Phoenix Bus Accident Attorney
Being injured in a bus accident can entitle you to compensation for the damages associated with the collision. Whether you were driving your own vehicle, walking along the street, or in the bus itself when the accident occurred, you should not be responsible for the losses you incurred through no fault of your own. At The Entrekin Law Firm, our Phoenix bus accident lawyers can help you identify who was responsible for your injuries and build a strong case to recover compensation. Call today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Phoenix Bus Accident Resources
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What Factors Contribute to Phoenix Bus Accidents?
Bus Accidents Are Deadly for Passenger Vehicles
Damages for an Accident Make the Victim Whole
Damages & Compensation in a Bus Accident Lawsuit
Common Injuries From Arizona Bus Accidents
Liability in a Bus Crash
Why Do You Need an Attorney?
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
Speak to a Lawyer Today
What Factors Contribute to Phoenix Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents can occur for various reasons, from driver negligence to defective bus equipment. Identifying the cause of a bus accident is crucial when determining who may be held liable. Some common causes of bus accidents include:
Driver Negligence: Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of bus accidents. This can encompass a variety of factors, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving while under the influence. If it can be proven that the bus driver was negligent in their duties, then they—and potentially their employer—may be held liable for any resulting accidents or injuries.
Defective Bus Equipment: Another common cause of bus accidents is defective bus equipment. This can include anything from malfunctioning brakes to faulty tires. If it is shown that defective equipment was to blame for an accident, then the company responsible for manufacturing the equipment may be held liable.
Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions often contribute to accidents, particularly those involving larger vehicles like buses. Potholes, sharp turns, and poorly maintained roads can all make it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles—and if an accident does occur, poor road conditions may exacerbate the damages. In these cases, the entity responsible for maintaining the roads may be held partially or wholly liable for an accident.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles: One of the most common causes of bus accidents is poorly maintained vehicles. To keep costs down, many bus companies cut corners when it comes to maintaining their fleet. This can lead to serious mechanical problems that can cause accidents. Always make sure to thoroughly check the safety record of any bus company you’re considering using before getting on board.
Inexperienced Drivers: Another common cause of bus accidents is inexperienced drivers. Bus companies are often under pressure to get their passengers to their destination on time, so they may hire drivers who are not adequately trained or qualified. This can lead to dangerous situations on the road. Make sure to ask about a bus company’s hiring and training practices before using their services.
Bus Accidents are Especially Dangerous for Passenger Vehicle Occupants
Accidents involving large trucks and buses are especially hazardous to motorists as trucks and buses are heavier and operate higher than traditional passenger motor vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notes that the occupants of traditional passenger vehicles are significantly more likely to experience severe injury or death when they collide with a large truck or bus. In 2019 alone there were some 5,237 fatal accidents involving large trucks and buses on the roads of the US, and over 121,000 accidents with large trucks and buses that caused injury.
Damages for Your Phoenix Bus Accident are Meant to “Make You Whole”
The purpose of pursuing compensation for the costs associated with your accident is to “make you whole.” This is a legal concept which means that you are meant to be put in as close a financial position as possible as though the accident had not happened. This includes covering not only all the short-term bills linked to your accident like the emergency room and vehicle repairs, but also the long-term bills and expenses linked to your injuries.
The long-term costs associated with your bus accident can be significant. If you accept a settlement before you fully calculate the costs associated with your injuries, you and your family may be left to pay the associated costs out of your own pocket in the future. Your Phoenix bus accident attorney will collect evidence and schedule follow-up appointments with experts to collect the evidence you need to prove your case.
Damages & Compensation in a Phoenix Bus Accident Lawsuit
Depending on the severity of the accident and injuries, you may be able to receive different types of compensation. This may include economic damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage, as well as noneconomic damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If you have been involved in a bus accident, you might also be wondering how much compensation you can expect to receive. Some of the factors that will be taken into account include the following:
The Severity of Your Injuries
One of the most critical factors that will affect the amount of money you can receive from a bus accident claim is the severity of your injuries. If you have suffered only minor injuries, you will likely receive less money than if you have suffered catastrophic injuries. In general, the more severe your injuries are, the more money you can expect to receive in compensation.
