Bremerton Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident through someone else’s negligence, you may be facing overwhelming challenges, physical pain, emotional distress, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. In such a difficult time, you deserve compassionate, skilled legal representation. At Brumley Law Firm, our Bremerton personal injury lawyer work to pursue the compensation our clients are legally entitled to based on their specific circumstances. With deep experience in complex personal injury matters, we are prepared to assist you throughout each stage of your bus accident claim.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm for Your Bus Accident Case in Bremerton?

• Extensive experience in personal injury and bus accident cases
  Our team has long handled motor vehicle accidents (car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents), bus accident claims, and wrongful death actions. We understand the unique challenges that bus accident victims face, multiple parties, large insurance carriers, and complicated liability issues.
• Former insurance defense attorney on your side
  Joshua Brumley, before founding Brumley Law Firm, worked on the inside against plaintiffs in insurance disputes. That background gives us insight into how insurance companies think and operate, our goal is to help you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to under Washington law.
• Strong track record & success rate
  While every case is different, our firm has handled many personal injury cases, including bus accidents, and strives to advocate vigorously for injured clients. While past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes, we have experience achieving positive results for many clients and are prepared to advocate diligently on your behalf.
• Personalized attention and steadfast advocacy
  We never treat clients as case numbers. We listen carefully, explain the legal process in accessible terms, and guide you through the complexities of your bus accident case with empathy and clarity.
• Local to Bremerton and Washington State focused
  We bring a deep understanding of Washington state law, local courts, and bus-related regulations that may apply in Bremerton and Kitsap County.

Client Testimonials

“After my serious injuries in a bus collision in Bremerton, I was overwhelmed. The Brumley team stepped in, handled all communication with the insurance companies, and kept me informed every step. I got more than I expected.”

“They treated me like a person, not just a file. Their experience in bus and motor vehicle accidents was obvious, and I felt confident having them on my side.”

“From the accident scene to court, Brumley handled the legal paperwork, gathered evidence, and never let me feel alone in the process.”

These voices reflect the dedication, competence, and community focus we bring to every client’s case. Testimonials reflect individual client experiences and are not a guarantee or prediction of future results.

How a Bremerton Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case

Initial case evaluation & free consultation
We begin by reviewing your situation, how the bus accident occurred, your injuries, medical treatment, and available evidence, to assess whether you have a viable personal injury claim.

Gathering critical evidence
We handle or coordinate:

• Police reports and accident scene documentation
• Surveillance footage or bus camera data
• Witness statements
• Maintenance and service records of the bus
• Driver logs, schedules, and training records
• Expert witnesses (e.g. accident reconstruction, medical, engineering)

Identifying potentially liable parties
Because bus accidents often involve more than one party, we look beyond just the bus driver to:

• The bus company or transit authority
• Independent contractors or maintenance providers
• Vehicle part or bus manufacturer
• Government agencies (if road or signal defects played a role)
• Other drivers whose actions contributed

Calculating full compensation
We assess all types of damages supported by the facts so you can seek appropriate compensation under Washington law.

Communications with insurers & negotiation
We take over communications with insurance companies, advise on settlement offers, push back against lowball strategies, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Litigation & trial readiness
If insurers refuse to offer what’s fair, we are ready to file a personal injury lawsuit, manage legal paperwork, conduct discovery, present expert testimony, and represent you in court.

Ongoing support & guidance
Throughout the process, we explain your legal rights, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about whether to accept settlement or proceed to trial.

By trusting Brumley Law Firm, you gain an advocate who handles the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Common Types of Bus Accident Cases

In Bremerton and across Washington state, we often see these kinds of bus accident cases:

• Public transit bus collisions (e.g. Kitsap Transit, municipal buses)
• School bus accidents involving students boarding, alighting, or riding
• Charter, tour, or shuttle bus crashes
• Bus rollover accidents or high-speed crashes
• Pedestrian accidents with buses
• Bus–bus or bus–automobile collisions
• Bus maintenance or mechanical failure accidents
• Negligent hiring, training, or supervision of bus drivers

Because Bremerton functions as a transportation hub (ferries, buses connecting to Seattle, local transit), bus accidents here may arise in contexts of public transit routes or commuter shuttles.

Bus Accident and Traffic Statistics in Bremerton and Washington State

Understanding the broader context of roadway safety in Washington helps highlight the risks that lead to serious bus accidents in communities like Bremerton. Data from transportation agencies show concerning trends in collisions, injuries, and fatalities across the state.

Washington State Traffic and Injury Trends

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were 810 traffic fatalities statewide in 2023, a 9% increase from the previous year. The agency also reported 3,413 serious injuries, up 10% from 2022, continuing a decade-long upward trend in severe crashes.

The Transportation Research & Innovation Program (TRIP) found that Washington’s traffic fatalities have increased by roughly 86% since 2013, while the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled rose by about 78%. These figures underscore a growing safety crisis on Washington roads.

Bus and Transit Safety

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reported that from 2008 to 2018, 83% of all transit bus fatalities and about 50% of all bus-related injuries stemmed from collisions. Furthermore, 78% of those fatalities involved the general public, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles, while 18% involved bus passengers.

A separate FTA study on Reducing Bus Collisions found that between 2008 and 2021, there were approximately 7,300 bus-to-person collisions across the United States, illustrating the ongoing danger buses can pose in densely populated or high-traffic areas.

