Bus Accident Lawyer in Scottsdale

Bus accidents can be catastrophic events, often leading to multiple injuries and fatalities. One unfortunate example is the accident that took place in Northern Arizona in August of 2023, in which a tour bus rolled over after colliding with a passenger vehicle. The accident caused more than 50 people to be severely injured and resulted in one fatality. So, what are your rights as a victim of a bus accident? Get answers and see how a Scottsdale bus accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries after a bus accident in Arizona.

What Are the Most Common Types of Bus Accidents in the Scottsdale Area?

Phoenix is a popular destination for tourists looking for a chance to explore the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, which is located just a short distance from the city. That means many choose to embark on one of many bus tours offered by several tour companies in the area. Unfortunately, accidents involving tour buses, charter buses, and other privately owned buses are all too common.

In addition, residents of the Scottsdale and Phoenix area often choose to take advantage of public transportation as a way to avoid the rising cost of gas. Companies such as Valley Metro transport over 35,000 passengers by bus, rail, and streetcars every year. However, a quick search online reveals dozens of news stories reporting serious and even fatal collisions involving passenger vehicles and city buses. Besides private tour buses and commuter buses, school buses and intercity regional carriers are also susceptible to accidents.

What Happens if You Are Injured in a Private Bus?

If you were injured in a bus accident with a privately owned bus, such as a tour bus, a Greyhound bus, or a charter bus, be sure to seek medical help right away. Even if you feel fine and don’t believe you’ve been injured, you should still be examined by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly because some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.

Additionally, it is important to gather evidence from the accident scene and write down important information, including the name and contact information of any witnesses, the bus driver, and the bus company. Be sure not to leave the site of the crash without speaking to law enforcement or EMS and identifying yourself as a passenger who was riding the bus when it crashed – this is a simple step that many people forget to take, which makes it hard to prove later on that they were in fact on the scene.

Next, you should speak to a bus collision attorney in Scottsdale, AZ as soon as possible. In the event of an accident, an experienced bus accident attorney can help you identify which party may be at fault for it – the bus driver, the bus owner, or a third party, such as a passenger vehicle driver – and seek compensation on your behalf. This can happen by filing a liability insurance claim or through a lawsuit. Personal injury lawyers in Scottsdale, Arizona can recommend the best course of action for your bus accident case.

Who is Liable for a School Bus or City Bus Accident?

The steps above also apply to accidents involving public buses or school buses. The difference is identifying who is financially liable for the accident becomes even more important as it will affect how your case is handled. For example, if your child suffered injuries due to a school bus accident, determining who owns the bus should be the first step.

Some school buses are owned by the school district or the school board of the district they serve. In that case, the school district or board would likely be responsible for the damages caused by the accident. However, some schools outsource student transportation to private companies that own and operate the school buses. In this case, the private company would likely be held liable for the accident.

The same goes for injuries resulting from a city bus or commuter bus crash. In this case, the responsible party could be the city, municipality, or government entity that owns the bus and the company that owns or operates the bus on behalf of the city. In both cases, the bus drivers may also be held responsible if it is determined that they acted with negligence.

Why Do You Need an Scottsdale Bus Accident Lawyer for Your Claim?

Buses are considered common carriers and are held to strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and other roadway users. Operating a bus is considerably more difficult than other vehicles because buses are large, heavy vehicles that require a lot of space to maneuver and have a long braking distance when compared to lighter vehicles. For these reasons, bus drivers have to have proper skills and training and must operate the bus safely and in accordance with city, state, and federal regulations. Unfortunately, that does not always happen, and this is when serious accidents can occur.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bus accident, hiring a bus accident lawyer in Scottsdale is extremely important to defend your rights as a victim. Your bus crash attorney can assist with the steps required to build a strong case on your behalf, such as investigating the scene of the accident and the background of the bus driver, identifying the at-fault parties, and taking the necessary steps to seek compensation for your Scottsale bus accident injuries.

The Wilson Ortiz Law Firm offers the strong legal representation and advice you need to navigate your bus accident case and secure maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact the Wilson Ortiz Law Firm in Scottsdale at 623-294-1442 to learn how we can help you fight back.