From public transportation and school buses to tour buses and airport shuttles, buses are a common sight in Maricopa County. No one expects bus accidents, but they happen. In just one year, Arizona had 14,225 crashes involving heavy trucks and buses, which caused 3,317 injuries. What happens if a bus gets in an accident with your car?
What Happens If a Bus Gets in an Accident in Arizona?
Arizona has fault-based insurance, which means that the person or vehicle responsible for causing the accident is liable for injuries and damages. If both parties share responsibility, a jury assigns a percentage of fault, such as 70% and 30%.
What Legal Options Do You Have After a Bus Accident?
Whether you’re driving in Glendale, Phoenix, Mesa or Gilbert, the law is the same. After a bus accident, you can file an auto insurance claim. In the case of injuries, you can also file a personal injury lawsuit with help from an experienced Phoenix injury attorney.
Lawsuits for bus accidents can cover economic damages and non-monetary damages. Economic damages include:
- Costs of medical treatment
- Future medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost income from work
- Damage to your vehicle
Non-monetary damages revolve around physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and similar long-term harms.
What Injuries Are Common With Bus Accidents in Maricopa County?
Buses generally travel at relatively low speeds, so fatal injuries aren’t common. You can still be face serious injuries in a bus accident, including:
- Injuries to the face, head or neck
- Hand and wrist trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Cuts, burns or scars
- Broken bones
The gravity of bus accident injuries depends on where the crash happened: on the highway or in the city.
Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?
What happens if a bus gets in an accident, and who is liable? Bus drivers can be liable if they acted negligently. For example, driving under the influence, falling asleep at the wheel or using a smartphone while driving are negligent actions.
The transportation company can be liable if negligence caused the accident. Not performing required maintenance, not running background checks or allowing drivers to operate buses while intoxicated (or with a suspended license) are types of negligence.
Who Can File a Lawsuit for Bus Accidents?
Any injured parties can file a personal injury claim when negligence caused the accident:
- Driver(s)
- Automobile passengers
- Passengers on the bus
- Pedestrians
- Property owners (if the bus crashes into a home or business)
Injured bus drivers can generally file a workers’ compensation claim with their employer.
What Should You Do After a Bus Accident?
Above all, protect your health. Call 911 and get the medical care you need. If possible, get off busy streets to avoid further injuries.
If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence, such as pictures of the accident. Get a copy of the police report detailing the situation. Don’t apologize to anyone or discuss fault. Get in contact with a specialized accident attorney in Phoenix as soon as possible.
What Happens If a Bus Gets in an Accident With Your Car?
What happens if a bus gets in an accident and hurts you or a loved one? Arizona drivers only have two years to go to court and only six months to notify public transportation. Contact our law team as soon as possible to know your legal options. We can provide further recommendations based on your specific situation.