Mesa Bus Accident Lawyer
If injured in a bus accident in Mesa you will no doubt have some things to think about. This includes how will you pay for your medical bills (or who will pay) as well as whether or not you will miss work.
Bus accidents can be caused for various reasons and knowing what some causes are might help you prevent one from happening to you.
If you are the victim of a bus accident in Mesa then you will want to get medical help as quickly as possible. And reaching out to a Mesa personal injury lawyer is also advised.
Bus Accident Lawyers
After an accident, things can quickly become confusing. Knowing when to get medical treatment and what to tell insurance adjusters can be challenging, especially when you’re still dealing with the aftermath.
Delayed injury symptoms can complicate matters even further. This is precisely why legal assistance is so important.
Usually, you have the option to file a claim and receive compensation for your injuries, but determining the average settlement can be difficult.
A skilled attorney will have a good sense of the value and can use this information to negotiate on your behalf. Whether your accident was a:
- minor fender-bender
- a severe bicycle accident
- or a slip and fall causing emotional anxiety
contact our office. We’ll handle your claim and negotiate with the insurance company, making the process less stressful while you focus on your recovery and everyday life.
Hiring a Lawyer
A lawyer in Mesa can guide you through the complexities of bus accident claims, from dealing with insurance companies to understanding legal processes.
Understanding Contingency Payments
When you hire a bus accident lawyer, you typically do not have to pay upfront fees. Instead, lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis, which means they get paid only if you win the case.
Contingency fees usually range from 25% to 40% of the settlement amount. This type of payment structure can make legal services accessible, especially if you are facing high medical bills.
Before you hire a lawyer, discuss the fee arrangement in detail. Make sure you understand any additional costs that might not be included in the contingency fee.
This way, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about immediate legal expenses.
The Law Gang can provides services in any location within Arizona. These would include the following counties:
- Pima
- Maricopa
- Greenlee
Common Injuries
Bus accidents in Mesa, Arizona, can lead to serious injuries. The most common injuries include broken bones, lacerations, and head trauma. These injuries can be severe and may require extensive medical care.
Broken Bones
During a bus accident, the impact can cause passengers to be thrown from their seats. This force can result in broken bones, including fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and even the spine.
The sharp edges within the bus, broken glass, and debris can cause deep cuts, known as lacerations. These wounds sometimes need stitches or surgical intervention to heal properly.
Bruising, sprains, and dislocations are other common injuries that may occur.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are particularly dangerous in bus accidents. You can suffer from concussions, skull fractures, and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
These injuries might not show immediate symptoms, but they can lead to long-term health problems, such as memory loss, dizziness, and chronic pain.
Wearing seat belts, if available, and staying seated can help reduce the risk of head trauma during an accident.
Causes of Bus Accidents
Several factors predominantly cause bus accidents in Mesa, Arizona. These include incidents of distracted driving, as well as speeding and red light violations.
Distracted Driving Incidents
Distracted driving is one major cause of bus accidents. Bus drivers might glance at their phones, adjust the radio, or eat while driving. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to severe crashes.
Passengers can also distract drivers by talking loudly or moving about.
When drivers lose focus, they might miss traffic signals or sudden stops by other vehicles. Weather conditions, such as rain or strong sunlight, can further increase the risk of distractions.
You must understand that driving a bus requires full attention due to its size and the number of passengers.
Speeding and Red Lights
Speeding is another significant cause. Bus drivers sometimes speed to stay on schedule. Exceeding speed limits reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance, making it harder to avoid collisions.
Speeding in busy areas with pedestrians can be particularly dangerous.
Running red lights is equally hazardous. Drivers may run red lights when in a hurry or if they misjudge the timing of the light. This action can lead to serious accidents, especially at busy intersections.
Red light violations can result in side-impact collisions, which are usually very severe.
By being aware of these factors, you can be better prepared and cautious when using bus services in Mesa, Arizona.
Dangerous Roads
Certain roads and intersections in Mesa are known for being dangerous for bus accidents. Identifying these high-risk areas can help you stay safer and avoid accidents.
High-Risk Areas
Some of the most dangerous intersections in Mesa include:
- Country Club Drive and Southern Avenue
- Dobson Road and Main Street
- Greenfield Road and University Drive
These intersections have high traffic volume and frequent accidents.
