Buses are incredibly beneficial to many Prescott residents. Unfortunately, accidents involving buses often result in very severe injuries. Buses need to be large and heavy to transport lots of people from place to place, but their size and weight make them dangerous in an accident.
Taking legal action after a bus accident is a challenging feat. Most people don’t even know where to start. At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, our specialized personal injury attorneys work with our clients injured in a wide range of accidents, including bus accidents. There are many moving parts to pursuing a claim after a bus (“common carrier”) accident, which can make the whole process feel overwhelming. You don’t need to do it alone. We will fight for you based on our experience since 1974 to take on the legal process of obtaining fair compensation for your injury claim.
Public transportation vehicles are regulated under federal and state common carrier laws. Under these laws, common carriers are expected to exercise a high degree of caution when it comes to the safety of their passengers. Therefore, passengers who are injured by carrier negligence can file a claim or sue for damages.
Common carriers such as taxis, buses, shuttles, etc., owe a high standard of care to their passengers. The insurance used by such as Uber and Lyft drivers may be improper and inadequate. The negligence standard doesn’t impose automatic or absolute liability on the carrier. It is still up to the claimant to prove there was an act or a failure to act on the part of the carrier that caused the plaintiff’s injury and all other parts of the claim.
Throughout Arizona, there are several types of buses that are operating. In some cases, these buses are managed by government agencies and are considered public transportation. However, there are also several privately owned bus companies that provide services to residents throughout the state.
Privately owned common carriers have a legal duty to exercise a reasonable standard of care for their passengers. When an accident occurs involving a common carrier, victims including passengers in the common carrier vehicle generally have various legal options when it comes to recovering compensation. Typically, victims can file an insurance claim, which if unsuccessful can be followed by a lawsuit against the common carrier related to negligent or intentional actions that caused the accident. A bus accident lawyer is needed more for this type of claim than a normal car crash.
There are also public transportation buses controlled by government agencies. For instance, the Valley Metro, which is provided by the City of Phoenix, is a public transportation system. These buses are controlled by the government, which changes how victims can secure compensation after an accident. Victims can still file a lawsuit to recover compensation, but the statute of limitations involves different deadlines and the deadlines are all shorter.
Determining Fault After a Bus Accident
Determining fault after a bus accident is crucial to securing compensation. As with most negligence claims, including those filed after a bus accident by a bus passenger, the victim must show that their injury was caused by the defendant bus driver’s breach of the duty of care owed the plaintiff.
Possible defendants in a bus accident case:
Many of these parties will have legal teams ready to defend against a claim, so you need a strong legal advocate to bring your case.
The aftermath of a bus accident can be incredibly chaotic. After being involved in a bus accident in Arizona, it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced Arizona bus accident attorney in Prescott as soon as possible to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation. A Prescott bus accident lawyer is beneficial for the following reasons:
Overall, retaining an Arizona bus accident attorney can greatly increase your chances of getting fair compensation for your injuries and losses and help you navigate the legal process with ease.
After being involved in a bus accident, it’s important to act quickly and retain the services of an experienced Arizona bus accident attorney. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Our team with over 65 years of combined experience at Jensen Phelan Law Firm can help you navigate the complex legal process, deal with insurance companies, and make sure that you get the best possible outcome for your case.Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to bus accident cases, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact Jensen Phelan Law Firm today to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. We offer a free assessment of your cases so we can discuss the best course of action that protects and prioritizes your best interests. Contact us today by completing our online contact form or calling (928) 778-2660.