The number of bus accidents that occur in the United States each year might surprise you. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) figures, more than 5,000 buses and large trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2018 alone. The number of injury accidents was even greater, topping 120,000 during the same year.
A severe bus accident injury can throw your life into chaos. Unexpected medical debt is often overwhelming for most people, especially those already facing financial challenges. Those challenges are only compounded if your injuries prevent you from immediately returning to work after an accident.
If you have suffered injuries in a bus accident, you could pursue compensation from the party liable for the accident. Whether that party is the bus driver, the bus company, or someone else, the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, is ready to help. Call a team member at (800) 921-7227 to discuss your options and learn how a Mesa bus accident lawyer might be able to help you.
Bus Accident Injuries
According to PubMed, many risk factors make bus accidents particularly dangerous. Some of these factors include the bus driver’s experience, the weather conditions at the time of the accident, and the presence of other motorists. Regardless of how these accidents occur, the risk of serious injury is substantial.
These injuries are typically the most severe for the individuals that the bus struck. Examples include not only other motorists but also pedestrians and cyclists as well. Given the size difference between these vehicles, anyone struck by a bus often faces devastating injuries.
This risk is not exclusive to those outside the bus, however. In many bus accidents, the driver or passengers are also at risk. Most buses lack seat belts, placing the passengers of a bus at risk of being thrown from their seats during a collision. Many buses also include open-air overhead storage, which increases the risk of items becoming dislodged and striking passengers in an accident.
Together, these risks can result in a wide array of injuries. These injuries could include:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Broken ribs
- Broken wrists
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Neck injuries
- Spinal damage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns
If you have suffered any of these injuries or others after a bus accident, the cost of medical care could be extreme. You could hold the liable party accountable for their negligence through a personal injury lawsuit.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help bus accident victims pursue legal action. To learn more, reach out to a Mesa bus accident lawyer to discuss your case. Give us a call today.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Mesa, call (800) 921-7227
Potential Defendants in a Bus Accident Lawsuit
When it comes to assigning liability for a bus accident, it is easy to point the finger at the large commercial vehicle’s operator. However, the reality is there could be multiple individuals responsible for these accidents. Some of these parties include:
Bus Drivers
Many bus accidents result from the negligence of the bus driver. This negligence could occur in many forms. A bus driver can cause an accident due to the same negligence common in any vehicle collision. Speeding, driving while intoxicated, or distracted driving examples of negligence that could apply.
Fatigue is also a common factor in commercial bus accidents. Bus drivers typically work long shifts behind the wheel of these large commercial vehicles. As tiredness sets in, these drivers often see their decision-making ability and reaction time decrease. Fatigue can result in a bus accident in ways like intoxication.
The Bus Company
There are multiple ways the bus company could be responsible for an accident. Often, both the bus driver and owner share in the liability for an accident. In some cases, it is possible to pursue legal action against the bus owner due to their employee’s negligence. If the bus driver causes an accident due to their negligence within the scope of their employment, the owner might also be on the hook for damages that occur.
There are other ways the bus company could be at fault. The owners and operators of these vehicles owe the public a duty of care to carefully screen their drivers. Allowing dangerous drivers to operate a bus could lead to a claim or lawsuit for liability. The same is true if the bus owner fails to maintain the vehicle in safe, working order. If poor maintenance is to blame for an accident, the owner could face liability for the injuries.
Bus or Part Manufacturers
Some bus accidents occur due to mechanical defects. These defects could involve any part of the bus, but they commonly occur within the braking or steering systems.
If a defective bus or bus part is responsible for an accident, an injury victim has the right to pursue compensation against the manufacturer. These defects could combine with other forms of negligence, resulting in multiple viable defendants in a bus accident lawsuit.
Mesa Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 921-7227
Recovering Compensation After a Bus Accident
It is understandable if the prospect of pursuing legal action for a bus accident injury is stressful. This is especially true if you have never been through the personal injury litigation process before. If you hire a lawyer, they can help simplify the process and advise you on what you should expect during each litigation stage.
They can handle all paperwork, communications, and negotiations on your behalf. They could also opt to seek justice for you in civic court if you do not receive a settlement offer that could help you financially recover from your injuries and losses.
If you wish to seek legal action in your Mesa bus accident case, you might want to act promptly as you have only two years to do so under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 12-542. Once this two-year deadline passes, you risk losing your chance to recover financial awards in your case. A Mesa bus accident lawyer can use this time to build your case and file it on time.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, is no stranger to handling complex injury cases, including bus accidents. Our team never shies away from a tough case, and we look forward to learning more about your situation.
During your free consultation, we can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options. To get started, call a team member at (800) 921-7227 today.
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