Thousands of travelers depend on bus transportation to move them across Seattle or into or out of the city each day. Passengers put their trust in the skill and training of the drivers for nationwide companies like Greyhound and in city employees working for local services like King County Metro Bus. They must also trust that the transportation company or government agency operating the bus service is doing everything they can to protect riders, other motorists and pedestrians.
Unfortunately, buses in Seattle have been involved in numerous catastrophic accidents over the years due to the negligence of city agencies and their failures to respond to consistent and well-documented problems. Hundreds of victims have been seriously hurt and left waiting for support while bus operators devise excuses to escape liability.
Sadly, bus companies and government agencies don’t always immediately assume liability. This is why Hagens Berman is committed to making sure victims never have to stand alone when they seek justice. Our attorneys offer the professionalism, integrity and compassion injured victims should expect during such a difficult time. With a reputation for thorough preparation, keen negotiation tactics and superior trial skills we fiercely protect the rights of bus accident victims as they recover.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A BUS ACCIDENT INJURY?
Many parties can bear liability after an investigation into a bus accident is complete. For victims, the key in an insurance claim will be making sure every potential responsible person and entity is held accountable. Holding multiple defendants liable could be vital in securing enough compensation to pay for every medical bill and financial loss you suffer in recovery.
Potential defendants might include:
- The bus company.
- The bus driver.
- Event and tour coordinators.
- Local, city or state agencies.
- Bus manufacturers.
- Other drivers on the road.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS FOR FAMILIES AFTER A SEATTLE BUS ACCIDENT
The most devastating bus accidents always have the potential to end in the tragic loss of life. A family can experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one in one moment and face the financial consequences of someone else’s mistake in the next.
Close relatives may have to confront the incredible costs of emergency services fees and any medical expenses incurred by the victim before death. Few families are prepared for the enormous costs of a memorial service and burial. Families often must deal with these burdens just as they lose the financial support a victim had always provided through his or her job.
Under such tragic circumstances, close family members can seek assistance from bus owners and operators through a wrongful death lawsuit. This civil claim is filed by a spouse or domestic partner on behalf of the entire family. Children of the victim, and sometimes parents of the deceased can also file this claim.
A Hagens Berman wrongful death attorney is also permitted to bring a case forward for a family. Our attorneys would allow as much time for the family to grieve as possible while protecting them from dealing with insurance representatives and other lawyers.
FILING INJURY CLAIMS AGAINST KING COUNTY METRO TRANSIT DEPARTMENT
After an accident involving a King County Metro Bus or another public bus service offered in Seattle, victims and their families can be sent in many different directions to seek help with the consequences of a terrible crash.
While government entities in the State of Washington can be held liable for ordinary negligence, filing claims against government-owned entities, such as King County Metro, involve a special process. There is a shortened statute of limitations and a special process. Many claims filed by individuals are denied. Claims must be filed properly or they may be denied.
WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE AN EXPERIENCED KING COUNTY METRO BUS ACCIDENT LAWYER
Victims may be convinced they face an impenetrable wall blocking them from receiving any sort of compensation for their injuries. Hagens Berman seeks to shield victims from such a hopeless feeling and stands ready to turn the tables for our clients.
A local bus company may tell you they hold no liability in the frightening accident, but that doesn’t have to be the final word.
Through a diligent investigation of the facts surrounding your accident and the outside factors that have contributed, city governments and transportation companies can face litigation.
Your Hagens Berman personal injury lawyer would examine and highlight these factors and more to force a responsible party to accept blame:
- Mistakes made during the hiring process including insufficient driver background checks.
- The at-fault employee’s work record and potential drug use.
- Failures in training and licensing programs for bus drivers.
- The condition of the bus and improper bus maintenance.
- City and county traffic codes and bylaws that may have created traffic hazards.
- Adherence to federal safety standards.
Our legal team at Hagens Berman carries a long, successful track record when it comes to the litigation of the transportation industry.
CONTACT A SEATTLE BUS ACCIDENT LAWYER
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bus accident, speak with a local personal injury attorney with Hagens Berman before talking to any representative for a bus company or for a local government agency. Insurance agents and lawyers for these entities will phone you and ask you to make a recorded statement about your accident. Politely decline. These statements are often used against victims to discredit their cases.
Contact the attorneys at Hagens Berman for a free case consultation to help prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. Our legal experts will guide you through each phase of your case and handle every communication with insurance adjusters, lawyers and government officials. Our goal is to free you from the frustrating aspects of the injury claim process so you can concentrate on making a full physical, emotional and financial recovery.
