City buses play a vital role in Bellevue’s transportation system, but when an accident happens, the impact on your life can be devastating. If you were involved in an accident with a transit, school, or charter bus and sustained injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
At NextLaw, our Bellevue bus accident lawyers can help you understand your rights. As a team led by a former prosecutor with 100 years of combined experience, we know how to secure satisfactory outcomes for our clients, all while providing more personalized and authentic representation with a human touch.
Contact our legal team today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Bellevue personal injury lawyers.
Why Bus Accident Cases are More Complicated
Bus accident cases often involve more moving parts than a typical two-car collision. The bus, for example, could be owned by a government agency, or a private or commercial company, which could affect how the insurance claim will be handled. Bus accidents are also more likely to involve multiple parties, such as the bus driver, the company or agency that owns the bus, and any other drivers who were part of the accident. There is also likely to be more than just one victim injured in the accident, including bus occupants, other vehicle occupants, and even pedestrians.
When a case has this many parties and rules at play, the process can quickly become confusing, and important details could get overlooked during the investigation. If you work with a Bellevue bus accident attorney, you’ll have better support and guidance from a team that can handle these challenging legal matters for you.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accident lawyer serving Bellevue, call (253) 238-2558
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Bellevue Bus Accident?
Part of pursuing compensation for your injuries is identifying who caused the accident and who should be held financially responsible. In a bus accident, that answer is not always straightforward. Liability could involve the bus driver, the owner of the bus, or another party who contributed to the crash, such as another driver.
Depending on the facts, at-fault parties could include the following:
- The bus driver
- A public transit agency or city entity
- A private bus company or charter operator
- A school district or contracted transportation provider
- The bus maintenance contractor (if the accident was due to a maintenance issue)
- Another driver on the road
Sorting out the liability details early is important because it will play a role in which insurance company is responsible and what coverages apply. Our bus accident lawyers in Bellevue can help you understand how that responsibility is determined and what it could mean for your claim.
Bellevue Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Common Causes of Bellevue Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can happen for many of the same reasons as other traffic collisions, but the consequences are often more severe due to the size of the vehicle and the number of people involved. These cases also involve commercial safety standards that do not apply to ordinary drivers.
Some common causes that we see when handling these types of cases at NextLaw include:
- Distracted or fatigued driving.
- Speeding or unsafe turns.
- Failure to yield.
- Poor maintenance or mechanical issues.
- Inadequate training or supervision.
- Another driver’s negligence.
Our team can conduct a careful investigation to determine all of the factors that could have played a role in the accident to ensure the appropriate parties are held accountable. This will not only help us build a stronger case, but it could also help you recover a bigger settlement.
While there is no average personal injury settlement amount, as every case is unique, we will do everything we can to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.
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How Our Bellevue Bus Accident Attorneys Can Help
At NextLaw, we use a more authentic and personalized approach for every bus accident case. We start by learning what happened and reviewing the details that are relevant to your specific claim.
From there, we will explain your options and start helping you build a strong case against the at-fault party. Our goal is to offer both strong legal support and a client experience that feels attentive and honest.
1. Gathering Evidence and Understanding Your Injuries
Our team collects accident reports, medical records, photographs, video footage, and any other documentation that can help explain how the crash occurred and how it has affected your health. We also take the time to understand your injuries, treatment needs, and long-term outlook so your claim reflects the full impact of the accident.
2. Identifying All Responsible Parties and Insurance Coverage
Bus accidents often involve more than one responsible party, and each party may have its own insurance policy. Our lawyers determine who contributed to the crash and which coverages apply. By sorting this out early, we can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your claim is directed to the right insurers from the start.
3. Handling Communications and Negotiations With Insurers
Insurance companies may try to limit what they pay or shift blame to another party. We’ll manage all communication on your behalf, including responding to requests for information and negotiating for a fair settlement. This allows you to focus on healing without the added stress of dealing with insurance adjusters.
4. Preparing Your Case for Court When Necessary
While most cases settle, not all insurers negotiate fairly. If an acceptable offer isn’t made, our lawyers are prepared to take necessary action. We can build your case with trial in mind, which strengthens your position during negotiations and ensures you’re ready if litigation becomes the best option.
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Washington’s Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims
In Washington, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident under RCW 4.16.080. However, keep in mind that some cases can have additional or different requirements, especially if a government agency is involved.
No matter the case, missing a deadline can affect your ability to recover compensation. If you’re not sure how much time you have, our Bellevue bus accident law firm can offer guidance.
Talk With NextLaw About Your Bus Accident Case
If you were injured in a bus accident in Bellevue, you deserve a legal team that treats your case with respect and the attention it deserves. NextLaw focuses on authentic representation with a human touch while fighting hard to achieve the best possible case results.
If you have further questions about accidents and personal injury claims, you can check out our FAQs page, or you can Call Dan Next to get started on your bus accident claim. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form