Bus Accidents in Arizona

It can be emotionally and physically challenging to be part of an accident. The impact is further elevated if there’s a large vehicle like a bus involved. If you are riding on a bus, the chances of getting injured are high, mainly due to a lower level of safety for riders. However, if your car collides with a bus, the chances of you getting injured increases even more. Your car would suffer serious damages too. As an Arizona resident who has sustained injuries, you may file a personal injury claim. It is advisable to reach out to a criminal attorney as they can guide you through relevant Arizona laws on bus accidents.

Arizona Laws for Buses vs. Cars

Buses are exclusively defined by Arizona law. The ARS 28-101 describes it as “a motor vehicle designed for carrying sixteen or more passengers, including the driver.” Safety measures in buses are comparatively less stringent than cars because they usually do not have seat belts. Only buses that weigh under 10,000 pounds are mandated to have a provision for seatbelts. School buses, however, are safer as they have adequate compartmentalization. This concept refers to an enclosed seating area that creates a ‘bubble’ for enhanced safety. As per a study by NHTSA, having seat belts installed in buses can cut down the risk of deaths by 77% during bus rollovers.

To avoid being stuck behind, cars tend to overtake buses, or sometimes buses tend to maneuver cars. Oftentimes this results in serious damages to at least one party. Therefore, bus accidents are common, even if we would like them to be a rare sight.

What Steps to Take if You Are in a Bus Accident

Bus accidents are more lethal than car accidents due to the involvement of more lives. If you are someone who has suffered injuries in a bus accident, it is advised to take the following steps:

• Immediately get medical help and ensure that the bus staff or any of the passengers calls up 911. Getting early medical attention also informs the police, as they can then document the incident, take notes by interviewing witnesses and collect evidence at the earliest. Many times the injury is not obvious at the moment. Therefore, you must get your back, and head tested as the symptoms could show up after days.
• Another crucial step is to document the process as you might forget minute details. Get the contact number of the main officers who arrive, click pictures of the scene or make a video. You can also try to write down any detail that might seem important.

Being part of a bus accident can indeed be a frightening experience. Hire a lawyer who understands local laws for bus accidents. Schedule an appointment at https://canyonstatelaw.com/chandler-criminal-defense-lawyer/ and let us evaluate your case.