For younger passengers, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported 128 deaths involving school buses in 2023, marking a 23% increase from 2022.

Kitsap County and Bremerton Data

Closer to home, the Kitsap County Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (2024) documented a concerning rise in serious crashes involving vulnerable road users. Pedestrian and bicyclist collisions grew from two in 2019 to nine in 2021.

The Kitsap Sun reported that fatal crashes in the county increased from 20 in 2022 to 22 in 2023, a 10% rise in a single year.

Locally, Bremerton Police Department data shows that many collisions occur along busy routes such as Wheaton Way, Kitsap Way, and near the ferry terminal area, often involving multiple vehicles or pedestrians.

Kitsap County and Bremerton are part of Washington’s Target Zero Initiative, which aims to eliminate all fatal and serious-injury crashes by 2030.

These statistics show that while bus-related crashes make up a smaller share of total collisions, they carry a heightened risk of severe injury or death. Given Bremerton’s mix of commuter buses, school buses, and transit routes, vigilance, accountability, and experienced legal guidance are crucial after such a life-altering event.

Compensation You Can Obtain in a Bus Accident Case

Victims of bus accidents may pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses & medical bills (past, present, and future)
• Hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy
• Lost wages (past and future, including reduced earning capacity)
• Pain and suffering / non-economic damages
• Emotional distress, anxiety, trauma
• Permanent impairment or disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life / diminished quality of life
• Wrongful death compensation (if a loved one died)
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of consortium (for spouses or family)

To recover fair compensation, it is critical to account for all potential damages. Insurance companies often focus on immediate medical bills, but experienced personal injury attorneys will pursue fair compensation for your full losses.

What Is the Process for Filing a Bus Accident Claim?

Below is a typical timeline of how a Bremerton bus accident personal injury claim proceeds:

 

Step	Action	Role of Brumley Law Firm
1. Seek medical attention	Immediately get medical care — don’t delay.	We can help you find quality care, document injuries, and preserve medical records.
2. Report the accident	Contact the police and file a report; notify the bus company or transit authority.	We ensure reports are properly filed and gather copies.
3. Free case evaluation & retain counsel	Contact us for a no-cost consultation.	We evaluate liability, damages, and whether to move forward with a claim.
4. Investigation & evidence gathering	Collect crash data, witness statements, maintenance records, video, etc.	We lead the investigation, working with experts and preserving critical evidence.
5. Demand package / settlement negotiation	Present a formal demand to insurers.	We prepare a detailed demand, negotiate assertively, and counter low offers.
6. File lawsuit (if needed)	If settlement fails, we file a personal injury lawsuit.	We handle drafting the complaint, serving defendants, discovery, motions, and trial preparation.
7. Discovery & expert testimony	Share evidence, depose witnesses, coordinate expert reports.	Our legal team and selected expert witnesses build a persuasive case.
8. Mediation or trial	Attempt settlement in mediation or go to trial.	We represent you in mediation or in court, advocating for full recovery.
9. Recovery & distribution	If successful, settlement or judgment is distributed.	We handle legal paperwork, liens, and ensure you receive your share of compensation.

At every stage, we manage the legal process so you can focus on healing, rather than paperwork or insurer tactics.

Statute of Limitations in a Bremerton Bus Accident Claim

In Washington State, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from bus accidents, is three years from the date of the injury or accident.

If you miss that deadline, in most cases you forfeit your right to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Special considerations:

• If the defendant is a government entity (for example, a public transit authority or municipality), there may be shorter notice requirements or additional procedural rules.
• For minors, the statute may be tolled until the child turns 18, or the time to sue might begin later.
• In wrongful death cases, the three-year period typically starts from the date of death rather than the date of the crash.

Because of these nuances, immediate legal action is critical. Evidence degrades, witness memories fade, and insurers may try to pressure you quickly.

Elements of Negligence in a Bus Accident Claim

To succeed in a bus accident personal injury lawsuit or claim in Washington state, you generally must prove four elements of negligence:

1. Duty of Care
   The bus driver, bus company, or responsible parties owed you a legal duty to act safely and reasonably under the circumstances.
2. Breach of Duty
   The duty was violated, through reckless driving, fatigue, poor training, defective maintenance, speeding, distracted driving, etc.
3. Causation
   The breach of duty was a direct cause (or a substantial contributing cause) of your accident and injuries.
4. Damages
   You suffered measurable harm, physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, etc.

Because buses operate under “common carrier” or heightened standards, Washington courts often impose a higher duty of care on bus drivers and carriers than on ordinary drivers.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Washington is a comparative fault state. This means:

• A plaintiff’s own negligence does not automatically bar recovery.
• If you are partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault (for example, if a court finds you 20% at fault and awards $100,000, you would get $80,000).
• However, if your fault exceeds a threshold (often 50%), you may be barred from recovering anything.
• Because of this, robust evidence is crucial to minimize your assigned fault.

Brumley Law Firm’s role is to advocate vigorously to assign fault to others, not to you, and preserve your right to recover maximum compensation.

Contact a Bremerton Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered serious injuries or losses in a bus accident in Bremerton or nearby, do not delay. Brumley Law Firm offers experienced, compassionate legal representation to help you navigate complex legal challenges, hold responsible parties answerable, and seek the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Contact us today at (833) 740-2275 for a free case review and learn how we can help you pursue financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Let us stand with you during this challenging time, and guide you toward recovery and justice.