There are various types of buses in Phoenix, and all operate under different rules of liability. Depending on the type of bus and what led up to the accident, an injury claim can quickly become complicated. A Phoenix bus accident lawyer can help ensure that the right defendants are held accountable for your injuries and property damage. Here are 5 types of bus accident claims that you should know about.
5 Types of Bus Accident Claims | Public Transportation
If you are injured on or by a public bus, potential defendants include the city of Phoenix, the company that runs or owns the bus on behalf of the city, and the driver of the bus. This all depends, of course, on the cause of the accident. In these types of claims, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against the municipality.
5 Types of Bus Accident Claims | Private and Charter Buses
Private and charter buses are not intended for public use. Sometimes, the bus company may require you to sign a liability waiver before you can use their service. However, that doesn’t always absolve the company from liability if the bus is involved in a wreck. Possible defendants usually include the private company that owns the bus and the driver.
5 Types of Bus Accident Claims | Tour Bus
A tour bus operates in a similar manner to a private or charter bus. They are hired for a private excursion. Naming the right defendant can be quite difficult in these cases. A lot of the time, it depends on how the tour bus was booked. If your group directly booked the tour bus, the company and the driver may be the proper defendants. However, if a travel agent or other person booked the bus on behalf of your group, that person may also be named as a defendant.
5 Types of Bus Accident Claims | School Bus
School bus accidents can be devastating. Sometimes, the school district or school board is held liable. However, if the district outsourced transportation to a private company, that company may also be named as a defendant.
5 Types of Bus Accident Claims | Vans
Large vans that seat 15 passengers are an option that many people use instead of scheduling a private bus. They are often rented from a rental or leasing company. It may or may not include a private driver. Because these vans are so large, they’re often treated like a bus accident. Depending on the facts surrounding the accident, the rental or lease company as well as the driver may be the proper defendants.
A Phoenix bus accident lawyer can help you sort through the confusion and determine the proper parties that should be included in settling or litigating the claim. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation.