Bellevue Bus Accident Attorneys
Fighting For Bus Accident Victims in Washington State
Due to their size and weight, buses can cause serious injuries to passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists when a crash occurs. With such severe injuries involved, the legal process needed to pursue compensation afterward can be complicated and hotly contested, so hiring an injury lawyer is always recommended.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Bellevue, Carpenter & Zuckerman is here to guide and represent you in your fight for fair compensation. Our legal team has secured more than $3 billion through settlements and verdicts for our clients throughout the years. Trust a case as important as yours to a team with our experience and insight.
Talk to our Bellevue bus accident attorney by calling (425) 470-5741 and requesting a free, no-obligation consultation with Carpenter & Zuckerman.
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$131 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our client was injured in a car accident caused by a driver who was over-served at a restaurant/bar.
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$29.2 Million Brain Injury
Secured a victory against State Farm for a brain injury claim after the policy limits were exposed.
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$21.65 Million Motorcycle Accident
Secured compensation for a fitness model and bodybuilder injured in a motor scooter accident.
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$17 Million Brain Injury
For a woman with a traumatic brain injury, who appeared normal to those unfamiliar with her condition.
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$14.6 Million Commercial Vehicle
Obtained a verdict for the family of a farmer killed in a vehicle crash involving a commercial vehicle.
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$13,860,000 Brain Injury
For a professional fighter who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury after a car crash
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$12,000,000 Brain Injury
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$10,500,000 Car Accident
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$10,500,000 Distracted Driving Accident
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$10,250,000 Motorcycle Accident
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$6,500,000 Assault
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$6,100,000 Assault
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$3.7 Million Medical Malpractice
For a patient who was a victim of medical malpractice, the defense refused to settle before trial.
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$3,000,000 Slip & Fall
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$2,500,000 Slip & Fall
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$2,100,000 Hit-and-Run Accident
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$1,645,000 Slip & Fall
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$1,500,000 Motorcycle Accident
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$1.34 Million Spinal Injury
Secured a verdict against State Farm for an accident resulting in a spinal injury.
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$1,230,000 Spinal Injury
Common Types of Buses in Bellevue
Bellevue is a hub for commuters and students alike, meaning several different types of large-capacity vehicles frequent our streets and highways, including I-405 and SR-520. Identifying the type of bus involved in your accident is the first step in determining liability.
- King County Metro & Sound Transit: These public transit buses are the most common in the area. Accidents involving these vehicles often require navigating the "Tort Claims Act" because they involve government entities.
- School Buses: Serving the Bellevue School District, these buses carry our most vulnerable citizens. Accidents here often involve stop-arm violations or driver negligence.
- Private Charter and Tour Buses: Used for corporate events, wine tours, or long-distance travel, these are operated by private companies held to high federal safety standards.
- Airport Shuttles: Frequent travelers to and from Sea-Tac often use shuttle services that operate throughout Bellevue’s hotel districts.
- Intercity Coaches: Large carriers like Greyhound or FlixBus operate on the major arteries surrounding Bellevue.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Bus accidents rarely happen without a specific point of failure. Because buses are difficult to maneuver and require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger cars, even a small error can lead to a multi-vehicle pileup.
- Driver Fatigue: Many bus drivers work long shifts. Despite federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, driver exhaustion remains a leading cause of transit accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Whether it is checking a GPS, using a radio, or looking at a mobile device, a second of distraction can be fatal.
- Inadequate Training: Operating a bus requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and specialized training. When companies cut corners on training, safety is compromised.
- Improper Maintenance: Buses undergo immense wear and tear. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions are often the result of skipped inspections.
- Blind Spots: Often called "No Zones," buses have massive blind spots. Drivers must be hyper-vigilant when changing lanes or turning on tight Bellevue city streets.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Bellevue’s frequent rain and fog create slick roads. Bus drivers must adjust their speed and following distance accordingly.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Because buses often lack seatbelts and airbags for passengers, the impact of a collision can throw riders across the interior of the vehicle.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Striking a head against a window, seatback, or the floor can result in concussions or permanent cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The sheer force of a bus collision can cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or paralysis.
- Bone Fractures: Broken arms, legs, and ribs are common, especially in "slip and fall" incidents inside the bus during a sudden stop.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Whiplash and severe lacerations from shattered glass are frequent complaints following a Bellevue bus crash.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent.
Where Bus Accidents Often Occur in Bellevue
Bus accidents frequently happen in high-traffic areas where buses regularly pick up and drop off passengers.
Common accident locations in Bellevue include:
- Interstate 405
- Interstate 90
- Bellevue Way NE
- NE 8th Street
- Downtown Bellevue intersections
- School zones
- Transit centers
- Parking lots
- Commercial districts
- Construction zones
Congested traffic patterns and frequent stops can increase the likelihood of crashes in these areas.
Their Words. Their Wins.
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"Very responsive in getting my questions answered, and resolved."The staff took care of all my needs- Crystal L.
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"Had a great experience CZ handling my case."They worked tremendously fast in settling my case- Lupita E.
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"They were courteous, prompt, and always kept in touch"They were able to get more than double what the first firm was able to get for me.- Leah D.
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"Honest and helped me every step of the way"They were honest with me from the start and let me know they'd be able to help me.- Karen V.
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"I would highly recommend Lance and his associates"Lance was always professional and courteous to me and fought hard on my behalf.- Tyler R.
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"I never felt like I was battling my own attorney"Well-oiled and efficient machine- Tim U.
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"They did the heavy lifting and took care of me like family."Lance took all those fears and concerns away and allowed me to focus on getting better.- Benjamin W.
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"I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs legal advice."They walked me through every step of the way- Jesse P.