Tempe Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are essential to transport groups of people efficiently, but they are not without hazards. They are heavy and unwieldy and can cause serious injuries when they strike a person or another vehicle.

When you are hurt in a bus accident, discuss your situation with a Tempe bus accident lawyer as soon after the incident as possible. A local personal injury attorney with deep ties in the community could guide you through navigating the complex laws and procedures that govern accidents involving common carriers and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Buses are heavy, cumbersome vehicles with large blind spots. They are slow to accelerate and stop, prone to roll-overs, and could hydroplane in bad weather. Their size means any accident on the roads could endanger vehicles in adjacent lanes. Additionally, buses often do not have seat belts, and passengers are at risk if the bus stops or starts suddenly or if it crashes.

Bus drivers must be well-trained and alert. Driver error, such as speeding, taking a curve too fast, or braking too hard, is a frequent cause of accidents, as is driver fatigue, distracted driving, and bus drivers taking the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Pedestrians, occupants of other vehicles, and bus passengers could suffer injuries in a bus accident ranging from mild soft tissue damage to catastrophic forms of harm like traumatic brain injuries. In either scenario, when driver or bus company negligence is a contributing factor, a Tempe accident attorney could examine the details of the accident to determine its cause and who to seek damages against.

Proving Negligence Contributed to a Bus Accident

Buses are common carriers, meaning they transport goods or people for a fee. Buses and their drivers must comply with state and federal regulations and meet a higher standard than ordinary motorists.

The usual standard for determining whether someone is negligent is whether they used reasonable care to avoid a preventable injury. In contrast, common carriers must use the utmost care to ensure their passengers and others using the road are safe. The responsibility to use the utmost care includes:

• Carrying substantial insurance in case of accident
• Adhering to a strict vehicle maintenance schedule
• Limiting driver work hours to comply with federal regulations
• Inspecting vehicles for safety hazards before they leave the garage each day
• Ensuring drivers have proper training and hold a Commercial Driving License (CDL)

When a claimant proves the bus line operator or the driver deviated from best practices, the bus company or operator is negligent and liable for the claimant’s damages.

A Tempe attorney representing someone injured in a bus accident could search for indicators of negligence. This might include subpoenaing the driver’s personnel file, vehicle maintenance records, incident reports, the bus’s schedule, weather reports, video footage, and witness statements. Additionally, buses usually have data recorders that could offer information useful in determining the cause of an accident.

Rules if the Government Is a Defendant

Special rules apply when an injured person brings a claim against the state, a local government, or a public agency. A law called the Tort Claims Act governs these situations, and working with a Tempe bus crash attorney familiar with the procedural requirements of actions against government defendants is critical.

An injured person might have a claim against a government defendant when their accident involves a city bus, school bus, prisoner transport bus, or another bus owned or operated by the state or a local government. In such cases, Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-821.01 requires an injured person to file a notice of claim with the appropriate agency within six months of the accident.

Denise C.

Phillips Law Group made dealing with our auto accident easy. They always had our best interest in mind and made sure that we were happy with treatment before finalizing anything. Our Paralegal, Amy Wagner, is amazing! She checked in on us throughout the entire process to make sure our treatments were going well and that we were getting better, getting healthy was first priority. She kept us informed on the progress of our case every step of the way and was very prompt with either calling or emailing us back with any questions that we had. We are very satisfied with our experience with Phillips Law Group, and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of representation!

Squaw Peak Realty

I never thought it could happen to me, I had heard about it on the news, but truly never thought it could happen to me. I was rear ended by a drunk driver. I was lost on what to do. My car insurance company would give no directions, I and my grandson were injured, my little pick- up was smashed, I was not the one who was at fault, but I felt like I was because I could get no help on what to do! You would think that your car insurance company would at least point you in the right direction. So, I contacted Phillips Law Group, I truly never ever thought I would need the help they provided...

Jeffrey J.

Phillips Law Group helped me out a lot with my motorcycle accident. They're attentive to your needs, always have answers to your questions, and answered all my calls, never leaving me in the dark. I highly recommend Phillips Law Group.

Anthony W.

I just wanna say that I’m young and have never had an incident needing something like Philips law and I’m glad I went with them. After my accident I was paralyzed with stress on how am I gonna recover from this what do I do, but they literally took majority if not all the worry away. I really only went to my appointments and kept them updated as much I can and eventually helped me win my case. It was a quick process as well for receiving compensation very grateful. Thank you!

Sherman S.

One of the best experiences I have ever had dealing with a accident attorneys. They made me feel welcomed. They definitely listened to me and help guide me through this process with ease. There was no surprises and they made sure I was taken care of every step of the way. The best phone I made the night of my accident and God forbid any other accidents come my way but if so they will definitely be my very first call again. Best law group In PHX.

