Arizona Bus Accident Lawyers

How Common are Bus Accidents in Arizona?

Bus accidents in Arizona are becoming an increasingly pressing issue, particularly with a rise in incidents involving school buses. Recent data underscores the importance of addressing this growing problem to ensure public safety on Arizona roads.

Arizona Bus Accident Statistics

While detailed bus accident statistics specific to Arizona remain limited, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported a significant rise in traffic-related fatalities, with 1,294 deaths in 2022 – a marked increase from previous years. This uptick in overall traffic incidents suggests a likely parallel increase in bus-related crashes across the state.

Reports also indicate a concerning surge in school bus accidents, with factors such as driver shortages and fatigue contributing to the rise. These challenges have highlighted the critical need for enhanced driver training and stricter operational oversight for bus transportation services in Arizona.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Arizona

Bus accidents in Arizona can be caused by negligence, which can take many forms. To prove negligence in a bus accident case, you need to show four things:

• Duty
• Breach
• Causation
• Damages

The bus driver and the bus company have a duty of care to passengers and other drivers. If that duty of care is breached – for example, a driver who is distracted or a company that doesn’t maintain its buses – and that breach causes an accident resulting in damages (physical injuries or property damage), then negligence can be proven.

Proving negligence requires investigation and evidence gathering, including police reports, eyewitness statements, bus company records and expert testimony. That’s where our experienced Arizona bus accident lawyers come in. They’ll walk you through the process and make sure everything is covered.

Bus Driver Negligence

• Failure to follow traffic laws
• Driving while distracted (e.g., using a cell phone)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding or reckless driving

Bus Company Negligence

• Failure to maintain vehicles
• Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers
• Failure to train drivers properly
• Overloading or improper loading of the bus

Bus Manufacturer Defects

• Faulty brakes or steering
• Defective tires or other parts
• Poorly designed or installed seatbelts or safety equipment
• Failure to inspect vehicles properly

Bad Weather

• Driving in heavy rain or snow without precautions
• Failure to adjust speed for weather
• Ignoring weather warnings

Road Hazards

• Potholes or uneven roads
• Poorly marked construction zones
• No proper signs or traffic signals
• Debris or obstacles on the road

Negligence by Other Drivers

• Reckless or aggressive driving by other vehicles
• Failure of other drivers to yield to the bus
• Distracted or impaired drivers on the road
• Illegal maneuvers by other drivers

Passenger Negligence

• Distracting the bus driver
• Interfering with the bus
• Failure to follow safety instructions
• Opening emergency exits for no reason

If you were injured in a bus accident caused by another driver’s negligence, call our Arizona bus accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Should I Do After a Bus Accident?

If you’re in a bus accident make sure to take these steps to protect yourself and your rights. Here is a list from our Arizona bus accident lawyers:

1. Be Safe: Get yourself and others to a safe place. Get out of the roadway if you can.
2. Get Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt, get medical attention right away. Injuries may not be apparent right away.
3. File a Report:  Report the accident to local authorities. The police report will be evidence later.
4. Document the Scene:  If you can, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, bus conditions and your injuries.
5. Get Witness Info:  Get contact information from any witnesses, including other passengers. Their statements will be helpful in your case.
6. Save Evidence:  Keep a record of medical treatment and expenses and hold onto any personal items that were damaged in the accident.
7. Get in Touch:  Call us now for a FREE consultation. We’ll help you through the process.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Bus Wreck?

Bus accident victims can get different types of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the accident. The types of personal injury damages available to bus wreck victims can include economic damages, non-economic damages and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are for financial losses caused by the bus accident. These can include but are not limited to:

• Medical Expenses:  These are for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy and any future medical care.
• Lost Wages:  If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can be compensated for the income you would have earned during your recovery period.
• Loss of Earning Capacity:  If your injuries limit your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
• Property Damage:  If any of your personal property was damaged in the accident, such as a vehicle, you can seek compensation for its repair or replacement value.
• Wrongful Death:  If a loved one has died in a bus accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship and more.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are for non-monetary losses, which can include:

• Pain and Suffering:  This is for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life:  If your injuries prevent you from doing things you used to do, you may be awarded compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.
• Emotional Distress:  This is anxiety, depression and other emotional suffering caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium:  Spouses of victims can recover damages for loss of companionship, affection or sexual relations.

