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If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Tempe, you might be unsure of the next steps you need to take. You’re likely recovering from injuries, might be unable to work, and definitely feeling rattled.
Don’t worry — we know exactly what you’re going through.
Torgenson Law’s bus accident lawyers can help make sure your rights are protected while we fight for the compensation you need and the justice you deserve. We have years of experience guiding clients through the intricate process of bus accident claims, offering legal advice tailored to each unique case.
Before we talk about how an experienced bus accident attorney will help you in your case, though, let’s talk about why they happen in the first place.
Bus accidents can arise from a variety of causes, often involving a combination of factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for determining liability in your case.
Driver error is a significant factor in many bus accidents. Distractions, such as using mobile phones or adjusting the radio, can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Fatigue also plays a critical role, as tired drivers may have diminished reaction times and impaired judgment. Speeding is another common issue. When drivers exceed speed limits, their ability to respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions is compromised. And while it’s rare, we have seen cases of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This severely impairs a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, increasing the risk of accidents.
Poor vehicle maintenance is another major contributor to bus accidents. Issues such as brake failure can result from inadequate upkeep, leading to a loss of control over the bus. Problems with tires, such as wear and improper inflation, can similarly cause accidents by affecting the vehicle’s stability. Mechanical failures, including engine malfunctions, can disrupt vehicle performance and safety.
Road conditions also play a significant role. Poorly maintained roads with potholes or uneven surfaces can lead to accidents, especially if drivers are not able to navigate these hazards safely. Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of collisions. Additionally, problematic road design, such as hazardous intersections or poorly marked lanes, can create dangerous driving situations.
Traffic conditions, including heavy congestion, can also lead to increased chances of accidents. In congested areas, it’s vital for drivers to maintain proper spacing and signaling to avoid collisions. Uncontrolled intersections, where traffic signals or stop signs may be absent, can create confusion and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Disruptive passengers who distract the driver or interfere with the operation of the bus can lead to unsafe driving conditions. Passengers who fail to follow safety instructions, such as not using seatbelts, are at greater risk of injury during sudden stops or collisions.
Inadequate training is another factor that can contribute to accidents. Drivers who have not received comprehensive training may struggle with complex driving situations or fail to adhere to safety protocols. This lack of proper training can result in unsafe driving practices and increased accident risk. Vehicle overloading is another concern; exceeding weight limits with too many passengers or excessive cargo can affect the bus’s stability and handling, leading to accidents.
This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it should serve to demonstrate that the causes of bus accidents aren’t always straightforward. Determining fault is a complex problem that is best left to experienced attorneys like the ones you’ll find at Torgenson Law.
Now that we’ve discussed how bus accidents commonly happen, let’s take a look at some of the common consequences of them.
Bus accidents can result in a range of injuries, varying from minor to severe, depending on the nature and severity of the collision. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bus accidents include:
While these physical injuries can disrupt your life and may require years of costly recovery to treat, there are less apparent injuries caused by bus accidents, too. Injuries that can be just as disruptive and just as difficult to move on from.
While often physically traumatic, bus accidents can also leave lasting psychological scars on survivors. The emotional and mental toll of such incidents can be profound and far-reaching, impacting various aspects of a person’s life. Here’s an overview of the psychological impacts commonly experienced after a bus accident:
PTSD is a common psychological response to traumatic events. Survivors of bus accidents may experience:
Bus accident survivors often develop generalized anxiety or depression, characterized by:
Adjustment disorders can develop as individuals struggle to cope with the changes brought about by the accident, such as difficulty adjusting to new physical limitations or changes in daily routines as well as iIncreased irritability, mood swings, or emotional instability.
The psychological effects of a bus accident can strain personal relationships, leading to isolation or withdrawing from social interactions and avoiding contact with friends and family. This can also manifest as Increased tensions or conflicts with loved ones due to mood changes or emotional instability.
If you or a loved one has experienced psychological distress following a bus accident, it’s essential to document these impacts as part of your overall recovery process. This documentation can be crucial in seeking compensation for emotional and psychological damages alongside physical injuries. Consulting with a personal injury attorney at Torgenson Law can help you understand your rights and ensure that all aspects of your suffering are considered in your claim.
With that in mind, let’s discuss the types of compensation that might be available to you.
There are several types of damages you can pursue after a bus accident claim. Your legal team will help determine exactly which types of damages have been suffered and will put together a strategic plan for compensation. That said, in the context of bus accident claims, damages typically fall into three main categories — economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic damages are designed to cover the tangible financial losses directly resulting from the accident. This includes medical expenses for treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, and any ongoing care needed for recovery.
Economic damages also address lost wages, compensating you for income lost during your recovery period and any future earnings affected by long-term injuries. Property damage, such as repairs to a vehicle or replacement of personal items, is also covered under this category. Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments, are reimbursed as well.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address the more subjective impacts of the accident that aren’t easily quantifiable. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, which reflects the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident. Emotional distress damages cover psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Non-economic damages also account for the loss of enjoyment of life, acknowledging how the accident has diminished your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. Additionally, if your relationship with your spouse or partner has been negatively affected, you may receive damages for loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship and support.
Punitive damages are distinct from both economic and non-economic damages. They are not intended to compensate you but to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. These damages are awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, such as driving under the influence, and are meant to address behavior that goes beyond ordinary negligence.
Each type of damage plays a role in addressing different aspects of the harm caused by the accident, and understanding these categories can help you pursue a comprehensive claim for the compensation you deserve. Don’t do this on your own, though. An experienced attorney can provide guidance in navigating these complexities and ensuring that all relevant damages are considered in your case.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, you know how quickly your life can be turned upside down. From managing medical appointments to haggling with insurance companies — it can all seem overwhelming.
Don’t feel like you need to handle this on your own. The experienced bus accident attorneys at Torgenson Law can help you every step of the way, putting together a compelling case for compensation and fighting for your rights. Ready to learn more? Contact us online today or give us a call at 602-726-0747. Remember, your initial consultation is free, and you won’t pay anything unless we win.
