus. The rules for lawsuits change slightly, depending on whether the school bus operates for a public or private school. Regardless, bus accident victims must act quickly to recover an appropriate amount of compensation.
What to Expect from a Settlement for a Bus Accident
The average settlement for bus accidents can vary greatly depending on the severity of the accident and other factors. However, the average bus accident settlement can range between tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The best way to find out the potential value of your claim is to speak with a skilled Phoenix bus accident lawyer at Ybarra Maldonado Law Group.
What Factors Might Affect the Value of Your Bus Accident Lawsuit?
Several factors can influence the value of a bus accident lawsuit, determining the compensation a victim might receive. One primary factor is the severity of the injuries sustained. More serious injuries typically result in higher medical expenses, longer recovery times, and greater impact on the victim’s quality of life and earning capacity. Consequently, cases involving severe injuries or permanent disabilities usually command higher settlements or awards.
The degree of fault or negligence also plays a crucial role. If bus accidents occur due to driver or bus company error, the chances of a higher settlement increase. However, if the victim is partially responsible for the accident, the compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of their fault under comparative negligence laws.
Economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, provide a concrete basis for calculating compensation. Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are more subjective and can significantly influence the lawsuit’s value. The ability of the victim’s legal representation to effectively argue for these non-economic damages can make a substantial difference.
Additionally, the available insurance coverage and financial resources of the defendant (whether it’s a bus company, government entity, or another party) will affect the potential payout. If the defendant has substantial insurance coverage or assets, it might be easier to secure a larger settlement.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bus Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?
In Arizona, you only have two years to file a lawsuit against a negligent bus driver or bus company. This means that if you have been injured in a bus accident, you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you will likely lose your right to seek compensation through the courts.
Dangers of Buses
Buses, like any form of transportation, come with inherent risks. One of the primary dangers is the potential for accidents. Due to their large size and mass, buses can cause significant damage and injuries in collisions. Their length and weight make them less maneuverable, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in congested urban areas or on narrow roads. Additionally, the high seating capacity means that more passengers are at risk in the event of a crash.
Another significant danger associated with buses is the possibility of mechanical failures. Buses are complex machines that require regular maintenance. Failures in critical systems like brakes, steering, or tires can lead to serious accidents. Overworked or poorly maintained buses are particularly prone to such issues, posing a threat to both passengers and other road users.
Furthermore, the safety of passengers inside the bus is a concern. Buses often lack seat belts, and passengers are frequently standing or moving around, especially in crowded urban buses. This increases the risk of bus accident injuries during sudden stops or turns. Additionally, the high occupancy levels in buses can complicate emergency evacuations, making it difficult for passengers to exit quickly in the event of a fire or other emergencies.
Are There Special Rules for Phoenix Bus Companies?
Phoenix’s Valley Metro public transportation system consists of buses, light rails, and paratransit services. Their safety and code of conduct policy, “Respect the Ride,” covers a wide range of prohibited behaviors and transit violations. These behaviors and violations include conduct, fares, food/drink/tobacco/alcohol, safety, noise, solicitation, and animals. To ensure the safest, most enjoyable ride for passengers, Valley Metro takes violations of its code of conduct very seriously.
How Can Ybarra Maldonado Law Group Help You After a Bus Accident in Phoenix, AZ?
Our Phoenix bus accident attorneys can be invaluable in guiding you through the complex legal and insurance landscape that usually accompanies a bus accident claim. One of the primary roles of our attorneys is to thoroughly investigate the incident.
This involves gathering evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and video footage, and possibly consulting with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the crash and identify liable parties. This detailed investigation is crucial for building a strong case.
We can also play a critical role in dealing with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often seek to minimize payouts for accidents, especially in cases involving potentially large claims, such as bus accidents. We will negotiate with these adjusters to ensure that the compensation offered reflects the true extent of the damages suffered, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand the tactics used by insurance companies and are prepared to counteract these to protect our clients’ interests.
Furthermore, if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to litigate the case. We will manage all aspects of the legal process, from filing the lawsuit to representing you in court. This legal advocacy is crucial, especially when complex legal rules and large amounts of compensation are at stake.
Contact Ybarra Maldonado Law Group Today
Our bilingual firm has an exceptional reputation for personal injury among the people of Phoenix. We fight for just compensation, for fairness, and for you. If you were involved in a serious bus accident in Phoenix, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer experienced trial lawyers who will walk you through the process of a personal injury claim, get you the help you need, and win on your behalf.
Call (602) 905-9299 today to schedule a case evaluation, or reach out to us through our online contact form.
