Speak With a Phoenix Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Bus accidents can be especially traumatic due to the size of the vehicle, the number of passengers involved, and the complexity of determining who is responsible. Whether the crash involves a city bus, school bus, tour bus, or private shuttle, victims often face serious injuries and difficult legal challenges. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, working with an experienced Phoenix bus accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to bus accident victims throughout Phoenix. Our legal team is prepared to navigate the complexities of these cases and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Bus Accidents Are So Complex
Unlike standard car accidents, bus crashes often involve multiple layers of liability and insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, a bus accident may involve:
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Government entities (such as Valley Metro)
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Private bus companies
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School districts
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Tour or charter operators
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Third-party drivers or maintenance contractors
Some bus accident claims also involve special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, particularly when government entities are involved.
Common Types of Bus Accidents in Phoenix
Bus accidents can occur in many different ways, including:
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Bus collisions with passenger vehicles
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Single-vehicle bus crashes
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Pedestrians struck by buses
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Bicycle accidents involving buses
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Passengers injured during sudden stops
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Multi-vehicle crashes involving buses
Because buses are large and difficult to maneuver, even minor driver errors can result in serious accidents.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Most bus accidents are preventable and result from negligence. Common causes include:
Driver Error
Fatigue, distraction, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws can lead to devastating crashes.
Inadequate Training
Bus drivers must be properly trained to handle large vehicles, manage passengers, and respond to emergencies.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering issues, and other mechanical problems can cause loss of control.
Unsafe Driving Conditions
Heavy traffic, construction zones, and poor road conditions increase accident risk.
Third-Party Negligence
Other drivers who cut off or strike buses may also be partially or fully responsible.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bus Accidents
Bus accident injuries can be severe due to the lack of seat belts, high passenger capacity, and violent movements during crashes.
Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Spinal cord injuries
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Neck and back injuries
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Broken bones and fractures
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Internal organ damage
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Soft tissue injuries
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Injuries to children in school bus crashes
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Wrongful death injuries
Passengers who are standing or moving inside the bus are especially vulnerable.
Who May Be Liable in a Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a bus accident requires a detailed investigation. Potentially responsible parties may include:
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The bus driver
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The bus company or transit authority
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Government agencies
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Maintenance providers
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Manufacturers of defective bus parts
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Other negligent drivers
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, allowing fault to be shared among multiple parties. A Phoenix bus accident lawyer works to identify all liable parties and maximize compensation.
Special Rules for Government-Operated Buses
When a bus is operated by a government entity, such as public transit or a school district, special legal rules apply. These cases often involve:
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Shorter notice deadlines
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Damage limitations
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Strict procedural requirements
Failing to follow these rules can jeopardize your claim. Legal representation is essential in government-related bus accident cases.
Compensation Available to Bus Accident Victims
Victims injured in bus accidents may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages.
Economic Damages
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Emergency medical treatment
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Hospitalization and surgeries
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Ongoing medical care
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Rehabilitation and therapy
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Lost wages
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Loss of future earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Bus Accident Claims
Bus accident claims often involve high financial exposure and multiple injured parties. Insurance companies and government entities may attempt to:
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Minimize liability
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Dispute injury severity
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Shift blame
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Delay claim processing
Without legal representation, victims may accept settlements that fail to cover long-term medical needs. A Phoenix bus accident lawyer protects your rights and negotiates aggressively.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Bus Accident Cases
At Farar Law Group, we understand the unique challenges bus accident cases present. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations and builds strong claims supported by evidence.
We focus on:
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Preserving critical evidence
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Reviewing driver training and maintenance records
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Identifying all liable parties
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Handling all insurance and government communications
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Accurately calculating damages
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Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Bus Accidents
Most personal injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities often require formal notice within a much shorter timeframe.
Acting quickly is critical to protecting your claim.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Bus Accident in Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you deserve experienced legal representation and full accountability from negligent parties.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix bus accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Bus Crash Data
https://www.nhtsa.gov -
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – Passenger Carrier Safety
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov -
Arizona Department of Transportation – Transit and Traffic Safety
https://azdot.gov