Other streets with high accident rates are:
- Broadway Road
- Alma School Road
- Baseline Road
Accidents here are often due to speeding, running red lights, and distracted driving.
Staying aware of these high-risk areas can help you be more cautious and reduce the chance of getting into a bus accident.
Aftermath of a Bus Accident
A bus accident in Mesa, Arizona, can bring about several challenges. It’s crucial to deal with compensation, insurance, evidence collection, and legal timelines to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Obtaining Compensation
To get compensated for your injuries, you need to document them well. This may include medical records, photos of injuries, and detailed reports from your doctors. Medical bills and treatment costs help show the extent of your injuries.
You can also seek compensation for lost wages if your injury stops you from working. Legal counsel can guide you through this entire process.
Dealing with Insurance
Handling insurance companies can be tricky. They often look for ways to pay out as little as possible. Knowing the specific policies of Mesa city buses can provide you with an edge.
Familiarize yourself with the claims process and the requirements needed for a successful claim. A specialized lawyer can help fight for a fair settlement by negotiating directly with insurance companies and city officials.
Collecting Evidence
Gathering evidence is vital for building a strong case. Get traffic camera footage if possible, as it can show what happened in real-time. Photos from the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements are also crucial.
The police report can offer an objective view of the accident. Witness statements can provide additional perspectives and help support your case.
Statute of Limitations
Arizona has specific timelines for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For bus accidents, you typically have two years from the date of the accident.
Missing this deadline can mean you lose your right to sue. Being aware of this timeline ensures you act promptly and gather necessary documents in a timely manner.
Engaging a lawyer early on can help you meet these critical deadlines.
Bus accidents usually occur on side streets (not busy highways like Interstate 17) such as:
Medical and Legal Assistance
After a bus accident in Mesa, Arizona, you need both medical and legal support. Acting quickly can help ensure you get the care you need and any compensation you deserve.
Managing Medical Bills
Dealing with medical bills after a bus accident can be overwhelming. A Mesa bus accident lawyer can help you navigate this process.
They can negotiate with insurance companies and the city to make sure your bills get paid. They can also help you gather evidence like traffic camera footage and police reports. This can be crucial for your case.
A lawyer will know the statute of limitations in Arizona, which is important because if you miss the deadline, you could lose your chance to file a lawsuit. In Arizona, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim.
Your lawyer can also help calculate the compensation you may be eligible for, which might include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Law Gang services all cities in Arizona (both big or small), including:
Timely Medical Treatment
Getting medical treatment quickly is crucial after a bus accident. Even if you think you’re fine, some injuries may not show up right away. Broken bones, cuts, and head injuries are common and need immediate attention to prevent complications.
Getting prompt treatment also helps your legal case. Medical records provide evidence that you were injured and sought help right away.
Delaying medical treatment can make your injuries worse and weaken your legal claim. Insurance companies might argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you didn’t see a doctor immediately.
Your lawyer will stress the importance of timely treatment to strengthen your case.
Facilities for Immediate Care
Mesa has several hospitals where you can get medical treatment after a bus accident. Banner Desert Medical Center is one major hospital located in Mesa with an emergency department.
Mountain Vista Medical Center also offers urgent care services and has an emergency room.
Local Medical Providers
There are multiple hospitals located in Mesa along with a long list of urgent care physicians, primary care doctors and specialists (including orthopaedics and chiropractors).
Getting treated at a reliable hospital immediately after a bus accident in Mesa not only ensures your health but also creates a solid record for your legal case.
Bus Accident Lawsuits
Bus accident lawsuits in Arizona can vary in duration. Factors like the bus being owned by the city can affect how long the lawsuit takes. Understanding these factors will help you know what to expect.
Expectations
When a bus is owned by the city of Mesa, the legal process can become more complex. The involvement of a government entity often means following special rules and procedures. This can increase the duration of the lawsuit.
The city has a legal team that may delay proceedings. Gathering evidence and negotiating settlements can be slower compared to private cases. You may also face strict filing deadlines, which can affect the timeline.
Timing varies case by case, but involving a Mesa bus accident lawyer can help navigate these complexities. They can expedite the process where possible and ensure that you meet all deadlines.
You should be prepared for a longer process because of these additional hurdles.
If you live in Mesa, AZ and are tired of looking “for a Mesa bus accident lawyer near me” then contact The Law Gang today.
