Goodyear Bus Accident Lawyer
Hiring a Goodyear Arizona Bus Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right bus accident lawyer in Goodyear, Arizona can make a big difference in handling your accident claim effectively.
You need to know about contingency payments and how lawyers can help with medical bills and other issues. Not knowing this information or having help really puts you at a disadvantage.
The insurance companies and their legal teams and adjusters are well versed on claims and won’t be working on your behalf.
Bus Accident Lawyers
After an accident, things can get quite confusing. Deciding when to get medical treatment and what to say to an insurance adjuster can be difficult, especially when you’re still in shock.
Symptoms of injuries can sometimes be delayed, adding to the confusion.
This is why it’s important to have legal assistance. When you’re injured in an accident, you usually have the option to file a claim and receive compensation.
Determining the average settlement amount can be challenging, but a skilled lawyer will have a good estimate and can use this information to negotiate effectively.
Whether you’ve experienced a minor fender-bender, a major truck accident, or are dealing with emotional issues due to injury, contact our office.
Covering a wide variety of claims / cases, the Law Gang can assist with just about any injury to include:
- Swimming pool accidents
- Rear ended / auto accidents
- Apartment complex injuries
We’ll help you file your claim and handle negotiations with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your recovery and daily routine.
Contingency Payments
When you hire a Goodyear personal injury lawyer for your bus accident, you usually pay on a contingency basis. This means the lawyer only gets paid if you win the case.
The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award you get. This helps people who can’t afford to pay upfront.
Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:
- No upfront costs: You don’t pay any money when you hire the lawyer.
- Percentage fee: If you win, the lawyer takes a portion of the settlement.
- Risk-taking: The lawyer assumes the financial risk, motivating them to work hard for you.
This type of payment method is helpful for many clients. It allows you to pursue a case without worrying about immediate costs.
Common Injuries
In a bus accident, passengers can suffer from a range of injuries. These include broken bones, lacerations, head injuries, and concussions.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in bus accidents due to the impact. Typical fractures include arms, legs, ribs, and sometimes the pelvis.
Lacerations, or deep cuts, can occur when glass breaks or sharp objects are present. Cuts may need stitches and carry a risk of infection.
Bruises often accompany broken bones. You might see swelling and bruising at the injury site. After an accident, seeking medical care promptly is important to assess the extent of these injuries.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can be severe. A concussion is a mild type of traumatic brain injury. It happens if your head hits something. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, dizziness, and nausea.
Immediate medical attention is necessary even if symptoms seem mild at first.
More serious head injuries can lead to long-term damage. These might cause memory loss or difficulty concentrating.
Helmets are not typically worn on buses, making head injuries more likely. Early treatment can prevent complications.
Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents in Goodyear often happen due to certain preventable actions. Some common causes include running red lights, distracted driving, and speeding incidents.
Running Red Lights
Running red lights is a serious problem that leads to many bus accidents. When a bus driver ignores a red light, they can cause a collision with other vehicles crossing the intersection.
This kind of crash can often lead to severe injuries for passengers and drivers alike. Red light cameras and strict traffic law enforcement aim to reduce these incidents.
If you witness a bus running a red light, it’s crucial to report it to the authorities immediately to prevent future accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another leading cause of bus accidents. When a bus driver takes their attention off the road, even for a few seconds, the consequences can be devastating.
Common distractions include using a cellphone, eating, or talking to passengers. Bus companies generally have strict policies against distracted driving, but it still happens.
Keeping bus drivers free from distractions and ensuring they stay focused on driving can significantly lower the risk of accidents.
The Law Gang can provides services in any location within Arizona. These would include the following counties:
- Cochise
- Graham
- Navajo
Speeding Incidents
Speeding also contributes to many bus accidents in Goodyear. When a bus exceeds the speed limit, the driver has less time to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
Speeding can turn minor incidents into major accidents, causing more severe injuries and damage. Speed limits are set for safety, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic or tricky road conditions.
Always adhere to speed limits to protect yourself and others on the road.
The Law Gang services all cities in Arizona to include:
Dangerous Roads
Bus accidents in Goodyear, Arizona, can be more common on certain roads and intersections. Here’s a look at high-risk areas you should be aware of.
High-Risk Areas
Sarival Avenue and Yuma Road
This intersection is known for frequent traffic jams and impatient drivers. Traffic lights here can be tricky, leading to accidents, especially involving buses.
I-10 Freeway
The I-10 passes through Goodyear and sees heavy traffic daily. Speeding and lane changes on this highway often contribute to bus accidents.
