Kirkland Bus Accident Lawyer | Common Carrier Wreck

Bus and other public transit crashes are complex. The claim often involves multiple defendants, and other automobile drivers may also be responsible. The bus companies have lawyers ready to fight aggressively in their defense and insurance company negotiations can quickly turn contentious to avoid huge settlements.

After suffering injuries and property damages in a bus accident, the passengers or those outside the vehicle should immediately reach out to a skilled civil attorney. Call a Kirkland bus accident lawyer today if you would like to schedule a consultation.

Common Injuries in Bus Crashes

Bus wrecks are far less common than passenger car collisions. However, injuries and damages are often more severe when they are involved in accidents. Buses and other massive motor vehicles have a high center of gravity, making them more susceptible to rollovers when collisions occur. They also do not provide the same safety equipment, such as seat belts. Those factors make it more likely for serious injuries to occur, such as:

Traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones
Sprains and whiplash
Severe burn injuries
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Deep lacerations and cuts
Internal organ damage
Nerve, muscle, and soft tissue injuries

After a bus accident, the passengers must seek medical attention immediately. Seeking medical care is vital even if they do not feel they sustained damages initially. They may feel okay because of adrenaline, and some injuries are not apparent immediately.

Verifying damages is also vital to recover compensation. A knowledgeable Kirkland attorney could help calculate damages and prepare the bus crash claim.

What Causes Bus Collisions in Kirkland?

Buses can get into crashes for the same reasons as passenger cars, such as speeding or reckless driving. Some of the other most commonly seen reasons for the accidents involving common carriers include:

Driver Fatigue

Bus drivers often work many overtime hours and are behind the wheel for extended amounts of time every day. The long shifts can cause them to work without enough rest and lead to a crash.

Blind Spots

The bus’s massive size causes them to have many blind spots. As a result, the bus driver may be unable to see other vehicles or pedestrians that are nearby.

Mechanical Failures

The bus companies are responsible for ensuring buses receive regular maintenance and prompt repair when there are mechanical issues. If they do not follow regulations, and an accident occurs because of a mechanical failure, they are liable for any damages.

Road Conditions

Roads with poor construction and inclement weather are a common cause of bus crashes. In such cases, a Kirkland attorney would have to file a claim against the government entity responsible for the roads on which the bus wreck occurred.

Common Carriers’ Duty to Passengers

Buses are considered common carriers. They transport citizens daily for a cost. Because they make compensation for their service, the law holds them to the utmost duty of care. Meaning they must take extra precautions to ensure riders do not sustain injuries. If there are injuries, the companies must provide adequate compensation to the passengers to pay for damages.

According to Washington Pattern Instructions 100.01, the common carrier must exercise the highest degree of care. They must do their due diligence to transport passengers without injury or damages. Any driver or company that does not provide that duty is negligent. Working with a seasoned bus crash lawyer in Kirkland could ensure your questions on common carrier state and federal laws are answered correctly.

Speak with a Kirkland Bus Accident Attorney Right Away

Millions of people depend on buses for transportation every day. Public transit companies offer safe and reliable transportation. However, sometimes bus crashes do occur and often result in severe injuries and property damages.

Contact an experienced Kirkland bus accident lawyer at our firm right away if you were in a wreck. We could work with the insurance companies and corporate attorneys on your behalf and handle legal work to get the fair settlement amount you deserve.