Burien Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents can change lives in an instant. Whether it is a collision involving a city bus, a fully loaded school bus, or a tour bus operated by a private company, the aftermath often leaves many passengers and other drivers facing severe injuries, emotional distress, and overwhelming financial burdens. The size and weight of buses make them particularly dangerous in any crash. In Burien, where buses are part of daily life for commuters, students, and families, these accidents can create ripple effects across entire households.

Victims may be left dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, and uncertainty about how to move forward. When bus accidents happen, it is important to seek legal counsel from personal injury attorneys who understand Washington State law and have experience handling cases involving many passengers and multiple involved parties. Attorneys familiar with local laws and public transit can better navigate complex bus accident litigation, helping victims understand their options and pursue available legal remedies.

At Brumley Law Firm, our legal team is committed to guiding Burien residents through the process of pursuing claims after a bus crash. Our legal team has experience handling a variety of personal injury cases and is committed to guiding clients through the process while protecting their rights.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your Bus Accident Case in Burien?

Choosing the right accident lawyer after a bus accident is one of the most important decisions you can make. At Brumley Law Firm, we bring years of experience handling personal injury claims involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death lawsuits, and cases with multiple involved parties. Online reviews and testimonials from former clients can provide insight into an attorney’s conduct, communication, and client support, helping you make an informed choice.

Because of his prior work with insurance companies, Joshua Brumley understands how insurers evaluate and handle claims, which informs our approach to representing injured clients. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or dispute liability, but our legal team understands their strategies and knows how to counter them. It is also significant to verify the credentials of an attorney, ensuring they are in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

Our firm has handled personal injury cases in Western Washington, including matters involving car accidents. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances. With personalized legal representation and a focus on each client’s unique circumstances, we strive to help victims pursue compensation for injuries sustained, consistent with Washington law. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case, making legal representation accessible to those in need.

Client Testimonials

“Brumley Law Firm made a difficult situation much easier to handle. They kept me updated, answered all of my questions, and fought hard to ensure my family received the compensation we needed after my accident.”

“Joshua Brumley and his team are compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated. They guided me through the process step by step and made sure I felt supported.”

“I would recommend Brumley Law Firm to anyone in Burien. They truly care about their clients and will go the extra mile to help you.”

Testimonials describe past client experiences. Results in any legal matter depend on the unique facts and circumstances of each case, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

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

Bus accident attorneys play a critical role in ensuring victims receive proper guidance and support. At Brumley Law Firm, we:

• Investigate the accident scene and gather evidence including photographs, witness statements, and medical records.
• Handle all communications with insurance companies and other involved parties.
• Work with expert witnesses to reconstruct accidents, analyze driver’s ability, and review vehicle maintenance records.
• Identify all possible sources of compensation, from bus companies and government entities to negligent drivers of other vehicles.
• Manage negotiations and, if necessary, represent you in court to pursue compensation permitted under Washington law.

Common Types of Bus Accident Cases

Our injury lawyers handle a wide range of bus accident cases in Burien and the surrounding areas. Common scenarios include:

• City bus collisions with smaller vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
• School bus accidents, often involving many passengers and fully loaded school buses carrying children. A fully loaded school bus weighs approximately 42,000 pounds, making accidents involving these vehicles particularly severe.
• Tour and charter bus crashes involving private companies or other private entities.
• Mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or defective seat belts, caused by poor maintenance.
• Driver negligence, including distracted driving, ignoring speed limits, or reckless maneuvers.
• Accidents caused by other drivers when they fail to yield, run traffic signals, or engage in negligent actions.
• Government entity liability, when accidents involve vehicles operated by a public transit agency.

Statistics on Bus Accidents in Burien and King County

While statewide crash data provides the broadest view, local numbers show how bus safety impacts Burien residents.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) tracks collisions across the state, including those in Burien. Data compiled for the Burien Transportation Master Plan confirms that bus-related collisions are a concern in areas with high traffic volumes and transit use (Burien TMP Report).

The City of Burien has launched a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) to identify locations where crashes, including those involving buses, are most likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities. This initiative is part of Burien’s Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries (Burien CSAP).

For King County Metro buses, which operate throughout Burien and surrounding communities, an audit found that since 2018, buses logged more than 200 million miles and were involved in 104 preventable incidents that caused injury or damage (KOMO News).

Tragically, in April 2022, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a Metro bus near Ambaum Boulevard SW and Southwest 132nd Street in Burien, underscoring the risks when bus safety and pedestrian safety intersect (KING 5 News).

Compensation You Can Obtain in a Bus Accident Case

If you or a family member has been injured in a bus crash, you may be entitled to compensation under Washington State law. Possible damages include:

• Medical expenses, both immediate and long-term.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs for broken bones, catastrophic injuries, or permanent disability.
• Property damage for smaller vehicles struck in a bus crash.
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members after a fatal accident.

What is the Process for Filing a Bus Accident Claim?

Filing a personal injury claim after a bus accident involves several key steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even for minor injuries. Medical records are essential.
2. Report the accident to the appropriate authority, whether involving a city bus, school bus, or private company vehicle.
3. Consult an injury lawyer for a free consultation to explore your legal options.
4. Gather evidence such as accident scene photos, witness accounts, and records of injuries sustained.
5. File a personal injury claim against the responsible party.
6. Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue compensation.
7. Proceed to litigation if fair compensation cannot be reached.
8. Collect compensation after settlement or trial.

Statute of Limitations in a Burien Bus Accident Claim

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If the claim involves a government entity such as King County Metro, shorter notice requirements may apply. Personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, and you may be barred from obtaining compensation if you delay.

Failing to act within these deadlines could prevent you from filing a claim, making timely legal counsel essential.

Elements of Negligence in a Bus Accident Claim

To establish liability, your case must show:

1. Duty of care owed by the bus driver, bus company, or government entity. Buses in Washington State have a heightened duty of care compared to ordinary drivers.
2. Breach of duty through negligent actions or poor maintenance.
3. Causation, linking the breach to the accident.
4. Damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Under Washington’s comparative fault rule, even if a victim is partially responsible, they can still recover compensation. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.

This ensures that injured victims are not barred from seeking compensation due to shared fault.

Contact a Burien Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident in Burien, you don’t need to face the aftermath alone. Brumley Law Firm is here to provide legal representation and help guide you through each step of the process.

Our personal injury lawyers offer a free case evaluation so you can understand your legal options at no cost. Call Brumley Law Firm today at (833) 740-2275 to speak with a Burien bus accident lawyer and schedule your free consultation.