Six Injured When Valley Metro Bus Crashes into Mesa Home

On Monday, a Valley Metro Bus veered off the road and crashed into a home near Broadway Road and Spencer Street in Mesa, causing at least six injuries.

Per AZ Central:

According to Mesa police, a southbound Dodge truck on Spencer Street ran a stop sign and crashed into the left front portion of the bus going west on Broadway. As a result, police said, the bus veered left and crossed all lanes of eastbound traffic, hit several parked cars and stopped upon crashing into the home.

Two people inside the house and three bus passengers suffered injuries, including broken ribs, knee and back pain, and scratches and abrasions. Another passenger in a parked car reported a broken arm. Police say the driver and a passenger in the Dodge truck fled the scene on foot prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

The house is currently fenced off due to structural damage. Police are still searching for the man and woman who fled the scene.

Why are bus accidents so dangerous?

Bus accidents can pose various dangers to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Some of the potential dangers associated with bus accidents include:

• Injuries to passengers: Bus passengers can sustain injuries due to collisions, sudden stops, or other incidents during an accident. Lack of seatbelts in some buses may contribute to the severity of injuries.
• Pedestrian and cyclist risks: Bus accidents can also endanger pedestrians and cyclists who may be in the vicinity of the accident. A collision with a bus can result in serious injuries or fatalities for individuals outside the bus.
• Vehicle occupant injuries: In multi-vehicle accidents involving buses, occupants of other vehicles can suffer injuries. Buses are large and heavy, and their collisions with smaller vehicles can be particularly severe.
• Ejection risks: In the absence of seatbelts or proper restraints, passengers may be at risk of being ejected from the bus during a collision, leading to more severe injuries.
• Rollover accidents: Buses have a higher center of gravity, making them more susceptible to rollover accidents, especially during sharp turns or collisions. Rollover accidents can lead to significant injuries and fatalities.
• Fire and explosion risks: Fuel leakage and electrical issues can increase the risk of fires or explosions in the aftermath of a bus accident, posing additional dangers to passengers and those in the vicinity.
• Psychological impact: Bus accidents can have a lasting psychological impact on survivors, witnesses, and first responders. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues may develop as a result.
• Traffic disruptions: Bus accidents can lead to traffic jams and disruptions, affecting the flow of traffic and causing delays for emergency services and other road users.
• Infrastructure damage: Severe bus accidents can result in damage to road infrastructure, traffic signals, and other property, leading to additional safety hazards and financial costs.

In Arizona, there were 15,481 truck and bus accidents in 2022. One hundred fifty-seven of these accidents were fatal, with 3,752 of these crashes causing injuries.

What kinds of injuries are associated with bus accidents?

Bus accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to severe and life-threatening injuries. The severity of the injuries sustained in a bus accident depends on a number of factors, including the size and speed of the bus, the type of accident, and the age and health of the occupants.

Here are some of the most common types of injuries associated with bus accidents:

• Soft tissue injuries: These are the most common type of injury in bus accidents, and they include sprains, strains, and whiplash. Soft tissue injuries can be very painful and debilitating, but they usually heal with time and conservative treatment.
• Lacerations and abrasions: These are cuts and scrapes that can occur when passengers are thrown around inside the bus or when they are hit by broken glass or other debris.
• Broken bones: Broken bones are also a common injury in bus accidents, and they can range from minor fractures to severe breaks that require surgery.
• Head and neck injuries: These injuries can be very serious, and they can include concussions, skull fractures, and spinal cord injuries.
• Internal injuries: Internal injuries are often difficult to diagnose immediately, and they can be very serious. Examples of internal injuries include damage to the organs, bleeding, and shock.

In addition to physical injuries, bus accidents can also cause psychological trauma. Survivors of bus accidents may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How our Phoenix bus accident lawyers can help

The bus accident attorneys at Plattner-Verderame can provide a variety of valuable services to victims of bus accidents. Here are some of the ways in which we can help:

• Investigate the accident and determine the cause: Our attorneys have the experience and resources to investigate bus accidents and determine the cause. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and analyzing accident reconstruction data.
• Identify the liable parties: Once the cause of the accident has been determined, our attorneys will identify the liable parties. This may include the bus driver, the bus company, the manufacturer of the bus, or another driver.
• File a claim or lawsuit: If the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, we will file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf. This allows you to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Our Tempe bus accident attorneys are experienced negotiators who can deal with insurance companies on behalf of their clients. This can help to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
• Represent the victim in court: If the case goes to court, we will represent you in all legal proceedings. This includes taking depositions, filing motions, and arguing the case before a judge or jury.

In a nutshell, our bus accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights, answer your questions, and connect you with resources such as medical care and counseling.

At Plattner Verderame P.C., we represent clients injured in bus accidents. We have the resources and experience to help you file your case and negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. To schedule a free consultation today, call us or contact us. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fees are contingent upon your successful outcome. We serve clients from our offices in Phoenix and Tempe.