Given the sheer size of buses, bus accidents can be far more devastating than passenger car accidents. In Arizona, there are various legal deadlines that victims need to know if they have been in a bus accident. Some of these are so important that missing them can ban you from seeking any kind of compensation at all despite having strong evidence.

Perhaps the most important of all is the statute of limitations, which dictates the timeframe within which victims can file their claims. However, if it is a government bus, the rules can be different. The varying rules can create confusion for the victims, especially those with no legal knowledge whatsoever. This makes consulting with a personal injury lawyer all the more necessary.

Not only do attorneys know about all the important deadlines, but they can walk you through every step of the process with fewer chances of error. You will have peace of mind working with someone with decades of experience who knows what they are doing. While you focus on your healing and recovery, your legal expert will be out there winning your case.

Important deadlines to remember if you are filing a bus accident claim

1. Statute of limitations.

The statute of limitations for bus accidents is two years from the date of the collision in Arizona. This deadline is applicable to the defendant who is willing to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident.

If you fail to file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident, you will not be able to recover any damages.

2. Notice of claim requirement for public entities.

If the bus involved in the accident is owned by a public entity, such as a city bus, you are required to file a notice of claim within six months of the incident. The notice should be sent to the right agency, and the details of the accident, such as when and how the accident took place, should be mentioned.

3. Accrual of the claim.

The deadline for filing a claim starts on the day of the bus accident. It is important to note that the statute of limitation starts when the claim accrues, which is the date of the accident or the day when the victim becomes aware of the injury. Therefore, it is important to understand when your claim accrues to make sure you do not miss any necessary deadline.

4. Filing claims after medical treatment completion.

Bus accidents can be severe and result in injuries that may require extensive medical care. However, it is highly advisable to file the claim as early as possible, even if you are undergoing medical treatment or a recovery period, as the statute of limitations still applies.

5. Deadline for the claims of wrongful deaths.

Arizona law has a specific deadline for the claims of wrongful deaths. The statute of limitation for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the victim’s death. This may differ sometimes from the date of the accident itself.

6. Notice of claim for minor victims.

If the victim is a minor, the deadlines are different. If a minor is injured in a bus accident, they have time to bring legal action until their 18th birthday, or they also have the option to extend it till they are 20.

7. Deadline for filing insurance claims.

Insurance companies have their own set of rules regarding the deadlines. However, it is advisable to inform your insurance company as soon as possible after your accident, usually within a few days.

Don’t miss your deadline!

When you are the victim of a bus accident, there is a lot at stake. Time can slip away before you know it, stripping your rights. Hire an attorney today to ensure you get the compensation you deserve and to avoid missing any important deadlines!