Everett Bus Accident Lawyer
A bus accident can turn life upside down in an instant. Whether you were a passenger on an Everett Transit bus, riding with Community Transit in Snohomish County, or struck as a pedestrian, the consequences can be devastating. Victims often face severe injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain financial future. Beyond the physical pain, the emotional toll and stress of navigating the legal system can be overwhelming.
At Brumley Law Firm, we understand these challenges. Our Everett personal injury lawyers are committed to providing compassionate legal help while working tirelessly to pursue fair compensation for injured clients and their families. With experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, our team offers the experience, resources, and dedication needed to guide accident victims through the recovery process.
Everett-Specific Statistics & Crash Trends
To put things into perspective, here are some recent statistics relevant to Everett and Snohomish County, drawn from Washington State traffic safety data and local reporting. These figures help show how serious traffic accidents, including bus-related and pedestrian incidents, are in the area:
- Between 2019 and 2023, Everett saw 51 people killed and 286 seriously injured in vehicle crashes, according to the HeraldNet.
- Much of Everett’s higher traffic death rate has prompted local officials to adopt a “Vision Zero” goal, aiming to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes, as reported by the HeraldNet.
- In Snohomish County more broadly, traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes have been rising, mirroring state trends, according to HeraldNet.
- Statewide, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported 810 traffic fatalities on all public roads in 2023, up from 743 in 2022; serious injuries likewise rose to 3,413 in 2023.
These numbers show that serious injuries and fatalities from vehicle accidents are not rare. They underscore the real risk for accident victims, including those in bus accident or personal injury cases in Everett.
Why Hire Brumley Law Firm for Your Bus Accident Case in Everett?
Having an experienced Everett personal injury lawyer on your side can make a meaningful difference in navigating your case. At Brumley Law Firm, our combined legal experience includes years of handling complex catastrophic injury cases involving buses, cars, and pedestrians.
- Former Insurance Attorney Advantage: Founder Joshua Brumley previously worked for insurance companies. This gives our team strategic advocacy skills and insights into how insurers try to limit payouts.
- Experience Recovering Compensation: We have helped clients recover compensation in cases involving catastrophic injuries, including those suffering catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and wrongful death cases.
- Personalized Legal Representation: We understand every Everett personal injury case is unique. Our attorneys carefully gather evidence, review medical records, consult expert witnesses, and build strong claims tailored to each client.
Our mission is to help injured clients pursue compensation and support their long-term recovery through skilled legal representation.
Client Testimonials
“The Brumley Law Firm went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of after my accident. They explained the legal process clearly and kept me updated every step of the way.” – Former Client
“I was nervous about dealing with insurance companies, but Joshua and his team fought hard for me. Their knowledge and dedication gave me peace of mind during a difficult time.” – Former Client
“They treated me like family and worked tirelessly to get me fair compensation for my injuries. I am so grateful for their support and legal representation.” – Former Client
How an Everett Bus Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case
Handling a bus accident claim without an attorney is risky. Insurance companies often minimize payouts, leaving accident victims with unpaid medical expenses and future medical costs. Our Everett personal injury attorneys can:
- Handle all communications with insurance companies and government entities
- Investigate the accident scene and gather evidence, including police reports and witness statements
- Identify responsible parties, whether negligent drivers, bus operators, or property owners
- Consult expert witnesses to prove negligence and calculate long-term damages
- Manage negotiations and, if necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue the full recovery allowed under Washington law.
From start to finish, our attorneys handle the legal process so clients can focus on healing.
Common Types of Bus Accident Cases in Everett
Bus accident cases vary, but some of the most common incidents we handle in Everett include:
- Everett Transit and Community Transit accidents involving negligent drivers or unsafe conditions
- School bus accidents affecting children traveling to and from school
- Pedestrian accidents where buses fail to yield or obey traffic laws
- Collisions with other vehicles such as car accidents caused by distracted or reckless bus drivers
- Defective vehicle claims involving faulty brakes, steering, or unsafe maintenance practices
Each of these accidents can cause serious injury, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or other catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong medical support.
