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If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, understanding your rights is the first step in advocating for yourself. That said, the laws and regulations governing bus accidents are complicated, and you need legal skill and experience to successfully navigate them.
Luckily, you don’t have to do this alone. The Yuma bus accident attorneys at Torgenson Law are here to help you every step of the way. We’ll explain your rights to you, advocate on your behalf, and work hard to maximize your chance for compensation.
Before we talk about that, though, let’s discuss why these accidents happen in the first place.
Like most accidents, bus crashes can stem from a range of causes, often involving a complex interplay of factors related to human error, mechanical failures, and environmental conditions. Each of these factors can significantly contribute to the risk of an accident, impacting both the safety of passengers and other road users.
One of the most prevalent causes of bus accidents is driver error. This category encompasses a range of issues, such as distracted driving, where a bus driver’s attention is diverted from the road by activities like texting, using a mobile phone, or adjusting in-vehicle entertainment systems. Distracted driving impairs a driver’s ability to react promptly to changing traffic conditions or sudden obstacles.
Similarly, driver fatigue is another major concern. Long hours on the road without adequate rest can lead to drowsiness, reducing the driver’s alertness and reaction time. Fatigue can be as impairing as alcohol, leading to slower responses and an increased likelihood of accidents. Speeding is another driver-related issue, where operating the bus beyond the posted speed limit diminishes the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, particularly when navigating curves or reacting to sudden hazards.
Mechanical failures also play a significant role in bus accidents. Brake failures, for instance, can prevent the bus from stopping effectively, leading to collisions with other vehicles or obstacles. Such failures often result from inadequate maintenance or worn-out components that comprise the bus’s stopping power.
Tire blowouts are another common mechanical issue, where sudden loss of tire pressure can lead to loss of control, especially if the blowout occurs at high speeds. These are dangerous situations that can cause multiple-car accidents.
Engine malfunctions, including stalling or sudden power loss, can cause the bus to stop unexpectedly, creating hazardous conditions for both the bus and other road users. Steering problems can further exacerbate these risks, making it difficult for the driver to maneuver the bus accurately, potentially leading to accidents.
Environmental factors are also crucial in understanding bus accidents. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris, can contribute to accidents by causing drivers to lose control or swerve unexpectedly. Roads in disrepair or inadequately maintained can be especially dangerous for large vehicles like buses, which require stable surfaces for safe operation.
Weather conditions further complicate driving, with rain reducing traction and increasing the risk of skidding. Snow and ice create particularly hazardous conditions, making roads slippery and difficult to navigate, while fog can severely impair visibility, leading to collisions as drivers may not see other vehicles, road signs, or obstacles in time.
Regardless of the reason for your accident, you need to understand your legal rights. That’s where a skilled Yuma bus accident lawyer from Torgenson Law comes in, but here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know.
After a bus accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights as a passenger. Generally speaking, bus companies and drivers have more strident legal obligations to ensure your safety. When these duties are breached, leading to accidents and injuries, you may be entitled to seek compensation.
Bus companies are considered common carriers, which means they owe a higher duty of care to their passengers compared to regular drivers. They must take reasonable steps to ensure passenger safety and avoid negligence. This includes:
If a bus company fails to fulfill these obligations, resulting in an accident, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages suffered by passengers.
Several common violations by bus companies and drivers can lead to accidents:
When these violations contribute to an accident, the bus company and driver may be held accountable for their negligence. As an injured passenger, you have the right to pursue a claim against the responsible parties to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
To do this, though, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Yuma bus accident attorney who can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and fight for your rights. They can help you navigate the legal process and work towards securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Yuma, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. These damages can be categorized into two main types: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the quantifiable financial losses that result from the accident. These may include:
To prove economic damages, you’ll need to provide evidence such as medical bills, pay stubs, tax returns, and repair estimates.
Non-economic damages are the intangible losses that impact your quality of life. These may include:
Proving non-economic damages can be more challenging, as they don’t have a clear monetary value. Your Yuma bus accident attorney may use expert testimony, medical records, and statements from family and friends to demonstrate the extent of your non-economic losses.
In cases involving wrongful death, additional damages may be available to the deceased’s family members, such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Punitive damages might also be available if your accident was particularly egregious.
In order to secure compensation, though, there are several steps you need to take in the days, weeks, and months after your bus accident.
After a bus accident in Yuma, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and well-being. Here are the essential steps you should follow:
Call 911 as soon as possible to report the accident, even if it appears to be minor. When emergency personnel arrive, provide a clear and accurate account of what happened. Reporting the accident is not only required by law in certain circumstances but also ensures that there is an official record of the incident.
Your health should be your top priority after a bus accident. Even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or see visible injuries, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away. Seeking prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also provides documentation of your injuries, which can be crucial for your legal claim.
When you visit a doctor, make sure they thoroughly examine your back, spine, and head, as these areas are particularly vulnerable in bus accidents. Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your treatment, as they will be important evidence in your case.
If you are able, try to collect evidence at the scene of the accident. This may include:
This evidence can help your Yuma bus accident attorney build a strong case on your behalf. If you are unable to gather evidence due to your injuries, ask a friend, family member, or your lawyer to assist you.
After a bus accident, navigating the legal landscape can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Yuma bus accident attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Torgenson Law’s attorneys have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in bus accident cases, including:
Our attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding bus accidents, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a bus accident, we understand what you’re going through. This is a frustrating, challenging time, but don’t feel like you need to handle it on your own. Torgenson Law’s experienced bus accident attorneys are here to help.
Ready to learn more? Reach out to us online today or call 602-726-0747. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything unless we secure compensation for your case.
