Comprehensive Mesa Bus Accident Representation
Although they are not the most widespread kinds of traffic accidents in Mesa, bus accident lawyers are still in demand all around the Valley of the Sun. Regardless of whether they involve tour parties, school field trips, church group outings, or family functions, private or commercial buses are often the scene of minor accidents or severe collisions, including buses that travel along freeways, busy frontage roads, quiet side streets, and school zones. Since many passenger buses do not have seatbelts and are typically filled with many people, the potential for serious injury is unfortunately very high. In fact, a bus can be an extremely hazardous place in the event of an accident, especially if it involves multiple vehicles or pedestrians in a public area.
At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, our Mesa bus accident lawyers have the experience and know-how you can depend upon if you have recently been involved in an accident involving in-state or out-of-state bus companies, or lackadaisical bus operators. Whether the accident or collision is because of a tired, preoccupied, inexperienced, or intoxicated driver, or the vehicle itself is poorly maintained and/or operated in violation of correct safety regulations, we can examine whether you have a solid case and make certain that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or at (480) 833-8800 to discuss your case so we can look into the cause of your accident and determine who the responsible party is. We offer services in both English and Spanish.Understanding Mesa Bus Accident Risks and Injuries
Because of the number of passengers they can carry, bus accidents typically involve numerous injuries, which can be serious if the bus doesn’t have seat belts. Charter buses, school buses, and public transportation buses all lack seat belts, which is why in accidents people often suffer catastrophic injuries like internal bleeding, severe skin burns, spinal cord injuries, and more.
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling a variety of bus accident claims such as:
- School bus crashes: These accidents usually involve children who are being taken to and from school or on field trips. Typically, school districts will hire third-party companies to provide the buses.
- Private/charter bus accidents: Charter buses are usually owned by private companies and are used to transport parties to a certain area within a specified amount of time.
- Public/city bus accidents: People who don’t own cars or want to use cars take public or city buses every day to commute to work. Many cities hire bus companies to transport the public, and the amount of driving each day can cause driver fatigue.
- Tour bus collisions: Tour buses often travel across city and state lines to transport people to multiple locations. They often hold many passengers, which can be especially dangerous in the event of an accident.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 954 bus accidents in 2017 – 765 commercial/noncommercial buses and 189 school buses.
Who is Liable for Damages After a Bus Crash?
Though bus drivers are typically blamed for bus accidents, a number of parties can be at-fault for damages and injuries that may occur. This is why hiring a bus accident attorney to assess the situation is essential.
At-fault parties can include:
- Bus driver: The bus driver alone can be liable for damages if it can be proved that they were acting in a negligent manner. Some examples of driver negligence include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving while distracted.
- Bus company: If the bus driver who caused the accident is an employee of a company, the bus company can be held responsible, as it has an obligation to ensure their drivers are properly trained. If a bus malfunction caused damages, they can also be at fault, as they must conduct routine inspections to ensure the bus is safe to use.
- Bus manufacturer: A design defect or dangerous component can cause a bus accident. In these cases, the manufacturer of the bus or its components can be held liable.
Expert Legal Support for Mesa Bus Accident Victims
Bus accident victims seeking financial compensation can call our trustworthy and dependable personal injury lawyers to handle their claim and fight for their rights. If a bus driver, owner, or leasing company acts in a careless way and their negligent behavior leads to an accident, you should be remunerated for any life-changing injuries you might sustain, such as spinal cord injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, or ongoing psychological pain, as well as stress and anxiety.
Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC's professional legal team is committed to ensuring that anyone who has been involved in a serious or fatal bus crash is compensated for their losses. With more than 50 years of experience as a firm, we’ve been able to recover millions for our clients in need.
Damages we can recover after a bus accident include:
- Medical expenses such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ambulance rides
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Loss of income
- Disability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If you have been involved in a bus accident that has left you with serious injuries, our family-run firm can help you examine whether you are owed financial damages. Please call our personal injury attorneys or contact us online for a free consultation.
