Bus Accidents

Injured in a Bus Accident in Arizona? AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys Fights for Passengers and Victims

Buses, whether public transit, school buses, or private charters, provide essential transportation for many Arizonans. When a bus accident occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic due to the size and weight of these vehicles and the number of passengers they carry. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, the experienced personal injury attorneys at AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the complexities of your claim and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Bus accident cases can involve multiple liable parties and complex insurance issues. Our dedicated team understands Arizona’s laws governing common carriers and is ready to advocate for your rights.

Common Carriers and Duty of Care

In Arizona, bus companies are often considered “common carriers.” Common carriers owe a heightened duty of care to their passengers, meaning they must exercise the highest degree of diligence and care to ensure passenger safety. This is a stricter standard than that applied to ordinary drivers.

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Understanding Bus Accidents in Arizona

Bus accidents can occur for various reasons and involve different types of buses

Public Transit Buses

(e.g., Valley Metro in the Phoenix area, Sun Tran in Tucson)

School Buses

Transporting children to and from school and school-related activities.

Intercity Buses

(e.g., Greyhound, FlixBus)

Charter Buses and Tour Buses

Used for private groups and tourism

What to Do After a Bus Accident in Arizona

Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

Check for injuries and seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some serious injuries have delayed symptoms.

Report the Accident

Ensure the accident is reported to the police and the bus company.

Gather Information (If Possible and Safe)

Bus number, route, and driver’s name/badge number.

Contact information of other passengers or witnesses.

Information from other drivers involved (if applicable).

Document Everything

Take photos/videos of the accident scene, bus damage, your injuries, and any contributing factors.

Write down exactly what happened as soon as you can, while details are fresh.

Keep All Records

Maintain copies of medical bills, police reports, and any communication with the bus company or insurance providers.

Contact AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys

It is crucial to consult with an experienced Arizona bus accident attorney as soon as possible, especially given the potential for multiple liable parties and shorter deadlines for claims against government entities.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Bus Driver Negligence:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving (e.g., using a cell phone)
- Fatigue or violating hours-of-service regulations
- Inadequate training or experience
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Sudden stops or starts causing passenger injuries
Bus Company Negligence:
- Inadequate hiring practices or driver screening
- Poor vehicle maintenance and inspection
- Failure to comply with safety regulations
- Overloading the bus
Negligence of Other Drivers: Other motorists causing collisions with buses.
Defective Bus Parts or Equipment: Mechanical failures due to manufacturing defects.
Poor Road Conditions or Design.
Inclement Weather Conditions.

Compensation for Bus Accident Victims

Victims of bus accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills, including emergency services, hospitalization, surgeries, therapy, and medication.
Lost Wages: For time missed from work and any reduction in future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
Permanent Injury or Disability.
Property Damage: If personal belongings were damaged.
Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in a fatality, eligible family members can pursue a wrongful death claim.

How AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys Can Help

Bus accident claims require a thorough investigation and an understanding of complex state and federal regulations. The legal team at AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys is equipped to:
- Provide a free, comprehensive consultation to evaluate your case.
- Investigate the accident thoroughly, identifying all potentially liable parties.
- Ensure compliance with all notice requirements, especially in cases involving government entities.
- Gather crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, bus maintenance records, and driver logs.
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and economic experts as needed.
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies and opposing counsel.
- Aggressively litigate your case in court if a fair settlement is not achieved.

Liability in Arizona Bus Accident Cases

Determining who is at fault in a bus accident can be challenging. Potentially liable parties may include:

The Bus Driver.
The Bus Company or Owner.
A Government Entity: If a public bus system is involved (e.g., city or county).
Maintenance and Repair Companies: If negligent maintenance contributed to the accident.
The Bus Manufacturer or Parts Suppliers: If a defect caused the accident.
Another Negligent Motorist.

Special Considerations for Claims Against Government Entities

If your bus accident involved a public entity (like a city bus or a publicly-owned school bus), special rules apply in Arizona. You must file a Notice of Claim with the appropriate government agency within 180 days of the accident (A.R.S. § 12-821.01). The statute of limitations to file a lawsuit against a public entity is then one year from the date of the injury. Failure to meet these strict deadlines can bar your claim.

Statute of Limitations for Bus Accidents in Arizona

General Claims: For claims against private bus companies or other private entities, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident (A.R.S. § 12-542).
Claims Against Public Entities: As mentioned, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 180 days, and a lawsuit must be filed within one year of the injury.

It is critical to understand these deadlines. Consulting an attorney promptly is the best way to protect your rights.

Contact Your Arizona Bus Accident Attorneys Today

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you need strong legal advocates on your side. Contact AZ Law Now for a free consultation. We are committed to helping victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve.