Lakewood Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents can change lives in an instant. Injured individuals often face not only physical pain and medical treatment but also the emotional toll of recovery and the financial strain of medical expenses and lost wages. When negligent bus drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, or other parties are involved, the consequences can be devastating for bus passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians alike.

At Brumley Law Firm, we understand the challenges bus accident victims encounter in Lakewood and across Washington State. Our experienced team of Lakewood personal injury attorneys is committed to providing strong legal representation, guiding clients through the claims process, and working toward fair compensation that can help them move forward.

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

Choosing the right accident lawyer after being injured in a bus crash is one of the most important decisions you can make. Brumley Law Firm has built a strong reputation for helping clients across Western Washington pursue personal injury claims, including complex bus accident cases.

One unique advantage is the experience of our founding attorney, Joshua Brumley, a former insurance company lawyer. His firsthand knowledge of how insurers evaluate and defend claims gives our clients an edge when facing tactics designed to minimize payouts.

Our legal team has experience handling compensation claims for accident victims. From city bus crashes to school bus accident cases, we represent clients and work to pursue the compensation Washington law allows.

Client Testimonials

Our clients’ words reflect the dedication we bring to every case:

“The Brumley Law Firm treated us like family. They guided us step by step and made sure we never felt alone in the process.”

“Joshua and his team fought aggressively with the insurance company until we recovered compensation for all of my medical expenses and lost wages.”

“They understood how life altering injuries affect families. Their compassion and commitment made all the difference.”

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

Hiring an experienced bus accident attorney ensures that you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side. At Brumley Law Firm, our services include:

• Managing Communications – We handle all discussions with the insurance company, government entities, and other parties, protecting you from mistakes that could harm your claim.
• Investigating the Accident – Our legal team gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, reviews traffic signals and surveillance footage, and consults with expert witnesses.
• Determining Liability – We identify all potentially responsible parties, which may include the bus driver, bus company, other drivers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance.
• Pursuing Compensation – From negotiations to trial, we work to see fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, depending on the facts of the case.

Common Types of Bus Accident Cases

Bus accidents occur under many circumstances, and our firm has the experience to handle a wide range of claims, including:

• City bus accidents caused by negligent bus drivers or poor maintenance.
• School bus accidents, which place children at risk and require careful handling due to government involvement.
• Tour and charter bus crashes, often tied to fatigued or inexperienced drivers.
• Accidents involving other drivers, such as car accidents caused when a bus fails to yield.
• Mechanical failures, including faulty brakes or poor maintenance leading to sudden crashes.
• Weather-related incidents, where bad weather contributes but negligence in following safety protocols makes conditions worse.

Statistics on Bus & Traffic Crashes in Lakewood and Washington State

Crash and safety data provide important context for understanding the risks faced by bus accident victims in Lakewood and Pierce County:

• The City of Lakewood Police Department noted in its 2021 Annual Report that accident reports in the city rose by 20.16 percent compared to prior years.
• City-Data records show that in 2022 Lakewood experienced 3 fatal accidents, involving 7 vehicles, with 4 fatalities and 9 people involved. In 2021, Lakewood had 5 fatal accidents involving 10 vehicles, 5 fatalities, and 14 people.
• City-Data also highlights that the average EMS response time in Lakewood is about 5.6 minutes, compared to 6.2 minutes in Pierce County and 8.2 minutes statewide.
• At the county level, The News Tribune reported that Tacoma had 35 fatal crashes in 2023, resulting in 44 deaths, underscoring a troubling upward trend in Pierce County collisions.
• Statewide, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) documented 810 traffic fatalities and 3,413 serious injuries in 2023, a continuation of year-to-year increases in severe crash outcomes.

These figures show that traffic collisions, including WA bus accidents, remain a serious safety concern. For injured individuals in Lakewood, they underscore the importance of timely legal action and experienced representation.

Compensation You Can Obtain in a Bus Accident Case

Injured in a bus accident? You may be entitled to seek compensation for a wide range of losses, including:

• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Pain and suffering, including the physical and emotional impact of life altering injuries.
• Property damage, if your vehicle or belongings were affected by the bus crash.

Bus accident victims often underestimate the full scope of their damages. Our experienced bus accident attorneys ensure that all potential losses are accounted for when pursuing financial compensation.

What is the Process for Filing a Bus Accident Claim?

Filing a bus accident claim in Washington State involves several important steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention – Always prioritize your health and create a record of your injuries.
2. Consult a Bus Accident Lawyer – Early legal representation ensures that your rights are protected from the start.
3. Investigation – Your attorney gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and identifies liable parties.
4. File a Personal Injury Claim – This may involve claims against multiple parties, including the bus company or even government entities.
5. Negotiation – Your attorney works with the insurance company to reach a settlement.
6. Litigation – If negotiations fail, your case proceeds to court where our legal team fights aggressively for fair compensation.
7. Resolution – Once an agreement or judgment is reached, you can recover compensation and begin to move forward.

Statute of Limitations in a Lakewood Bus Accident Claim

In most WA bus accidents, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, if the bus is owned or operated by a government entity, much shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements may apply.

Failing to file on time can mean losing your right to legal action. Contacting a Lakewood bus accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.

Elements of Negligence in a Bus Accident Claim

To succeed in a bus accident claim, your attorney must establish:

• Duty of Care – Bus companies and drivers owe a heightened duty of care to passengers and others on the road.
• Breach of Duty – Negligent actions, such as distracted driving, speeding, or poor maintenance, represent a failure of that duty.
• Causation – The breach must be shown to have directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
• Damages – Victims must demonstrate actual losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Under Washington State’s comparative fault system, even if you share some responsibility for an accident, you may still recover compensation. Your award will simply be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

For example, if you are found 20% at fault for an accident involving a city bus, you may still recover 80% of your damages. An experienced team of personal injury lawyers can help minimize fault assigned to you while building a strong case against the liable parties.

Contact a Lakewood Bus Accident Lawyer Today

Bus accidents can result in severe injuries and overwhelming challenges for victims and their families. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you have the right to seek compensation from negligent bus drivers, bus companies, or other parties.

At Brumley Law Firm, we are committed to representing injured clients in Lakewood and guiding them through the legal process. Our law firm offers a free case consultation so you can learn more about your options. Call us today at (833) 740-2275 to speak with a Lakewood bus accident attorney and take the first step toward recovery.