Redmond Bus Accident Lawyer

Buses are an important part of mass transit infrastructure, transporting people all around Redmond using a vast network of routes and stops. When operated by negligent or inexperienced drivers, they can also be extremely dangerous, and accidents often result in serious injuries. 

If you have been in a crash with a bus, this is something you know too well. You may be hurt, unable to work, and unsure how you are going to pay your bills. You have the right to hold the bus company or its driver accountable, and our Redmond bus accident lawyers can help. 

Premier Law Group has fought for injured accident victims in Washington State since 2001, and we’ve recovered more than $100 million on behalf of our clients in that time. Call today to schedule your free case review and find out how our Redmond personal injury lawyers can help.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Bus Accident Claim?

When it’s clear that the bus driver caused the accident, you might wonder if you need to hire an attorney, even though you are injured. In fact, the insurance company representing the driver or bus company may try to convince you that you don’t. They may even offer a quick settlement. 

The problem is, you might not know if that settlement will actually cover your present and future damages. The insurance company is banking on this, and they usually offer much less than your case is worth. Take their offer, and you lose your right to future compensation. 

Insurance companies aren’t always on your side, and it is smart to consult with a lawyer whenever you are hurt in an accident. Our Redmond bus accident attorneys will make sure you are treated fairly by insurance companies, and we’ll fight for maximum compensation. 

Who Is Liable for a Bus Accident?

Among our legal team’s most important tasks is investigating your accident. We may review accident reports, talk to witnesses, gain access to security or dashcam footage, or consult with experts. We want to find out exactly what happened, so we understand who is liable:

We may file claims with one or more of the following parties, depending on the results of our investigation:

• The bus driver may be liable if their negligence, recklessness, or distraction caused your injuries.
• The company that owns or operates the bus can be held responsible for the driver’s actions under the legal principle of respondeat superior.
• If a mechanical defect in the bus, such as faulty brakes, steering, or tires, caused the accident, the manufacturer or parts supplier may be liable.
• If a city, county, or state-run bus caused your injuries, the government entity may be liable, though special notice and filing requirements apply.
• Other drivers who contributed to the crash through negligence can be responsible for your injuries and may be included in your personal injury claim.
• Companies responsible for maintaining or repairing the bus may be liable if their failure to properly maintain the vehicle caused the accident or your injuries.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Bus Crash?

The award or settlement you can recover depends on the extent of your physical injuries and other damages. Our bus accident lawyers in Redmond will evaluate your economic and non–economic hardships. These typically include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical care needs
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

While the average bus accident settlement is hard to predict and each claim is unique, we will seek maximum compensation during settlement negotiations. If the insurer isn’t willing to negotiate in good faith, we’ll fight for you in court. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Bus Accident Claim?

According to the Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are important exceptions to this rule, especially as applied to bus accident cases. Here are some examples of situations where a different deadline may apply:

• Government entities: If the bus is operated by a city, county, or state transit agency, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident before you can file a lawsuit. This is a special rule for claims against public entities.
• Discovery rule: If injuries from the accident weren’t immediately apparent, the three-year clock may start when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
• Minors: If a child is injured in a bus accident, the three-year period for their personal injury claim may be tolled until they turn 18, extending the deadline for filing a claim until they turn 21. 

Consult With Our Redmond Bus Accident Attorneys

When you are the victim of a bus accident, you may suffer major injuries and require a long period of rehabilitation and recovery. In the meantime, you might find it difficult or impossible to perform tasks you once took for granted, such as going to work and caring for loved ones. 

The process of a personal injury claim can seem difficult, especially when insurers aren’t as helpful as they should be. With the assistance of our Redmond bus accident attorneys, you can hold the negligent driver and possibly the bus company itself liable.

Our team at Premier Law Group has more than 55 years of combined experience standing up for people injured in accidents through no fault of their own. We’re big enough to win, but small enough to care. Call today for your free case review and tell us about your accident.