A bus in an accident on a Phoenix street.
A bus in an accident on a Phoenix street.
A bus in an accident on a Phoenix street.
A bus in an accident on a Phoenix street.

Bus Accident Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona

Bus accidents in Phoenix, Arizona are big and life changing. Injuries, property damage and complex legal issues. Whether you are a bus passenger, pedestrian or another driver, a bus accident can have big consequences for your health, finances and legal status. At Keller Swan we help bus accident victims in Phoenix. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the bus accident process and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

What is a Bus Accident in Phoenix?

A bus accident is a collision or incident where buses – public transportation buses, school buses, tour buses or charter buses – are involved. Buses are big and heavy so the damage can be much greater than smaller vehicles. Buses also carry many passengers so the chances of multiple injuries in one accident are high.

Bus accidents can be:

  • Collisions with other vehicles: Bus accidents often involve other vehicles – cars, trucks or motorcycles. Since a bus is much bigger than other vehicles, these accidents often result in severe injuries or death for occupants of smaller vehicles.
  • Pedestrian and cyclist accidents: With high volume of pedestrian and cyclist traffic in urban areas like Phoenix, buses may hit pedestrians or cyclists and cause catastrophic injuries or death.
  • Single vehicle accidents: These accidents occur when a bus hits a stationary object (tree or utility pole), rolls over or runs off the road due to driver error or mechanical failure.

Bus Accidents in Phoenix: Common Causes

Many factors can cause bus accidents in Phoenix and most are human error, poor maintenance or external conditions. Here are some of the most common causes of bus accidents:

1. Driver Error and Negligence

Bus drivers are operating large vehicles with precision and care as they transport many passengers through busy streets. Unfortunately bus driver error is a big contributor to bus accidents. Some common driver related issues:

  • Fatigue: Bus drivers work long hours and get fatigued which can slow down reaction times and decision making.
  • Distracted driving: Using a mobile phone, adjusting onboard controls or talking to passengers while driving.
  • Speeding: Exceeding speed limits especially in residential or school zones makes accidents more likely.
  • Reckless driving: Unsafe lane changes, not yielding to right of way or running red lights all contribute to bus accidents.

2. Mechanical failure and poor maintenance

Bus companies are required to maintain their fleet to the highest safety standards. Mechanical failures can come from poorly maintained buses and can cause big accidents. Common mechanical issues:

  • Brake failures: Faulty or worn out brakes can prevent the driver from stopping the bus in time and cause rear end collisions or pedestrian accidents.
  • Tire blowouts: Tires in bad condition can blow out and cause the driver to lose control of the bus especially at high speeds.
  • Steering and suspension failures: Defective steering or suspension parts can make it hard for the driver to control the bus.

3. Weather

Phoenix is dry but adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, dust storms and fog can impair visibility and road traction. While these conditions are less frequent than other areas, they still contribute to accidents by making it harder for bus drivers to navigate the roads safely.

4. Road conditions and infrastructure

Poorly maintained roads with potholes, debris or inadequate signage can cause bus accidents. Hazardous intersections and confusing road layout can also increase the chances of collision.

5. Reckless driving by other motorists

Bus accidents are not always the fault of the bus driver or bus company. Other drivers can contribute to or cause bus accidents by:

  • Driving aggressively near buses like cutting off buses in traffic or not yielding when buses are merging or turning.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and can’t make safe decisions on the road.
  • Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs and cause intersection collisions.

Personal Injury Laws for Bus Accidents in Phoenix, Arizona

Bus accident cases are governed by a mix of Arizona state laws, federal regulations and local ordinances. If you were involved in a bus accident and want to get compensation for your injuries or losses you need to understand these laws.

1. Common Carrier Liability

Buses are common carriers, they provide transportation to the public and are held to a higher standard of care than other drivers. Under Arizona law common carriers are required to exercise the highest degree of care and vigilance to ensure the safety of their passengers. This higher duty includes:

  • Properly trained and licensed drivers.
  • Regular maintenance checks to ensure buses are in good working condition.
  • Follow all traffic laws and avoid risky driving habits that can put passengers and other road users in danger.

If a bus company or driver breaches this duty of care they can be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur.

