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Navigating the aftermath of a bus accident in the bustling metropolis of Phoenix can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to figuring out appropriate legal recourse. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, understanding your rights and taking quick, appropriate actions is critical. For help, contact Hastings & Hastings to schedule a free consultation.
When it comes to pursuing a case after a bus accident, experience and expertise matter. Hastings & Hastings is a Phoenix-based law firm with a well-earned reputation for fiercely defending the rights of injured individuals. Here’s why you should work with us:
Working with Hastings & Hastings can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Seeking legal help may seem overwhelming, but in the complexities of a bus accident, it’s a crucial move. They can provide the following assistance:
A lawyer is your ally when dealing with the aftermath of a bus accident. Enlisting their help can mean the difference between receiving fair compensation and being left without proper support.
Bus accidents in Phoenix can be attributed to a wide range of causes. Whether it’s city buses, school, or tour buses, common factors leading to such incidents include:
Bus transit drivers, despite their training and oversight, are not immune to fatigue. Long shifts and demanding schedules can lead to lapses in attentiveness and, in the worst cases, result in accidents.
Buses are complex machines with thousands of moving parts, any of which can malfunction. A lack of proper maintenance can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Whether due to lack of experience, training, or a momentary lapse in judgment, the actions of the bus operator play a significant role in many accidents. From running red lights to making improper lane changes, the driver’s decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
Navigating the aftermath of a bus accident is complex and challenging. If you’ve been involved in such an incident, consider seeking help to work through this situation.
The moments, hours, and days after a bus accident present a critical window of opportunity to protect yourself legally. Here’s what you should do:
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel okay immediately after the accident, you may have injuries with delayed symptoms. Seeking medical care ensures your well-being and creates a record of your injuries for any future legal proceedings.
If you’re able, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos, get the names and contact information of witnesses, and write down your recollection of events.
Notify the local authorities about the accident. A police report serves as an official record of the incident, which is important for any insurance or legal claims.
Don’t fix anything related to the accident, save the damaged property, and follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Evidence preservation is key to building a strong case.
Following these steps can protect your well-being and bolster your legal case. It’s crucial to remember that what you do now can profoundly affect the outcome of your claim or lawsuit later.
Identifying potentially liable parties following a bus accident is essential to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve. Possible liable parties include:
The driver’s actions are usually the most apparent source of liability. If negligence on their part caused the accident, they may be held directly accountable.
The bus company has a responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers. If they failed to properly maintain the vehicle or hire a competent driver, they may also be liable for the accident. They can also be held vicariously liable in some cases even if they didn’t directly do anything wrong.
If a defect in the bus contributed to or caused the accident, the manufacturer may also be held responsible. This can include issues with brakes, tires, or other mechanical parts.
In some cases, multiple vehicles may be involved in a bus accident. If another driver’s negligence caused the collision, they may also be held liable for damages.
Public transportation often involves government entities, and if their negligence played a role, these entities may be implicated.
Identifying all possible liable parties is crucial in ensuring that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Victims of bus accidents in Phoenix may be entitled to several types of compensation, each addressing different aspects of their losses and experiences resulting from the accident. The primary categories of compensation include:
These damages are quantifiable in monetary terms and most often include medical expenses directly related to the injuries from the accident, lost wages due to time away from work, and costs for repairing property.
These cover less tangible and subjective losses, which often include pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages are less commonly awarded and are done so to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. For these to be awarded in Arizona, the plaintiff must show that the defendant acted with an “evil mind.”
“A defendant acts with an evil mind if he “should be consciously aware of the evil of his actions, of the spitefulness of his motives or that his conduct is so outrageous, oppressive or intolerable in that it creates a substantial risk of tremendous harm to others.
If you’ve been in a bus accident in Phoenix, understanding what you might be entitled to is key. To determine what types of damages and how much you might be able to obtain, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Navigating the legal system after a bus accident can be complicated, but fortunately, you don’t have to handle it alone. Hastings & Hastings have the experience needed to handle all types of personal injury cases, including accidents involving buses. We understand the nuances of Arizona law and how to pursue the maximum compensation for our clients. If you need help after an accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.