Estrella Parkway and Van Buren Street
This busy area has several schools and businesses. High pedestrian activity can increase the chances of accidents. Drivers often get distracted here, causing accidents.
Cotton Lane and MC-85
This is another hotspot for crashes. The roads are wide and invite speeding, which can lead to collisions involving buses.
By knowing these high-risk areas, you can understand why accidents happen in these locations and stay alert when traveling through them.
Seeking Compensation
When you’re involved in a bus accident in Goodyear, Arizona, it’s crucial to understand how to seek compensation and handle insurance claims correctly. These steps can help ensure that you get the support you need and deserve.
Negotiating with Insurers
Dealing with insurance companies often involves negotiating for a fair settlement. Start by documenting all your injuries and property damage. This can include medical bills, photos of your injuries, and repair estimates.
Contact your insurer immediately to report the accident. Be honest but careful with your statements. They may try to minimize your claim. It’s advisable to have your lawyer review any settlement offers.
Keep a record of all communications with the insurance company. Document any phone calls, emails, and letters. This can be critical if there is a dispute later on.
Legal Interactions
If the bus is owned and operated by the city, you may need to take additional steps. Start by filing a notice of claim against the city as soon as possible. There are strict deadlines, so act quickly.
Collect evidence like police reports, traffic camera footage, or witness statements. Your lawyer can help with getting this information.
Be prepared for a long process. Suing a city can be complicated and time-consuming, often taking months or even years. Knowing the right steps can help make it more manageable for you and your family.
Evidence Collection
To build a strong case after a bus accident, it’s crucial to gather various forms of evidence. Some key types of evidence include traffic camera footage, the police accident report, and witness statements.
Traffic Camera Footage
Traffic cameras often capture valuable footage of the accident. This can show the events leading up to the crash and provide a clear picture of what happened.
Requesting this footage usually involves contacting the city or local traffic authority. They may ask for details like the date, time, and location of the accident.
It’s important to act quickly because camera footage might be deleted after a certain period.
Keep records of your request and follow up regularly. If you have legal representation, your lawyer can also assist in requesting this footage.
Bus accidents usually occur on side streets (not busy highways like Interstate 17) such as:
Police Accident Report
The police accident report is an essential document. It includes details like the parties involved, the officers’ initial thoughts on the cause of the accident, and any citations issued.
You can request a copy from the Goodyear Police Department or through the Arizona Department of Transportation.
This typically involves filling out a request form and paying a small fee.
Check for accuracy, and if there are errors, notify the authorities promptly. This report can be a cornerstone in supporting your case.
Collecting Witness Statements
Witness statements can provide an unbiased account of the accident. These statements can strengthen your case by offering additional perspectives.
Collecting these involves reaching out to individuals who saw the accident. Their contact information might be found in the police report.
Asking witnesses for their account soon after the accident is critical while their memories are fresh.
Document each statement carefully. If possible, have witnesses write down their observations or record them with permission. Witness testimonies can be very influential in court or settlement discussions.
Medical Considerations
Seeking immediate medical care is crucial after a bus accident to address injuries and document them for your claim. Knowing where to go locally for emergency treatment can be lifesaving.
Importance of Immediate Medical Care
After a bus accident, you should seek medical attention right away. Injuries from accidents like cuts, broken bones, and head trauma can worsen if left untreated.
Also, getting timely care creates a medical record that can support your legal case.
Some injuries might not be obvious immediately. Conditions like internal bleeding or concussions can develop hours or even days later.
Early treatment helps detect and manage these issues before they become serious. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications, making recovery slower and more difficult.
Prompt medical care also provides documentation. Doctors’ notes, test results, and treatment plans become key evidence if you need to file a claim or a lawsuit.
This documentation helps show the extent of your injuries and links them directly to the accident.
Local Medical Providers
In Goodyear, you have several nearby hospitals where you can get emergency treatment. Abrazo West Campus is a well-equipped hospital located at 13677 W. McDowell Road.
It has emergency services available 24/7, ensuring you get the care you need at any time.
Banner Estrella Medical Center is another option. Located at 9201 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix, it’s not far from Goodyear. This hospital offers comprehensive medical services and has an emergency department for urgent care needs.
For quick treatment of minor injuries, NextCare Urgent Care at 17688 W. Elliot Road is convenient. They handle non-life-threatening injuries and can provide quicker services than busy hospital ERs.
Always contact them first to ensure they are the right fit for your immediate needs.
If you live in Goodyear, AZ and are tired of looking “for a Goodyear bus accident lawyer near me” then contact The Law Gang today.