How Non-Economic Damages are Calculated

Non-economic damages, often intangible and subjective, can be difficult to put a number on. However, there are a couple of ways to calculate these damages.

1. Per Diem Method: The Per Diem (Latin for “Per Day”) method calculates the daily amount of pain and suffering the victim is enduring and multiplies it by the number of days the victim has been suffering. For example, if a certain amount is assigned per day and the victim has suffered for 200 days the total non-economic damages would be the daily rate x 200.
2. Multiplier Method: This method adds up all the economic damages and multiplies the total by a number that can range from 1.5 to 5, depending on the severity and impact of the injuries. For example, if a victim’s economic damages were $100,000 and the multiplier used was 3 the non-economic damages would be $300,000.

Each case is different and the method used can make a big difference in the total non-economic damage awarded. So, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable legal professional to calculate and argue for these damages.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not to compensate the victim but to punish the negligent party and to deter others from doing the same. They are awarded when the defendant was particularly reckless or malicious. Factors to consider:

• Severity of Negligence:  Punitive damages are more likely when the defendant was extremely or intentionally negligent.
• Defendant’s Conduct:  Was the defendant aware of the consequences of their actions and decided to go ahead anyway?
• Defendant’s Finances:  Punitive damages are often tied to the defendant’s wealth; more if the defendant is a corporation or has deep pockets.

Call our Arizona bus accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Determining the Value of a Bus Wreck Injury Claim

How much is my bus wreck injury claim worth? It’s complicated. An experienced lawyer can help you figure it out by considering the following:

• Severity of Injuries:  More serious injuries = more medical bills = bigger impact on your life = more money.
• Earning Capacity:  If you can’t go back to work or can’t work at all, that’s factored in too.
• Pain and Suffering:  This can vary greatly depending on the person and the injuries. Your lawyer can help measure this intangible factor.
• Degree of Fault:  Arizona is a comparative fault state, so your award may be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident.

To get the compensation you need, you need to talk to a bus accident lawyer. They can review your case, get the evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and walk you through the process.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Bus Accident Injury Claim?

Arizona has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bus accident claims. This means you have 2 years from the date of the bus accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file within that time frame, you will lose your right to recover. However, also note that the time frame to file a lawsuit may be shorter if governmental entities are involved.

If you are an Arizona resident but the bus accident occurred in another state, the statute of limitations of that state would apply. Statutes of limitations vary by state so it’s important to contact our Arizona bus accident lawyers as soon as possible to determine the deadlines for your case. We can help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim when it involves multiple jurisdictions and make sure your rights are protected.

Call our Arizona bus accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Seek Legal Help for Your Bus Crash Injury Claim Today

Let Our Arizona Bus Accident Lawyers Help!

Get in touch for the help you need. Thompson Law offers a FREE CASE ASSESSMENT. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay us NOTHING unless we win your case.

Our bus crash injury lawyers have been through this process before. Let us help you through it and get you the money you’re owed. Contact Thompson Law today.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bus Accidents in Arizona

What are the Minimum Liability Insurance Limits for Buses?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets minimum liability insurance limits for buses based on seating capacity.

• Buses designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver: $5,000,000.
• Buses designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver: $1,500,000.

These apply to both private and commercial bus operators. Remember these are federal requirements and individual states may have additional insurance requirements beyond the federal minimum.

Is the Statute of Limitations Shorter for Government-Owned Buses in Arizona?

Yes, the statute of limitations is shorter for government-owned buses in Arizona. You must give notice to the governmental unit within six months of the date of the incident. If this process is not followed correctly, you will lose your right to your claim.

Does the Statute of Limitations Vary Based on Individual Cities in Arizona?

While the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Arizona is two years, the time frame is much shorter for city-owned buses. So get in touch with an Arizona bus accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to make sure all deadlines are met and your claim is filed correctly.

See What Clients Say About Thompson Law

4.9

Based on 1743 reviews