Compensation You Can Obtain in a Bus Accident Case
Accident victims in Everett may be entitled to recover damages for a wide range of losses. Our attorneys help identify all available sources of compensation, including auto insurance policies and uninsured motorist coverage. Possible compensation includes:
- Medical expenses and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering for the emotional toll of injuries
- Property damage if your vehicle was involved in the accident
- Funeral expenses in cases involving a loved one’s death
Understanding all potential damages is critical to securing fair compensation and ensuring your financial future.
What is the Process for Filing a Bus Accident Claim?
Filing a bus accident claim in Everett involves several steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries.
- Report the accident to law enforcement and request police reports.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
- Gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and accident details.
- File insurance claims and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Pursue legal action through a personal injury lawsuit if fair compensation cannot be reached.
- Recover damages to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At Brumley Law Firm, we guide clients through every step, ensuring deadlines are met and responsible parties are held to account under the law.
Statute of Limitations in an Everett Bus Accident Claim
In Washington, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident. However, if your case involves government entities such as Everett Transit or Community Transit, strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply. Acting quickly is essential to preserve your right to legal action.
Elements of Negligence in a Bus Accident Claim
To recover damages in a bus accident case, your attorney must prove negligence. This typically involves showing:
- The bus driver or company owed a duty of reasonable care
- A negligent act or unsafe conditions breached that duty
- The breach directly caused your injuries
- You suffered measurable damages, such as medical costs or lost income
Our attorneys know how to gather evidence, work with experts, and present a clear case proving negligence.
Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws
Washington follows a comparative fault system, meaning accident victims can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault. For example, if you were found 20% responsible for a pedestrian accident involving a bus, you could still recover 80% of your damages. This makes strong legal representation crucial in protecting your rights.
Who May Be Liable in an Everett Bus Accident?
Determining liability is one of the most important parts of any Everett bus accident case. Several parties may share responsibility, depending on the circumstances:
- Bus Drivers – If a driver was distracted, fatigued, impaired, or failed to follow traffic laws, they may be considered the at fault party.
- Bus Companies – Everett Transit, Community Transit, or private operators may be liable if they failed to properly train drivers, ignored unsafe conditions, or neglected maintenance duties.
- Government Entities – If unsafe road design, poor signage, or lack of road repairs contributed to the crash, city or county agencies could share liability. Claims against government entities have special rules and deadlines.
- Other Negligent Drivers – Car or truck drivers who ignore traffic laws, cause pedestrian accidents, or collide with buses can be held responsible.
- Third Parties – Manufacturers or maintenance contractors may be responsible if a mechanical failure, defective part, or negligent repair played a role.
Our attorneys investigate every angle to identify all responsible parties, helping injured clients build strong cases to seek fair compensation.
Bus Laws in Washington State
Buses in Everett and throughout Washington are considered common carriers, which means they are subject to a heightened duty of care when transporting passengers. These laws are designed to protect riders and the public:
- Highest Duty of Care – Bus companies and drivers must take all reasonable steps to ensure passenger safety, including proper vehicle maintenance, following traffic laws, and hiring qualified drivers.
- Passenger Rights – Passengers have the right to safe transportation, free from discrimination, and may seek compensation if injured due to someone else’s negligence.
- Regulation & Oversight – The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regulates carriers, enforcing safety standards and compliance.
- Liability – When carriers or their employees fail to exercise reasonable care, they may be held liable for resulting damages.
These laws reflect Washington’s strong emphasis on safety in public transportation and provide important protections for accident victims.
Contact an Everett Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Bus accidents often leave injury victims unsure of where to turn. At Brumley Law Firm, we are dedicated to guiding Everett residents through the recovery process with skilled legal representation and compassionate support.
If you or a family member has suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, reach out for a free case consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation in your case. (Clients may still be responsible for court costs and expenses.)
Call Brumley Law Firm today at (833) 740-2275 to speak with an Everett bus accident lawyer and learn how we can help you move forward.