As a rule, you’re less likely to be in a bus accident compared to a car accident. For example, in 2023, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported that there were 810 traffic fatalities and 3,102 serious injuries from traffic accidents throughout the entire state. However, for that same period, there were 104,482 car accidents but only 938 bus accidents.
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, driving another vehicle, or even the driver, if you were injured in a bus accident in Washington State, you have the right to pursue fair compensation for your personal injuries.
When you think of a bus, you probably think of public transportation, like city buses and school buses. But a bus in Washington State can also be:
All of these buses are subject to the rules and regulations that ensure passenger safety and that they operate safely.
The common cause of a bus accident is similar to the common cause of a car accident, such as:
Buses are commercial vehicles, making the driver and bus company responsible for the safety and well-being of everyone on board. As a result, Washington Law holds the bus company and bus driver to strict standards for the maintenance and operation of all buses. Failing to comply with these standards could contribute to a bus accident.
Washington State sets minimum training requirements for all bus drivers. No matter what kind of bus they’re driving, every driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, the type or types of bus someone wants to drive dictates how much training the driver must receive and how often they need to complete continuing education courses.
For example, a passenger bus driver (like a city bus) must have at least four hours of classroom training. But a school bus driver must have at least 20 hours of classroom instruction. What’s more, school bus drivers must complete a training course every year they want to drive.
It’s also important to note that Washington allows employers to train their own bus drivers, provided they meet the rules and guidelines outlined in the regulations. It also means that new drivers don’t have to receive their training through a commercial driving school that specializes in CDL teaching and training.
Just like a poorly or inadequately maintained car or motorcycle can cause an accident, so too can a poorly or inadequately maintained bus. The difference is that while you don’t have to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your car, bus companies and bus drivers are required to follow a maintenance and inspection schedule and document their compliance.
As an example, school bus drivers are expected to inspect the critical systems of their bus, like the brakes, tires, and other safety systems, before and after running each route. Beyond that, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is supposed to inspect buses annually to ensure they’re safe, like checking the brake system, suspension, and exhaust systems.
Passengers can distract a driver and cause a car accident, and the same is true in the case of a bus accident. However, depending on the specifics, it may be the passenger who caused the bus accident.
Consider the passengers on a party bus who may be intoxicated and make bad decisions that ultimately cause a bus accident. Even though the driver may have acted as responsibly and safely as they could given the circumstances, the passenger’s behavior resulted in a bus accident. While the driver and bus company are likely not at fault for the bus accident, the passenger may be, and you may be able to pursue a personal injury case against them.
Buses are generally taller, wider, and longer than cars, making them more likely to roll over during a bus accident. And because buses aren’t usually equipped with seatbelts or airbags, you’re more likely to suffer severe or even catastrophic injuries in a bus crash. The large profile of a bus also makes it more likely that a nonpassenger will suffer serious injuries if they’re involved in a bus crash.
Whether you’re a passenger or not, common injuries people sustain in a bus accident include:
Depending on the circumstances of the bus accident, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against multiple parties, including:
Depending on the circumstances of the bus accident, the bus driver may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the bus passengers if they contributed to the accident. For example, if the bus crash happened because a drunk passenger grabbed the wheel from the driver, the driver may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the passenger for contributing to or causing the bus accident.
If you’ve been injured and need legal assistance, contact Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys today. Our team in Bonney Lake is here to help you navigate your options. We offer a free consultation, and we don’t get paid unless you win. Call us now at (253) 862-1811
If you were injured in a bus accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover the economic and noneconomic damages you need to recover, including:
If you were injured in a bus accident, you have the right to compensation for your broken bones, lost wages, and other injuries you suffered. But pursuing a claim for your bus accident injury can be complex. What seems like minor injuries may turn into something bigger later on. And sometimes the extent of your injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, isn’t immediately apparent. The long-term damage may take weeks or even months to appear.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate this challenging time. They’re on your side, protecting your rights and ensuring you’re compensated for your losses. An attorney will investigate and reconstruct the accident scene, gather your medical records, talk to the insurance company, and ensure you have as much evidence as you need to support your personal injury claim.
The team at Anderson Law Injury Attorneys has more than 50 years of experience with personal injury claims. They know how to navigate the legal process and will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If you were injured in a bus accident, contact our office today and schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options. There’s no obligation and no fee unless you win.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Joshua D. Anderson who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
The personal injury attorneys at Anderson Law have over 50 years of experience obtaining top results for cases including:
