Carpenter & Zuckerman Carpenter & Zuckerman
PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

WINNING CASES SINCE 1920

Bellevue Bus Accident Attorneys

Were You Hurt in a Bus Accident?

Due to their size and weight, buses can cause serious injuries to passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists in a crash. With such severe injuries involved, the legal processes 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 $2 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 a Bellevue bus accident lawyer by calling (425) 585-4009 and requesting a free, no-obligation consultation with Carpenter & Zuckerman.

Filing an Injury Claim Against a Bus Company

When an accident involves a bus company, determining liability is the first step in the legal process, but it might not be the easiest. Unlike typical vehicle collisions, bus accident cases may involve multiple parties, including the bus driver, the company, or even a maintenance provider, who all did something negligent that contributed to the crash.

Filing a bus accident claim usually involves:

  • Identifying signs of negligence, such as driver inattention, fatigue, lack of training, or possibly bus maintenance failures.
  • Collecting compelling evidence, including accident reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
  • Preparing a claim and filing it with the right court before any statutes of limitations expire.

Bus companies often have access to extensive legal resources, making these claims more challenging to handle than many expect. Having an experienced legal professional on your side allows you to know that your case is being prepared, filed, and pursued correctly without worrying about the small details yourself.

Complications When Bringing a Case Against King County Metro

In Bellevue, the city buses are managed primarily by King County Metro. If a city bus is involved in an accident, filing against King County Metro can create a unique set of complications due to the involvement of a public transit authority.

Filing a claim against a government entity like King County Metro involves additional challenges, including:

  • Shortened Deadlines: Claims against public entities often have stricter filing deadlines than standard personal injury cases.
  • Proving Negligence: To succeed in a case, you must demonstrate that the transit authority was negligent, whether through inadequate safety measures, failure to properly train drivers, or poor vehicle maintenance. King County Metro will have greater resources to defend itself than the average defendant.

Why Hiring a Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help

Bus accident cases often involve significant legal, logistical, and technical challenges. A skilled Bellevue bus accident attorney from Carpenter & Zuckerman can help you with every part, so none of these challenges become too great.

Let us show our unwavering support by:

  • Investigating all potential causes of the accident, such as driver error, faulty equipment, or road conditions.
  • Identifying all responsible parties, including bus drivers, companies, and third-party contractors.
  • Navigating the specific legal requirements for filing claims against public entities like King County Metro.
  • Attempting to negotiate with insurance companies and pursuing litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
  • Litigating on your behalf if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Different Buses in Bellevue

Bellevue has a variety of bus transportation options that serve different purposes, including city commuting, school transportation, and private chartering. Carpenter & Zuckerman has the resources and experience to handle bus accident claims involving any of them.

We can work on bus accident cases involving:

  • City buses
  • School buses
  • Private or charter buses
  • Party buses

High-Risk Intersections & Streets for Bus Collisions

The heavy traffic and unique road layouts in certain parts of Bellevue can make some areas more prone to bus accidents, especially those involving King County Metro buses.

Higher-risk locations for bus accidents in Bellevue can include:

  • Downtown Bellevue Intersections: Traffic congestion near major business hubs creates many opportunities for collisions, especially during peak commuting hours.
  • Roads Near Bellevue Transit Center: The Transit Center, a central hub for King County Metro buses, is surrounded by high pedestrian activity and frequent bus movements, increasing accident risks.
  • Areas With Sharp Turns or Limited Visibility: Streets with challenging layouts, such as those near Bellevue’s hills and residential areas, can be difficult to navigate for large vehicles like buses.

Whether your bus accident happened near the 405, close to the shores of Lake Washington, or the beautiful suburbs of Cougar Hills, Carpenter & Zuckerman will be ready to help and represent you.

$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.
  • $13.9 Million Brain Injury
  • $21.7 Million Motorcycle Accident
  • $131 Million Dram Shop Liability

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Will my truck accident injury be completely covered?

    Whether your truck accident injury will be completely covered in Washington State depends on several factors, including the specifics of your insurance coverage, the liability of the parties involved, and the extent of your injuries.

    1. Insurance Coverage:

      • Your Own Insurance: In Washington State, auto insurance policies often include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP can help cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, the coverage limits and terms can vary depending on your policy.
      • Liability Insurance: The truck driver's liability insurance should cover your injuries if the truck driver was at fault. Commercial trucking companies are typically required to carry substantial liability insurance coverage. However, insurance limits can vary, and it's possible that the policy may not fully cover your damages if they are extensive.

