Did a Phoenix bus accident leave you injured and struggling with medical bills, lost wages, or pain that affects your daily life? You should not have to deal with the consequences of someone else’s negligence on your own. Whether the crash involved a city bus, school bus, or private vehicle, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.
At Triumph Law Group, our legal team knows how to handle even the most complex bus accident cases. Our Phoenix bus accident attorneys can investigate the crash, determine who is responsible, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 602-595-5559 for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers can answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you move forward.
What Makes Bus Accident Injury Cases So Complicated?
Bus accident injury cases involve multiple factors that make them more challenging to handle than typical car accident claims. One potential complicating factor is that several parties might share responsibility for the crash, including bus drivers, bus companies, government agencies, and other road users. Determining fault in these cases requires thorough investigations and strong evidence.
Buses also follow different regulations than passenger vehicles. State and federal laws set rules for bus safety, driver qualifications, and vehicle maintenance. Lawyers must examine whether the bus company or driver violated any of these rules and how those violations contributed to the crash.
Insurance policies add another layer of complexity to bus accident cases. Bus companies often carry high-value insurance policies managed by teams of adjusters and attorneys who work to limit payouts. Crash victims commonly face delays, low settlement offers, and denials when filing claims. An attorney can negotiate with bus insurance companies and push for fair compensation.
Finally, government involvement can make the legal process even more difficult in bus accident injury cases. If a city or school district owns the bus that was involved in the accident, strict claim deadlines and legal requirements apply. Failing to follow the correct steps can result in a loss of the right to file a claim.
Because of these challenges, bus accident victims need and deserve legal help to build strong cases and recover the compensation they deserve.
Arizona Bus Accident Statistics
In 2023, the Arizona Department of Transportation recorded 570 crashes involving commercial and non-commercial buses. These incidents accounted for 0.24 percent of all motor vehicle crashes statewide. Six of these crashes resulted in fatalities, while 110 caused injuries.
That same year, school buses were involved in 37 crashes statewide. One of these Arizona school bus crashes resulted in a fatality, and five resulted in injuries.
Bus crashes also injured a total of 131 people in Arizona in 2023. Among them, 30 drivers and 97 passengers suffered injuries in commercial or non-commercial bus crashes. School bus crashes injured three drivers and one passenger. No fatalities occurred among bus drivers or passengers.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Phoenix
Some bus accidents result from driver errors, while others happen due to mechanical failures, dangerous road conditions, or reckless actions by other motorists. Understanding the common causes of bus accidents can help victims identify who might be responsible for their injuries. Let’s review some of the most frequent causes of bus crashes in Phoenix:
- Bus Driver Negligence: Some crashes happen because bus drivers make mistakes or fail to follow traffic laws. Speeding, running red lights, or making unsafe lane changes can put passengers and others on the road at risk.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who look at their phones, talk to passengers, or adjust controls inside the bus can lose focus on the road. Even a moment of distraction can lead to a devastating bus accident, especially in heavy traffic or near intersections.
- Driver Fatigue: Bus drivers often work long shifts, and fatigue can affect their reaction times and decision-making abilities. A drowsy bus driver might struggle to stay in the correct lane, respond slowly to hazards, or even fall asleep at the wheel.
- Mechanical Failures: Buses require regular maintenance to stay safe. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems can result in losses of control for drivers. If a company or mechanic fails to inspect or repair a bus properly, severe accidents can result.
- Poor Road Conditions: Uneven pavement, large potholes, and missing traffic signs can make driving dangerous for buses. If these factors contribute to a bus accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads might share responsibility.
- Weather-Related Hazards: Roads that are slippery due to inclement weather require increased stopping distances, and poor visibility makes it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals. Bus drivers who do not adjust their speeds for the weather put everyone at risk.
- Reckless Drivers on the Road: Other motorists sometimes cause bus crashes by driving aggressively or ignoring traffic rules. Drivers who cut off buses, swerve between lanes, or stop suddenly in front of buses can create dangerous situations that lead to accidents.
- Improper Loading or Overloading: If passengers, luggage, or cargo are not loaded properly, a bus can become unbalanced and more likely to crash. A sudden shift in weight can also cause a bus driver to lose control, especially during turns or emergency stops.
Government Liability for Phoenix Bus Accidents
Some bus accidents involve government-owned vehicles, such as city or school buses. If a government agency is responsible for a bus involved in a crash, filing a compensation claim becomes more complicated. Special rules apply, and victims must follow strict procedures to seek compensation.
In Arizona, government liability for bus accidents falls under government tort claims laws. These laws require you to file a notice of claim against the government before pursuing a lawsuit. Your notice must include details about the accident, your injuries, and how much compensation you seek. Arizona law sets a 180-day deadline to submit this notice. If your claim is denied, you have one year to file a lawsuit in court. Missing any of these deadlines can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Bus Accident Claim FAQs
A bus accident can leave you with painful injuries, costly medical bills, and numerous legal questions. Below are answers to common questions about bus accident injury cases in Phoenix.
What should I do if I get hurt in a bus accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel injured. Report the accident to the police and collect evidence like photos and witness information if possible. Save all of your medical records and any other documents detailing accident-related expenses or income losses. Contact an experienced bus accident lawyer as soon as possible for legal guidance.
What compensation can I recover from a bus accident injury claim?
Depending on the specifics of your accident claim, you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, income losses, pain and suffering, and other crash-related costs. The amount you get will depend on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life, and the insurance coverage available.
Do I need a lawyer for my bus accident claim?
Yes, you need a lawyer for your bus accident claim. These cases commonly involve multiple parties, complex insurance policies, and strict legal deadlines. Without legal representation, you risk missing deadlines, accepting a low settlement, or losing your right to seek compensation altogether. A lawyer can meet all requirements on your behalf and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Contact a Phoenix Bus Crash Attorney
If a bus crash injured you or a loved one in Phoenix, Arizona, now is the time to take action. Triumph Law Group is ready to help. Call us at 602-595-5559 for a free consultation session to discuss the details of your situation and learn more about how we can support your recovery.
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