
Bus transportation is essential for many residents of Washington; many travel by bus to their jobs and children rely on buses to take them safely to school. Yet bus accidents happen frequently, seriously injuring innocent passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. In 2006, school bus accidents alone accounted for 394 collisions, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Numerous factors cause bus accidents. Driver negligence, defective equipment, dangerous road or weather conditions and poor or inadequate bus maintenance all play a role.
Bus accidents are unique for several reasons. First, because buses are larger and heavier than most other vehicles, accidents involving buses typically cause injury to others beyond just the occupants of the bus. Second, almost 70 percent of bus accident victims are people driving or riding in other vehicles. Also unique to bus transport is the lack of safety restraints. Laws govern the use of seatbelts and child seats in passenger vehicles, yet many school and city buses are not equipped with seat belts. Bus occupants, particularly children, are especially vulnerable to traumatic injury when an accident occurs. School districts faced with budget restrictions may try to reduce costs by keeping old buses in service longer and hiring less experienced drivers at lower pay.
Legally, the responsibilities of bus driver and bus company are different than those of a passenger vehicle. A bus is considered to be a “common carrier” and thus the driver is held to a higher standard of safety and protection than the driver of a regular car. These issues can become complicated, however, when a bus company is operated by a city or other government branch. (Some claims must be brought through a special government tort claim system before a lawsuit can be filed).
Because of these complicating factors, obtaining legal compensation for injuries from a bus accident is a complex process. An experienced personal injury attorney can help. The auto accident lawyers at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, know how to conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to determine the cause of the accident. Numerous factors can cause bus collisions, so it is vital to have knowledgeable advocates on your side. Most importantly, the attorneys of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, understand how to prepare a legal strategy that protects your best interests.
When a bus accident causes serious injury, it is essential that you act quickly to preserve key evidence – and to ensure your right to file a claim. There are statutes of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, so legal action must be taken promptly.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of a bus accident, call the trial lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, now at (253) 383-5388 or click here to submit a FREE case review. Let our experience work for you. Our initial consultation is free of charge and if we accept your case, we only get paid for our services if you receive monetary compensation.
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At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.

Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?
It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?
A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.
How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.
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