Multi-vehicle accidents involving buses and commercial trucks are among the most chaotic and complex traffic incidents in Phoenix. When you’re hurt in a pile-up involving a bus and several commercial vehicles, it’s critical to take the right legal steps. At Lebovitz Law Group, our dedicated bus accident attorneys are well-versed in managing these layered claims and helping clients get the compensation they need to move forward. 

These types of accidents often result in extensive injuries, long-term trauma, and disputes over liability. Our legal team uses its in-depth experience to investigate, analyze fault, and negotiate with multiple insurers. If you or a loved one has been affected, our Phoenix personal injury lawyers are here to help. 

Check out our resources on wrongful death cases, auto accident claims, and pedestrian injury cases for additional legal insights. 

Understanding Multi-Vehicle Bus Accidents 

Multi-vehicle collisions—especially those involving commercial buses—are rarely straightforward. Unlike a typical two-car accident, these crashes often involve multiple parties, complex chain reactions, and overlapping legal responsibilities. In Phoenix, busy highways and increased commercial traffic only heighten the risks. 

Here’s what you should know: 

  • Severity of Damage: Buses and trucks weigh significantly more than personal vehicles, leading to devastating impact. 
  • Passenger Injuries: Buses often carry multiple passengers, increasing the number of injury victims. 
  • Chain Reactions: A single mistake can lead to a domino effect impacting several vehicles at once. 
  • Commercial Implications: When business-owned vehicles are involved, legal and insurance complications multiply. 

In these cases, you’ll need a bus accident lawyer who understands Arizona’s traffic laws and has experience in negotiating claims with commercial insurers. Visit our page on truck accidents to learn more about liability in commercial vehicle incidents. 

Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Bus Accidents 

Understanding what causes these incidents is key to building a strong case. While some factors mirror standard auto accidents, others are unique to commercial vehicle involvement. 

Key causes include: 

  • Driver Fatigue: Bus and commercial drivers are often on tight schedules. Long hours can impair concentration and lead to fatal mistakes. 
  • Distracted Driving: Using mobile phones, navigating maps, or conversing with passengers can be deadly distractions. 
  • Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained buses and trucks may suffer from brake failure, engine trouble, or tire blowouts. 
  • Weather & Road Conditions: Heavy rain, fog, or road debris can reduce visibility and vehicle control. 
  • Traffic Violations: Speeding, tailgating, or running red lights by any one driver can lead to chain-reaction collisions. 

These contributing factors are compounded when multiple commercial drivers and companies are involved. Lebovitz Law Group conducts independent investigations to identify all possible causes and responsible parties. If you believe a commercial operator was negligent, contact our Phoenix truck accident lawyers today. 

Determining Liability in Multi-Vehicle Collisions 

Assigning liability in a multi-vehicle crash can be one of the most difficult tasks. This is because more vehicles mean more people pointing fingers. Arizona follows the comparative negligence rule, so determining who was at fault and to what extent becomes a legal puzzle. 

Here’s how we determine liability: 

  • Accident Scene Analysis: Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts to understand the sequence of impacts. 
  • Dashcam and Surveillance Footage: These recordings can clarify which vehicle initiated the crash. 
  • Maintenance and Inspection Records: Commercial operators must maintain strict vehicle safety logs. Any failure here could indicate liability. 
  • Driver Logs and Licenses: CDL violations or expired certifications can implicate drivers or their employers. 
  • Witness Testimonies: Eye-witness accounts often play a major role in determining which vehicle caused the crash. 

Lebovitz Law Group digs deep into the facts of your case to uncover every liable party. Learn more about how we approach liability on our personal injury claims page. 

What To Do After a Multi-Vehicle Bus Accident 

Your actions in the moments and days following a bus crash are critical—not only for your health but for your legal claim. 

Here’s what you should do: 

  • Get Medical Help Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen over time. Medical documentation is key. 
  • Call the Police: An official police report is a critical document in multi-party claims. 
  • Gather Evidence: Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. Collect contact info from witnesses. 
  • Avoid Discussing the Accident Publicly: Statements made at the scene or online can be used against you. 
  • Contact a Bus Accident Attorney: An experienced lawyer will manage communication with insurers and protect your rights from the start. 

Also, check out our guides on medical documentation and statute of limitations for more detailed instructions after a crash. 

The Role of a Bus Accident Attorney in Commercial Collisions 

An experienced bus accident attorney serves as your shield and advocate. Commercial insurance providers often work aggressively to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, your claim may be undervalued or denied. 

Here’s what an attorney from Lebovitz Law Group will do: 

  • Investigate the Crash: Our firm works with reconstructionists, engineers, and medical experts to build a solid case. 
  • Handle Insurance Communications: We take over all correspondence, ensuring your words aren’t twisted or used against you. 
  • Negotiate Settlements: With decades of negotiation experience, our attorneys maximize financial recovery. 
  • Litigate if Necessary: We are trial-ready and won’t hesitate to take your case to court if a fair offer isn’t made. 

Our case results demonstrate how we’ve helped clients in Phoenix recover millions in damages for bus and commercial vehicle crashes. 

Conclusion 

Bus accidents involving commercial vehicles are some of the most severe and complicated cases in personal injury law. Victims in Phoenix deserve experienced legal counsel that understands how to investigate multi-vehicle collisions, handle powerful commercial insurers, and fight for full compensation. 

At Lebovitz Law Group, our team of dedicated bus accident lawyers and legal experts are here to support you through every step. Whether you’re recovering from physical injuries, navigating insurance red tape, or unsure how to proceed, we’ll provide the clarity and confidence you need. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Victims may be entitled to: 

  • Medical expenses (past and future). 
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity. 
  • Pain and suffering. 
  • Property damage. 
  • Emotional distress. 
  • Wrongful death damages if applicable. 

In Arizona, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the claim involves a government entity (like a public transit bus), you may need to submit a claim within 180 days. 

Arizona follows comparative negligence laws, meaning your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you’ll receive 80% of the total award. 

Our attorneys: 

  • Focus exclusively on personal injury law. 
  • Have extensive experience handling complex multi-party claims. 
  • Offer personalized attention to every case. 
  • Operate on a contingency fee—you don’t pay unless we win. 
Lebovitz Law Group