Phoenix Bus Accident Attorney

Public transportation collisions can lead to complicated claims. There may be disputes regarding who is at fault and how to pursue compensation for injuries. At Runion Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced Phoenix bus accident lawyers understand the financial and emotional turmoil you may be facing.

If you’re not sure about what your next steps in a case should be, our compassionate legal team can navigate the claims process and seek a fair damages award. We’re based in Phoenix but accept cases statewide, so don’t hesitate to call (602) 825-3502 today for a free consultation.

$50+ Million Recovered

Why Trust Runion Personal Injury Lawyers With Your Bus Accident Case?

Our founding attorney, Derick Runion, attended undergrad and law school at Arizona State University. He has been in practice since 2011 and boasts a 99 percent success rate with over $50+ million recovered for clients. He has also won numerous awards and been featured on multiple media platforms, including Super Lawyers, Los Abogados, Plan Phoenix Legal Action Network, the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, and the American Constitution Society.

Experience Handling Bus Accident Cases in Phoenix

We help Phoenix residents injured in bus accidents find the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys work with clients who have experienced numerous types of bus accident cases, including those involving school buses, Valley Metro, private charters, and tour buses.

Client Testimonials

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Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Phoenix

Bus crashes don’t just happen—there are contributing factors that play a role in these incidents. Based on our experience, some of the most common causes of bus wrecks include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Improper maintenance
  • Distracted driving
  • Failing to adhere to traffic signs and signals
  • Defective bus or auto parts
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way

Keep in mind that these actions can be the fault of multiple parties, including the bus driver, other motorists on the road, a maintenance team, as well as manufacturers. The bus driver’s employer may also be held accountable for any negligent actions the driver commits while on the job.

Serious Injuries From Phoenix Bus Accidents

From 2015 to 2020, approximately 150,000 individuals were injured in bus accidents in the U.S. Some of the most commonly seen injuries in these incidents are:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Contusions
  • Whiplash
  • Concussions
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Burns
  • Spinal damage
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Our Phoenix bus crash injury lawyers can help with your case, navigate the claims process, and pursue fair compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bus Accident in Phoenix?

Multiple parties may be liable for a bus accident, depending on the specifics of the case. Some examples of potentially at-fault parties include the following:

  • Government entities
  • Private operators
  • Negligent third-party drivers
  • Bus manufacturers
  • Negligent bus drivers
  • Private bus companies or services
  • City of Phoenix
  • Bus passengers
  • Drivers of passenger vehicles
  • Bicyclists
  • Pedestrians
  • Bus manufacturers
  • Bus mechanics
  • School districts and boards of education

Due to the high number of individuals and entities that could be involved in a case, it’s imperative to work with an attorney. Also, under Arizona law, all personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident to be valid. Our legal team can help identify the responsible parties and file a claim within the proper deadlines to help you pursue compensation.

How We Build Strong Bus Accident Cases

At Runion Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re dedicated to each client’s case, and we make sure to provide personalized attention. To allow your family to focus on recovery following an auto crash, our services include the following:

  • Independent investigations
  • Working with accident reconstructionists
  • Gathering surveillance, dash cam, and black box data
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing driver training and maintenance records

While you and your family focus on healing, we’ll handle the complex legal work required to pursue compensation. Call our Phoenix bus collision lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Phoenix Bus Accident?

Several forms of compensation may be available for you and your family following a bus accident. These include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the tangible losses associated with an accident, such as:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for more subjective losses, including the following:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Disability and disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium

We’ll calculate your losses and pursue a fair damages award to get you back to your former self.

What To Do After a Bus Accident in Phoenix

In the immediate aftermath of a bus crash, it’s crucial to call 911 and medical services to secure a police report and address any injuries you may have experienced. Document the accident scene by recording photos and video evidence, including damage to the vehicle, injuries, and anything else you deem essential.

It may be tempting to begin negotiations with insurers. However, we never recommend doing this on your own. It’s easy to say the wrong thing and harm your case without realizing it. Our Phoenix bus accident attorneys can handle all conversations with insurance companies and ensure you get the best settlement offer.

FAQs About Bus Accidents in Phoenix

Can I Sue Valley Metro or the City of Phoenix After a Bus Accident?

Filing a bus accident lawsuit against Valley Metro or the City of Phoenix is possible. However, certain elements must apply. You must have grounds for filing, including the following:

  • The bus driver was negligent
  • Valley Metro failed to maintain the bus properly
  • The city failed to maintain safe roads or traffic control devices
  • Another government employee or department contributed to the accident

Additionally, Arizona law requires you to file a “Notice of Claim” within 180 days of the accident if you’re suing a public entity or employee. Failure to do so can bar you from filing a claim.

The statute of limitations for bus accidents in Arizona is two years from the date of the incident. This means you must file a claim within this timeframe in order to pursue and secure compensation.

The exact amount of time it’ll take for your case to settle depends on several factors, like the extent of your injuries, the number of parties involved, and whether there are any liability disputes. Our seasoned legal team can streamline the process by ensuring all documentation is filed correctly and on time.

If your son or daughter got hurt while riding a school bus, there may be several liable parties, including the following.

  • The school district or city: If a public school or municipal agency owns or operates the bus
  • The bus driver: If they acted negligently
  • A private bus company: If the school contracts out transportation
  • Another driver: If a third-party driver caused the crash
  • Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect contributed to the injury
  • School officials: In cases of failure to supervise or respond appropriately

Our attorneys can explain the process of filing a lawsuit against a public entity and guide you through each step.

Get Help From a Trusted Phoenix Bus Accident Attorney

You and your loved ones can trust that you’re in good hands when you work with Runion Personal Injury Lawyers. Our well-versed attorneys understand the ins and outs of a legal claim for any type of auto collision. Derick Runion, our lead Phoenix bus accident attorney, can help with your case. Call us at (602) 825-3502 or complete an online form to schedule a free consultation today.

Phoenix Injury Lawyers
3200 N Central Ave Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85012

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