Bus accidents can be devastating, whether they involve public transportation, private carriers, or school buses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Bellevue, you may be wondering if hiring a lawyer is necessary. The truth is, a lawyer is not always necessary, but bus accident cases can be legally complex, especially when government entities are involved. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and how a Bellevue bus accident lawyer can help.
What Makes Bus Accidents in Bellevue Legally Different From Other Accidents?
Bus accidents are not handled the same way as typical car accident claims. This is because buses are often operated by government agencies or large companies, each of which may have different insurance policies, legal protections, and procedures for filing claims.
Additionally, buses are considered “common carriers,” meaning they owe a higher duty of care to passengers compared to private vehicle drivers. This elevated responsibility can impact how liability is determined—but it also means that proving negligence may require more specialized investigation and legal arguments.
Can I Sue a Public Transportation Agency in Bellevue?
Yes, but suing a government agency like King County Metro, Sound Transit, or Community Transit involves specific rules. Government entities in Washington are protected by sovereign immunity laws, but the state has waived this immunity to allow personal injury claims under certain conditions.
Filing a claim against a public transportation agency usually requires submitting a formal notice of claim before you can file a lawsuit. This notice must be properly drafted and filed within a specific time frame, and failure to follow these steps can result in losing your right to compensation.
What If My Child Was Injured in a School Bus Accident?
School bus accidents are especially concerning because they involve children, who are among the most vulnerable passengers. If your child was injured while riding a school bus, the school district, the bus driver, or even a third-party bus company could be held liable depending on the circumstances.
However, just like with public transit agencies, pursuing a claim against a school district involves special procedures and deadlines. We can make sure the proper steps are taken and your child’s rights are protected.
How Can a Bellevue Bus Accident Lawyer Help With Government Liability Claims?
Government liability claims require precise handling. An experienced Bellevue bus accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to determine fault and liability.
- Identify whether a government agency or private company is responsible.
- Ensure that all proper notices and claims are filed within the required deadlines.
- Gather and present evidence to prove negligence or wrongdoing.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and government legal departments.
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Attempting to navigate these complex claims on your own can be overwhelming. We can significantly increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
What Deadlines Apply to Bus Accident Claims in Bellevue?
For personal injury claims against private parties in Washington, the general statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. However, claims against government entities are subject to different rules. You must file a tort claim notice with the appropriate government agency at least 60 days before filing a lawsuit.
Missing these deadlines—even by a day—could mean losing your right to recover damages. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a bus accident.
Contact Premier Law Group for a FREE Claim Review
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Bellevue, don’t leave your claim to chance. The experienced team at Premier Law Group understands the complexities of these cases and is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Premier Law Group today for a FREE claim review. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.