    2. Liability Determination:

      • If the truck driver was at fault for the accident, their liability insurance should cover your injuries up to their policy limits.
      • If you were partially at fault for the accident, Washington follows a comparative negligence system. Your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. If you were 50% or more at fault, you might not be able to recover damages from the other party.

    3. Injury Severity:

      • The extent and severity of your injuries will play a significant role in determining whether your medical expenses and other damages will be fully covered. Minor injuries may be fully covered, while severe injuries may exhaust insurance policy limits.

    4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:

      • If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it. UM/UIM coverage can provide compensation when the responsible party lacks adequate insurance.

    5. Legal Action:

      • If insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you for your injuries and damages, you may consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties. This can help you seek additional compensation through the legal system.
  • What should I do if I suspect my baby has suffered a birth injury?
    You should get in touch with a doctor and schedule an examination as soon as possible. Once you know your baby is getting the care they need, we can schedule a consultation.
  • How can I determine whether or not my child has HIE?
    Seek the help of a qualified medical professional and have them perform an examination.
  • Should I speak with the other party's insurer?
    No, we will take care of that. They will likely offer you a lower settlement than you deserve. Further, you run the risk of saying something that an insurer can use against you, leading to a diminished claim.
  • Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident?

    While you are not required by law to hire a lawyer for a truck accident case in WA, it is highly advisable to consult with and consider retaining an experienced Seattle truck accident attorney. Truck accident cases can be complex, and having legal representation can be crucial for several reasons:

    • Navigating the Legal Process
    • Investigation and Evidence
    • Determining Liability
    • Calculating Damages
    • Negotiating with Insurance Companies
    • Lawsuit Representation
    • Legal Expertise
    • Reducing Stress
    • Contingency Fee Arrangement
    • Maximizing Compensation
  • Can I seek punitive damages?
    No, Washington does not allow plaintiffs to seek punitive damages.
  • Can my lawsuit involve a third party?
    Yes, depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, the manufacturer may be liable if a defective part led to the collision in which you sustained your injury.
  • What is the statute of limitations on product liability cases?
    Three years. In some cases, you may be granted additional time. We can tell you whether your case qualifies for additional time once we know more about it.
  • Can I sue for punitive damages in Washington?
    Washington courts generally do not allow a plaintiff to seek punitive damages for personal injury cases. We can look at the details of your case to determine if punitive damages are possible; however, you will likely be ineligible.
  • Will Uber or Lyft use an insurance policy to cover my losses?

    Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies in place that can cover losses after a rideshare accident. In some situations, up to $1,000,000 in coverage could be available to pay for the damages of a rideshare accident. However, you aren’t guaranteed anything from these policies, and rideshare companies often try to minimize what coverage is provided after a crash.

  • How much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
    Our Seattle dog bite attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning we will not charge you for our services unless we successfully win your case. We collect a percentage of the compensation awarded to you. The precise figure varies from case to case, and we can give you more specific information during your initial consultation.
  • Are there any caps on the compensation I can receive in a birth injury case?
    There are not.
  • How long do HIE cases take to resolve fully?
    The answer to this depends on a variety of factors. Typically, these cases can take anywhere from a couple of months to several years.
  • What is the statute of limitations on assault?
    Cases of assault have varying statutes of limitations. The standard statute of limitations for assault is three years. In cases of sexual assault and rape, the statute of limitations is more complicated and varies from case to case. In some cases, there is no statute of limitations.
  • How can I ensure I get the best care following a catastrophic injury?

    We can arrange for you to see a highly qualified specialist.

  • How long do I file to file my lawsuit?
    The statute of limitations on personal injury cases is either three years or one year after discovering that malpractice led to your injury, whichever is later.
  • How much does an Erb's palsy attorney cost?
    We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation. We will collect a percentage of the compensation awarded to you.
  • Can I file a claim if I was a nonpaying passenger in a rideshare accident?
    If you were a nonpaying passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident, you still have the right to file a claim for damages. You don’t have to be the rideshare customer who paid for the service to have the right to seek compensation after a rideshare accident.
  • What is the statute of limitations on cases like these?
    You have either three years from the date of the injury or one year from when the injury was attributed to negligence to file a claim or lawsuit.
  • Can I sue for property damage?
    Yes.

Contact Carpenter & Zuckerman Today for Legal Counsel

If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in Bellevue, please remember that we are always here to help. We take pride in helping locals overcome legal challenges that once seemed overwhelming, especially in cases against powerful defendants like government entities in charge of public transportation. Our team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve while you concentrate on healing, so let us get started on your case as soon as possible.

Dial (425) 585-4009 to speak with a Bellevue bus accident attorney during a free consultation.

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