Another factor that will affect how much money you can receive is whether your injuries are permanent. If your injuries are only temporary, you will likely receive less money than if your injuries will last forever or for a significant period of time. This is because permanent injuries tend to significantly impact your ability to earn a living and enjoy your life.
The Cost of Your Medical Bills
Another important factor affecting the amount of money you can receive from a bus accident claim is the cost of your medical bills. If you have incurred a significant amount of medical bills as a result of your accident, you will likely receive more money than if you have only incurred a small amount of medical bills. This is because the cost of your medical bills is an integral part of determining how much your injuries have cost you.
Your Lost Wages
If you have been involved in a bus accident, chances are good that you have also incurred some lost wages. This could be because you had to miss work due to your injuries or because you had to miss work to care for your injuries. Either way, these lost wages will be considered when determining how much money you can receive from a bus accident claim.
What Are Common Injuries In Arizona Bus Accidents?
Bus accidents can have devastating consequences. Due to the size and weight of buses and the high speeds they often travel at, these accidents can cause severe injuries and even death. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord damage.
- Traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, contusions, and hematomas.
- Broken bones, fractures, and dislocated joints.
- Internal bleeding, including ruptured organs and blood clots.
- Soft tissue damage, such as sprains, strains, and bruises
Getting prompt medical treatment is essential after any type of accident, but it’s especially important after a bus accident.
Liability in Bus Accidents
Depending upon how you were injured and what type of bus is involved, there may be many different parties who are legally responsible. This can include the company that operated the bus involved, another motorist, a governmental entity, or even a vehicle or parts manufacturer. Because of the complexity of bus accident claims, it is always in your best interest to speak with a personal injury attorney in Phoenix.
Why Do You Need a Phoenix Bus Accident Attorney?
Bus accidents can be quite severe, and in some circumstances, it’s crucial to hire a lawyer. The following are some important reasons to consult with an attorney after a bus accident:
- To level the playing field. The insurance companies have experienced adjusters and lawyers working for them. You need someone on your side who knows the law and who will fight for your rights.
- To help you obtain the maximum compensation possible. An experienced lawyer will aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies to get you the maximum compensation possible under the law. If they can’t obtain a fair settlement offer, they can help you file a personal injury claim in court.
- To take the burden off you. Dealing with an insurance company after an accident can be frustrating and time-consuming. A bus accident lawyer will handle all the paperwork and communications for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Bus Accident
You may be entitled to significant compensation if you’re involved in a bus accident. Consider taking the following steps to ensure your health and safety and improve your chances of success should you decide to file a claim in the future:
Call the Police
If you are involved in a bus accident, the first thing you should do is call the police. Even if the accident is minor and there does not seem to be any damage, it is still important to have an official police report for insurance purposes. Describe the accident to the dispatcher and give them your location. The police will come to the scene and assess the situation. They will likely talk to all parties involved and any witnesses. The police report will include information about what happened and who was at fault. This can be incredibly useful later if you file a personal injury claim.
Document the Scene
It’s wise to document the accident scene as best you can. If you have a camera or a phone with a camera, take pictures of any damage to the vehicles involved. Be sure to get photos of all sides of each vehicle as well as close-ups of any significant damage. It can also be helpful to take pictures of the road, weather conditions, and skid marks. If you have any injuries, take pictures of those as well.
Collect Information
You should also collect information from everyone involved in the accident. Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the driver and anyone in other involved vehicles. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information as well. It is important to exchange insurance information with the other driver so that claims can be filed with each respective insurance company.
Talk With a Lawyer
In some cases, it may be beneficial for you to talk with a personal injury lawyer, especially if there were injuries or significant damage caused by the accident. A lawyer can help you understand your options and determine if it is worth pursuing legal action against the bus driver and/or bus company.
Discuss Your Situation with an Experienced Phoenix Bus Accident Lawyer
The sooner that you have an attorney helping with your bus accident, the sooner you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Your attorney will handle your case every step of the way, including the collection of evidence, drafting of your claim, and all related negotiations and communications to collect what you are entitled to.
Working with an experienced bus and car accident lawyer in Phoenix will take the stress of your case out of your day-to-day life, and ensure that you collect the full amount you are entitled to. Reach out to The Entrekin Law Firm now for your risk-free, cost-free assessment on your case to discuss options.