According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), buses are the safest vehicles on the road, but when an accident does involve a bus, serious injuries or worse can occur.
If you suffered injuries or were involved in a bus accident, we invite you to contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (800) 921-7227 for assistance. Our Phoenix bus accident lawyer may be able to help with your case.
At-Fault Parties in Bus Accidents
One reason bus accidents can be difficult to handle is because of the number of people involved. Some buses can hold 50 or more people. Another reason bus accident litigation can be tricky is that buses tend to be heavily insured and regulated–especially school buses. Identifying fault, connecting someone’s actions or inaction to an accident, and proving the extent of your injuries are some of the things a bus accident attorney may be able to help you with.
Identifying at-fault parties typically includes an investigation into the following groups.
The Bus Driver
Driver distraction, recklessness, fatigue, and inexperience are common causes of vehicle accidents. Truck and bus drivers can cause an accident by driving while drowsy, especially on long highway stretches. Also, some drivers drive after consuming drugs or alcohol. This can impair a driver’s ability to control his or her vehicle and/or respond promptly to changes in road conditions.
Even a delay lasting a few seconds can lead to a catastrophic accident. Speeding, following another vehicle too closely from behind, taking improper or unsafe turns, improper lane changes, and failing to slow down for a turn are all preventable forms of negligence that can lead to an accident. Accidents caused by any of these factors may render the driver liable for the resultant damages.
Other Drivers
Other drivers can cause a bus accident if they cut the bus off or force it to brake suddenly. Reckless or aggressive driving by others–if it results in an accident–can lead to liability and charges against those negligent and reckless individuals.
Bus Owner, Fleet Operator, or Service Team
City transit systems and school district bus fleets are usually owned by third parties who may or may not operate and/or service their vehicles themselves. Bus owners and fleet operators may be liable for an accident if they are found guilty of poor hiring practices or inadequate driver training that can be linked to an accident. A failure to perform background tests or drug screening can also lead to liability on the part of a bus service operator.
Service vendors can also be held liable for a bus accident if a contracted service team does not meet an agreed-upon maintenance schedule, performs low-quality work, forges safety certificates, or uses the wrong parts during servicing.
Beyond these groups, a town, city, or a road construction team may also shoulder some of the blame for a bus accident. This can happen if, for example, damaged roads, malfunctioning traffic control signals, or other road safety factors contribute to an accident. If a local municipality or construction team were responsible for but overlooked the issues, their actions may classify as negligent.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accidents lawyer serving Phoenix, call (800) 921-7227
Bus Accident Injuries and Damages
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged five to 29. Because of their size, buses can cause catastrophic damage in an accident. Bus accidents can lead to the following injuries:
- Damage to the head, neck, back, brain, or spinal cord
- Nerve, muscle, ligament, or soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding and/or internal organ damage
- Face, mouth, and eye injuries
- Broken bones, bone fractures, and lost body parts
- Paralysis
- Bruising, lacerations, and disfigurement
- Permanent body damage, brain damage, or death
In addition to bodily injuries, bus accidents can cause considerable property damage and can leave you out of work while you recover from your injuries.
They can also lead to substantial treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation costs, as well as significant pain, suffering, mental trauma, and the loss of consortium if a loved one is killed in an accident. The Phoenix bus accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you identify potentially compensable damages for your bus accident case.
Phoenix Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 921-7227
Bus Accident Litigation
We can help you with these steps by:
- Collecting accident evidence, such as eyewitness statements, the official police report on the accident, driver blood alcohol measurements that may have been taken, surveillance or dashcam footage, and cellphone usage data.
- Compiling a record of your medical expenses, treatment costs, travel costs, doctor’s appointments, and medicine or assistive device costs.
- Calculating your lost income.
- Estimating your noneconomic damages such as pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of consortium.
- Securing a court order so that we can inspect the bus in question.
- Filing all relevant insurance paperwork within the required timelines.
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
Please contact the Phoenix bus accident lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC today to learn more about personal injury litigation. Please call (800) 921-7227 today for a free case evaluation.
Call or text (800) 921-7227 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
