Bus accidents can cause devastating injuries because of the size and weight of these vehicles and the number of people they carry. Passengers may be thrown from their seats or injured while boarding or exiting. Pedestrians and bicyclists can suffer severe injuries when struck by a bus, while occupants of smaller vehicles may be seriously hurt in a collision with a transit, charter, or school bus.
If you were hurt in a bus accident in Phoenix, Arizona, you may have the right to seek compensation. KRLG Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options and determine your next steps. Contact us today at (623) 303-5754 to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix bus accident lawyer.
Why Choose KRLG Injury Lawyers for Your Bus Accident Case in Phoenix, AZ?
Bus accidents can be more complicated than ordinary car accident claims. Before pursuing compensation, your lawyer may need to determine who owned the bus, who employed the driver, who maintained the vehicle, and whether the bus was privately or publicly operated.
Our Phoenix personal injury lawyers bring significant experience to each case, including:
- 100+ Years of Combined Experience. Our firm’s attorneys have spent decades representing injured people and handling significant personal injury disputes.
- Hundreds of Millions Recovered. KRLG Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $250 million in compensation for injured clients.
- Detailed Investigations. Our firm can investigate drivers, transportation companies, maintenance records, electronic information, video footage, and other evidence.
- Experience Dealing with Insurers. Bus accidents can involve multiple insurance policies and competing arguments over liability.
- Personal Attention. Every accident is different. Our firm will build a case strategy around the specific circumstances of your injuries and losses.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Phoenix bus accident attorney.
What Is My Bus Accident Case Worth in Arizona?
There is no average settlement that can accurately predict the value of your bus accident claim.
Factors that can affect the value of a Phoenix bus accident claim include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The length of your recovery
- Whether your injuries are permanent
- The medical treatment you require
- How your injuries affect your ability to work
- The impact on your daily life
- The strength of the evidence
- Whether you share fault
- Whether multiple parties are liable
- Available insurance coverage
An attorney can consider these and other factors when estimating the potential value of your claim.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Bus Accident Victims in Phoenix?
Arizona personal injury plaintiffs may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages caused by another party’s negligence. The damages available depend on the injuries and evidence.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for financial losses.
A serious bus accident claim could potentially include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Future healthcare expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
These damages can help compensate you for both the immediate financial costs of the accident and losses that may continue into the future.
Non-Economic Damages
Not every consequence of an accident comes with a receipt. Non-economic damages can compensate an injured person for the personal consequences of an injury.
Depending on the circumstances, these losses can involve:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
The severity and duration of the injury usually matter greatly when evaluating these damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages serve a different purpose. Rather than compensating someone for a particular loss, they are used to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar bad behavior in the future.
These damages are not available merely because a bus driver made an ordinary negligent mistake. Whether punitive damages can be pursued depends on the defendant’s conduct and the evidence.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bus Accident Lawyer in Phoenix?
Many personal injury firms handle bus accident claims on a contingency fee basis. Instead of paying traditional hourly fees, the client agrees that the lawyer will receive an agreed percentage of any financial recovery.
This can mean:
- No traditional hourly fees
- No large retainer agreements to begin the case
- Attorney fees tied to a successful financial recovery
Ask questions about fees and litigation expenses before signing a representation agreement. You want to make sure you understand exactly how the fee arrangement will work.
How Long Do I Have to File My Bus Accident Case?
While standard Arizona personal injury claims generally have a two-year statute of limitations, accidents involving public transit (like Valley Metro or City of Phoenix buses) have much stricter deadlines:
- 180-Day Notice of Claim: A formal claim must be served on the government entity within 180 days of the accident.
- 1-Year Lawsuit Deadline: Any lawsuit against a public entity must be filed within one year.
Missing the 180-day deadline permanently bars your claim. It’s best to contact an attorney right away to protect your rights.
Contact a Phoenix Bus Accident Lawyer to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
A bus accident can involve more than a careless driver. There may be questions about vehicle maintenance, government agencies, insurance coverage, and multiple parties who contributed to the crash. You should not have to untangle those issues while recovering from a serious injury.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Phoenix bus accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact KRLG Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Phoenix bus accident attorney. We will investigate your accident, identify responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.