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Who Do I File a Claim Against in a Seattle Bus Accident?

On Behalf of | May 9, 2016 | Bus Accidents

By Pendergast Law on May 9, 2016

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), over 30 million Americans ride mass transit daily. That’s almost 10 percent of the entire country. With this many people riding buses, accidents are bound to happen. Seattle traffic is bad and getting worse.  More and more people rely on the Metro, Pierce Transit, Puget Sound public transportation, or other types of bus programs. Unfortunately, people get injured in Washington bus accidents daily. Federal and state laws strictly regulate buses, holding bus companies to a high duty of care to their passengers.

Bus Carrier Common Duties of Care

Common duties of care are actions bus companies have to take to avoid passengers getting injures. Here are the common duties of care outlined in federal and state bus regulations:

  • Making entryways and exits safe for passengers
  • Providing security on buses
  • Hiring trained bus drivers to operate buses
  • Properly maintaining bus machinery

Types of Buses Involved in Seattle Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carriers Association, there are about 15,000 bus-related motor vehicle accidents annually. These are the types of buses most commonly involved in these types of accidents:

  • Public transportation buses
  • Shuttle buses
  • Passenger vans carrying 9-15 people
  • Greyhound or tour bus accidents
  • School bus accidents

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Seattle Bus Accident?

Depending on the details of your accident, many different parties may be held responsible for your injuries and damages. Here are the most common parties named in Seattle bus accidents:

  • Bus drivers
  • Bus companies
  • Bus manufacturers
  • Bus equipment manufacturers
  • Government entities (if the bus is a public bus like a school bus)

Contact an Experienced Seattle Bus Accident Attorney

The Seattle injury attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. have helped many people suffering after a bus accident secure the compensation they needed to heal and move on. We can help you pursue compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and pain and suffering. Contact us today to learn more about how we can be there for you. We can be reached at 888-539-9211.