2. Negligence and liability in bus accident cases

In most bus accident cases the injured party (the plaintiff) must prove negligence. Negligence is the failure to exercise the degree of care that a reasonably prudent person or entity would in similar circumstances. To establish a negligence claim in a bus accident case the plaintiff must show:

  • Duty: The bus driver, bus company or other parties owed a duty to the victim (e.g. follow traffic laws and ensure passenger safety).
  • Breach: The bus driver or company failed to meet this duty (e.g. drive recklessly or not maintain the bus).
  • Causation: The breach of duty caused the bus accident and the victim’s injuries.
  • Damages: The victim suffered actual damages (e.g. medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage).

3. Vicarious liability of bus companies

When bus drivers are involved in an accident during the scope of their employment, their employers (usually bus companies) can be held vicariously liable for the driver’s actions. This legal doctrine allows injured parties to sue the bus company which is usually better equipped to pay for damages than an individual driver.

4. Government liability for public buses

If a public transportation bus (e.g. city bus) is involved in an accident, the case gets more complicated. Victims seeking compensation must follow the rules for filing a claim against a government entity (e.g. City of Phoenix or Valley Metro public transit system). This process involves strict deadlines and procedures including filing a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the accident.

5. Statute of limitations for bus accident claims

In Arizona the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit after a bus accident is two years from the date of the accident. But if the claim is against a government entity victims have 180 days to file a Notice of Claim and one year to file a lawsuit. Failure to meet these deadlines will bar your right to recover.

Bus Accidents in Phoenix, Arizona (2023)

Bus accidents are a public safety concern in Phoenix. In 2023 local transportation authorities and law enforcement agencies reported the following statistics for bus accidents:

  • Total Bus Accidents: 250 bus accidents in Phoenix (public transit buses, school buses, private charter buses).
  • Injuries and Fatalities: 100 people were injured and 5 were killed. Injuries ranged from minor bruises to severe trauma (fractures, spinal injuries, head injuries).
  • Contributing Factors: The most common causes of these bus accidents were driver error (distracted driving or fatigue), mechanical failure (brake failure) and adverse weather (rain and dust storms).

These statistics show the ongoing challenges for public and private bus systems to keep their passengers and other road users safe.

What to Do After a Bus Accident in Phoenix

If you are involved in a bus accident, knowing what to do can help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Here’s what to do immediately after the accident:

1. Get Medical Attention

Your health and safety should always be your top priority after a bus accident. Even if your injuries seem minor get medical attention right away. Some injuries may not show up for hours or days after the accident and medical documentation is key to any future claims.

2. Report the accident

Make sure the accident is reported to local law enforcement. This is especially important for public buses as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) or the bus company will need to file a report.

3. Preserve evidence

Gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. This includes:

  • Photos of the accident scene including damage to vehicles, road conditions and any visible injuries.
  • Witness contact information to get statements from them.
  • Bus information (bus number, driver’s name, bus company).

4. Call a Lawyer

Bus accident cases involve multiple parties, complex liability and strict deadlines for filing claims. Call an experienced bus accident lawyer at Keller Swan to understand your rights and options. We can help with:

  • Filing claims against bus companies, drivers or government entities.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
  • Litigation if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.

Recent Bus Accident Case in Phoenix: A Win

One of the most recent bus accident cases was a 2018 collision between a public transportation bus and multiple vehicles at a Phoenix intersection. Several passengers and motorists were severely injured. The victims claimed the bus driver was negligent, citing distracted driving and failure to follow traffic signals as the cause.

The plaintiffs in the case sought compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. After a long investigation which included reviewing surveillance footage and driver records the case settled for $7 million. This case shows the importance of holding bus companies responsible for safe driving practices and following safety regulations.

Why Keller Swan for Your Bus Accident?

At Keller Swan we know how devastating bus accidents can be to individuals and their families. Our team of experienced attorneys have handled bus accident cases in Phoenix and Arizona for years. Here’s why you should choose us:

1. Legal Expertise

We know personal injury law and transportation regulations inside and out so we can build a strong case for our clients. We know how to navigate the bus accident claims process from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and litigating.

2. Client Care

3. Results

We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts in bus accident cases. We will get you the full value of your injuries and losses so you can move forward.

Call Keller Swan Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Phoenix, Arizona you need to act fast to protect your rights. The lawyers at Keller Swan can help you through the process and get you the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation and get started on getting the money you need to get your life back.