Arizona personal injury attorneys representing bus accident victims in Phoenix
Buses must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations, which is the agency that regulates interstate bus and truck safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is one of the government agencies that is responsible for reducing vehicular crashes and their resulting injuries and fatalities. Bus companies, drivers, mechanics and employees must comply with safety requirements. Bus drivers must be trained and certified. If you or a loved one have been injured or died as a result of a bus accident caused by the negligent actions of someone else, contact a bus accident lawyer in the Phoenix, AZ area right away.
BUS DRIVER SAFETY ISSUES INCLUDE:
- Must pass thorough background check
- Bus driver must be properly trained and certified
- Currently licensed with valid, up to date license
- Knowledge of and compliance with all applicable bus driver rules
- Maximum driving times – specific number of hours per day and week
- Brake systems operating knowledge and mastery
- Emergency window release with pull or lift handles
- Emergency door exit with and without power fail
- Many others
Bus companies are legally responsible for their drivers, mechanics and employees, as well as the actual buses. If an injury occurs because of driver negligence or faulty equipment, the injured party may seek compensatory damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Wattel & York, one of the top personal injury law firms in Phoenix, AZ and the entire country, represents clients who have been injured in bus accidents. Our Phoenix auto accident attorneys represent passengers, motorists, pedestrians, motorcycle drivers, bicyclists, and others. Victims may be entitled to damages to compensate them for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
COMMON BUS ACCIDENT INJURIES INCLUDE:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Severed tendons and ligaments
- Burn injuries, abrasions, and bruises
- Nerve injuries
- Injury to internal organs
- Paralysis
The lack of seatbelts and other aspects in buses remains a large concern for people’s safety. The lack of a restraint system exposes the occupants to serious harm in the event of an accident. It is important to demand enhancements in safety features to prevent or at least minimize such dangers for the passengers.
PROVING BUS COMPANY NEGLIGENCE
Some of the different types of buses in Phoenix include:
- School bus
- Valley Metro
- Shuttle bus
- Charter bus
- Airport shuttle
- Tour bus
- Others
If you were involved in a bus accident in Phoenix, it is essential to properly investigate the facts. As one of the country’s premier plaintiff’s rights law firms, Wattel & York Phoenix, AZ bus accident attorneys may choose to use their substantial resources to conduct a meticulous and thorough case investigation. By using the skills of accident reconstruction engineers and investigators in combination with the most advanced and current technology, Wattel & York are able to recreate an extraordinarily accurate rendition of the events and factors that preceded and caused the bus accident. This information is used in negotiations with insurance carriers with the goal of obtaining a fair, generous and time-efficient out of court settlement.
If the insurance company and other responsible parties do not offer an equitable, generous settlement, your Phoenix AZ bus accident lawyer will not hesitate to take your case to court for a jury trial. There is no substitute for the knowledge and wisdom that naturally results from 40 years of experience and 13,000 successful cases.
COMPLIMENTARY CASE EVALUATION WITH PHOENIX BUS ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
If you were injured in a bus accident in Phoenix or elsewhere in Maricopa County. The Phoenix personal injury attorneys of Wattel & York offers a complimentary case evaluation. You will have the opportunity to speak with knowledgeable and experienced plaintiff’s rights attorneys. You will be able to ask questions about your case to better understand your options and future course of conduct.
There are no upfront fees or costs. If we accept your case, there will be no attorneys fees unless we settle your case with the insurance carrier or win the case in court. To meet your needs, we also have offices in Washington and California. To schedule your complimentary case review, contact the law firm of Wattel & York at 877-572-4143, or fill out the internet contact form.
FAQs About Bus Accident Cases
How should I deal with calls from bus companies following an accident?
It is important to be aware that bus companies may attempt to protect their best interests by obtaining details that could potentially be used against you to pursue legal action. As a result, it is advisable to carefully decline to disclose every detail of the accident and instead, provide them to your attorney. Your attorney will manage all communications with the bus company to protect your rights.
How do bus accident injuries differ from car accident injuries?
Bus accidents can lead to more severe injuries because buses are larger and heavier than cars. In car accidents, people are usually protected by seat belts and airbags. Bus passengers can be thrown around or even thrown out of their seats resulting in their injuries. Common injuries from bus accidents include cord injuries, head injuries, broken bones, and damage to organs. These injuries often demand care and could have lasting effects, on the victims’ daily life quality.
Who can be held accountable in bus accident lawsuits?
Liability in bus accident cases can be complex and may extend to multiple parties, including the bus company, bus driver, other motorists, manufacturers of defective bus parts, and even government entities responsible for road maintenance and signage. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, including driver behavior, maintenance records, and adherence to safety regulations.
What compensation can I recover in a bus accident case?
Victims involved in bus accidents might receive different types of compensation to help them with their losses and damages. This could involve payments for bills as well as for wages lost or potential earnings affected by the accident. Other forms of compensation may cover pain and emotional suffering damage to property and the impact on one’s quality of life. Moreover in cases where a loved one passes away due to an accident. Surviving family members have the option to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a bus accident lawsuit?
The statute of limitations, in Arizona, for filing personal injury claims, such as those related to bus accidents is usually two years from the accident date. However, there may be situations where this timeframe varies based on the details of the situation. It’s important to seek guidance, from a lawyer promptly following the incident to guarantee that all deadlines are adhered to and your legal entitlements are safeguarded.