Whether you are riding public transit or traveling in a privately operated commercial or charter vehicle, you have a right as a paying bus passenger to reach your destination safely without being put in harm’s way by your driver’s irresponsible actions. While most bus drivers and operating entities fulfill this basic “duty of care” without any issue, there are exceptions to the rule that cause very serious injuries to their passengers as well as other people near their vehicles.
No matter how it happens or who it involves, taking effective legal action over a bus-related injury can be challenging without the support of a seasoned personal injury attorney. By retaining and working closely with a Tolleson bus accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group, you can give yourself the best chances possible of getting paid what you deserve without running into too many legal or procedural obstacles along the way.
Private Versus Public Bus Crash Claims
Someone who causes a bus accident by acting in a reckless, careless, and/or illegal way can be held legally liable for ensuing injuries regardless of whether they are an employee of a private transit company, an employee of a public transit agency, or even a third party who caused an otherwise responsible bus driver to get into a wreck. However, there are several rules and restrictions for civil claims against government employees and agencies that do not apply to claims against private companies and citizens, as a Tolleson bus accident attorney can further explain.
For example, most people who get hurt through someone else’s negligence have two years at most under Arizona state law to begin any lawsuit they intend to file against that negligent person. However, Arizona’s “Notice of Public Claim” law requires people who intend to sue government employees and/or agencies to notify their prospective defendant(s) of their intentions in writing no more than 180 days after getting hurt.
People who file suit over public bus crashes also generally need to include a specific settlement value they would be willing to accept with their Notice of Claim, which means they may need to estimate the value of long-term damages well in advance of when they fully manifest.
What Damages Could Be Recoverable for a Bus Wreck?
Fortunately, Arizona does not impose artificial “caps” on how much money an injured person can demand for their damages for any type of bus accident litigation. As a result, a successful lawsuit or settlement demand can seek restitution for the full value of all economic and non-economic consequences that a bus-related injury will have on the injured person, including:
- Short-term and long-term medical bills
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost working capacity and/or work earnings
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Personal property damage, including car repair/replacement costs if applicable
- Lost quality/enjoyment of life
However, it can still be vital to have help from a skilled lawyer in identifying, assigning a fair value to, and proactively demanding restitution for all losses stemming from a particular Tolleson bus accident, since even people filing suit against private individuals have limited time to build and then file their claim.
Contact a Tolleson Bus Accident Attorney for Assistance
Fortunately, bus accidents are rare compared to many other types of auto collisions, but that certainly does not mean they never happen or that they cannot cause life-altering harm when they do occur. Thankfully, you have assistance available from legal professionals with over 30 years of experience helping people like you recover from incidents like yours across the Phoenix metro area.
A conversation with a Tolleson bus accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group can give you much-needed answers to questions about your legal rights and options. Call today to speak with a member of our team and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to find out how we can assist you. We look forward to the opportunity to help you seek justice. Contact our firm to find out more now!
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