Whitney W.

I want to say for this being my first accident and unclear on what to do. They were amazing, from communication and making sure you have everything you need. The other insurance was giving me a hard time with my rental, I called my attorney at Philips Law Group and they made sure I had a vehicle to get around. They made sure I got the best care with amazing staff. They handle my case with care and at the end they still make sure I am okay. I appreciate you guys for not taking advantage of me and putting me first. It was not about the money but making sure I had everything I need and what was owed...

Jasmine J.

Phillips law group is an AMAZING company!!!! First and foremost not only did they help me with my first car accident but my second one as well!! They stayed in communication with me the ENTIRE time and didn’t leave me out throughout the whole process. Kalynn is AMAZING she is literally heaven sent. I LOVED working with her so so so much. They truly did everything in their power to get me the most money. I’m still in disbelief how much money I did end up walking away with. I’m very happy and blessed that they took my case when nobody else would. I will definitely use them again in the future NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Trust me USE THEM! You...

Tim B.

Maria Cionci and Paulina Nava are wonderful people that truly care about their clients. I have a lot of respect for how they conduct themselves in general, but especially how they graciously assist their injured clients. If you have been injured in an automobile collision, call and ask for their assistance. You won't be disappointed!

CiLo U.

I am extremely grateful with Phillips Law Group, for the empathy and concern for my physical and emotional well-being that they provided me during the process of my car accident, thank you so much! You are the best Law Firm!

Sayra M.

100% recommended, very professional and friendly staff, I had a car accident and they helped me immediately with doctor appointments and also helped me obtain a loan in advance for compensation

Kersey S.

Beyond our expectations! Amazing hard work from Phillips Law group. Team had amazing communication with my husband and myself from day one. Provided us with exceptional referrals to medical places for our care. And ended with more then what we ever expected to get from our settlement from our accident. Thank you Phillips law group.

Darren M.

I feel that I was truly blessed to find the Phillips Law Group after being involved in a bad car accident. My attorney and the staff were professional and very supportive. The firm provided compassion and sound legal advice while we navigated my insurance claim. I highly recommend giving them a call if you are involved in an accident with bodily injuries. The firm set me up with healthcare providers and really went the extra mile to help me with my case. I’m happy with my settlement and for all of their help.

Tea J.

Aaron my attorney and Jasmine my paralegal were great. Throughout the settlement process, Jasmine did a great job of keeping me in the loop of everything going on. It is a long process but being reassured during the process was helpful. Throughout the process I was provided a chiropractor and physical therapist and they all made sure that I was taken care of and feeling better before releasing me. I was also provided a trauma therapist. Though I still think about the accident and struggle here and there, my therapist did a great job of giving me the help i needed in the months following the accident. I hope to never go through this again but if need be, I...

Mary S.

Amazing Law Firm after getting the run around from the Insurance companies, I decided to call Phillips Law Group and initially spoke with Randy he was so helpful and kind, he truly cared about my situation and was explaining to me everything about what typically happens after an Accident....It just so happened to be exactly what I was dealing with. I felt at ease during our conversation like a weight had been lifted and at that point, I knew I made the right decision contacting them, and shortly there after I retained their services. I was contacted by my Attorney and Case manager within and hour and they assured me all my needs would be met - helping me with...

Grant F.

Having never been in automobile wreck before, I found myself in uncharted territory. Thankfully I ended up choicing Phillips Law Group. They took charge of my case! I want to especially acknowledge McKenna, my case manager. Without her listening -- to my good days as well some bad days due to injuries -- I would have been lost. If you ever need a Law firm, think about talking to Phillips Law Group. You won't be sorry.

Matt S.

I had a fantastic experience during a difficult time. In particular, my paralegal Brittany was extremely helpful and answered all of my questions in a timely manner and made the process very smooth. I would definitely recommend.

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The agency has 60 days to respond to the claim notice. Negotiations usually take place during this time, but if the agency does not respond or issues a denial, the injured person can file a lawsuit. However, if the injured person does not file a notice of claim within the required time, the government can move to dismiss the lawsuit, and the injured person will have no remedy.

Claim Damages After a Bus Accident With a Tempe Attorney

Bus accidents can cause severe injuries, but pursuing a claim can be more complicated than other vehicle accidents. You need experienced legal representation.

A Tempe bus accident lawyer from the Phillips Law Group has represented local people against bus companies and others for decades. Unlike many other personal injury firms whose main focus is on settling quickly with insurance companies, our team does whatever it takes to maximize your compensation and is not afraid to take your case to court. Call now to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable attorney.