Yakima Bus Accident Attorneys

Accidents Involving Different Types of Buses

Our firm can handle bus accident cases involving all types of buses, such as:

• City buses: City buses are a common mode of transportation for Yakima residents, but accidents involving these vehicles can result in severe injuries. Crashes may occur due to speeding, driver distraction, or vehicle maintenance failures. Because city buses are often operated by government transit agencies, bringing a claim can be more complex and may require specific legal knowledge.
• School buses: Whether caused by driver negligence, unsafe drop-off zones, or the actions of another motorist, school bus accident cases demand strong legal representation to pursue justice for injured children and their families.
• Tour buses: Tour buses often transport passengers over long distances, and accidents are sometimes linked to driver fatigue and improper vehicle maintenance. If the tour bus company is headquartered out of Washington State, another layer of legal complexity can be added to your claim, but we’ll be ready.
• Private buses: Private bus companies include charter buses, shuttle services, and other privately-run transportation providers. Determining liability in these cases often involves evaluating the company’s hiring, training, and maintenance practices, as well as the actions of their drivers.

Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which could have been prevented with proper care and attention. Getting to the root of the cause of your bus accident case will be among the main priorities of our Yakima bus accident lawyers if you hire us to take the lead. Allow us to dig into the details of the accident while you focus on rest and recovery.

Common causes of bus accidents include:

• Driver error or negligence: Bus driver mistakes like distracted driving, speeding, or insufficient training can lead to serious accidents.
• Mechanical failures: Buses require regular maintenance to operate safely. Brake failures, worn tires, or faulty components can all result in a wreck.
• Third-party negligence: Accidents aren’t always the fault of the bus driver. Negligence by another motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian can contribute to a collision.

We Represent Injured Bus Passengers & Motorists

We recognize that every bus accident case is unique, which is why our approach is always tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Our attorneys are committed to standing up for bus accident clients, including passengers on the bus or motorists who were hit by a reckless bus driver.

Claims Against Bus Companies & Government Entities

Filing a claim after a bus accident can be a complex process, especially if the bus is owned by a government agency. Or if the bus was owned and operated by a private bus company, you can still expect significant resistance from the company and its insurer. To bring a bus accident claim against any liable party, start by coming to Carpenter & Zuckerman.

We have the resources and experience to bring bus accident claims against strong defendants like:

• Private bus companies: When the accident involves a private company, such as a charter service, we can gather evidence, identify liable parties, and attempt to negotiate with their insurers for a fair settlement that ends the case before having to go to court.
• Government entities: Claims involving city buses or school buses often require dealing with local government entities. Washington state law mandates that you file a formal Notice of Claim within a specific time frame, often as short as 60 days, if you intend to bring a public agency as a defendant in an injury claim. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating these complex procedures, so please leave everything up to us.

Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims in Washington

Time is a critical factor after a bus accident. Washington law generally gives victims three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your claim involves a government-owned bus or agency, the timeline is much shorter, possibly only 60 days to submit a formal Notice of Claim. We’re here to help you meet every legal deadline and preserve your right to justice. Don’t wait to seek legal advice—many cases hinge on quickly gathering evidence and filing the necessary paperwork.