Bus accidents and those involving group transportation vehicles happen, unfortunately, and when they do the results can be very serious to passengers in either vehicle. If you’ve been injured or involved, you should contact Mesa bus accident lawyer Nathaniel B. Preston (“Nate”). Nate will help you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Many Types of Bus Transportation
School buses: School buses transport kids to and from school every morning and afternoon. They are also used for transporting students to field trips and school events, as well as carrying sports teams to their games. School buses are typically owned by the school district or a private school; in some cases the schools contract with a private company to provide bus service for students.
Public transit: People without cars use city buses for transportation to and from work every day. Public transit vehicles can be owned/operated by the city or county. In some jurisdictions a city/county may contract with a private company to manage local public transit systems.
Charter buses: Groups & organizations often hire a private charter bus for transporting groups to sporting events, corporate events and vacations. In these cases, the private company owns, operates and maintains the vehicles, and hires the drivers.
Tour buses: Tour buses are used to transport groups of people who are visiting several locations, or driving long distances to a specific locale. Tour buses are hired by interest groups or by professional tour companies. The buses are owned, operated and maintained by the tour bus company. In many cases, the tour bus company is unaffiliated with the company which is sponsoring the tour.
15-passenger vans: Smaller groups often use 15-passenger vans. Small groups usually provide their own driver, and rent the vans from car or truck rental companies.
I’ve Been Involved in a Bus Accident — Now What?
- First thing, check to see if any passengers have been injured. If people are injured, call an ambulance and the police, and stay with the injured until help arrives
- If possible, try moving the vehicle so that it is not obstructing traffic or creating another safety hazard
- Trade information with the driver of any other vehicles involved … your names, numbers, insurance companies and policy numbers
- Report the accident to your insurance company as quickly as possible
- Never admit fault or responsibility for the accident, and don’t provide any written or recorded statement to the insurance company
- Never leave the scene
Liability For Bus Accidents
Legal liability in bus accidents depends on which party (vehicle) was responsible for the accident. If it is determined that the bus was at least partially at fault, whoever owns or operates the bus can be liable — it could be the school board, school district, city, county, or a privately owned company. IMPORTANT: you must file a claim against a city, county or public entity within 180 days of the accident if that city, county or public entity is responsible or liable for your injuries. If not, you could lose your right to obtain compensation. Accident attorney Warnock MacKinlay Law understands the nuances and complexities of bus accidents and can help you sort out any complications.
Free Case Evaluation — Call Mesa AZ Bus Accident Lawyer Nathaniel B. Preston
Nate is dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Your initial case evaluation is absolutely free and you don’t have to pay a dime unless Nate recovers money for you first.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in the greater Phoenix area, Glendale, Mesa, or Scottsdale, please contact Nate today to set up your free initial case evaluation by filling out the online form or by calling 602-600-6427.
