Bus Accident Lawyer in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR: Your Guide to Legal Representation
Buses are a common source of public transportation in the Portland/Vancouver metro area. Unfortunately, bus accidents do continue to happen, and victims deserve proper legal advice and representation.
If you are riding the C-Tran in Washington or the TriMet in Oregon and you are injured in a bus accident, you can pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages.
A Bus Accident Lawyer Protects Passengers Injured on Public Transit
The Clark County Public Transit Benefit Area Authority, commonly known as C-Tran, operates 29 routes throughout Clark County, Washington. Services are offered in Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Yacolt, and Washougal.
C-Tran operates an extensive fleet that serves bus passengers daily:
- 95 buses
- 52 paratransit vehicles
- 51 vanpool vehicles
When buses crash, victims need experienced bus accident attorneys who can represent them and fight for fair compensation.
Bus Accident Cases Against TriMet Require Skilled Legal Support
The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, known as TriMet, offers mass transit throughout most of the Portland metropolitan area. TriMet offers commuter rail, light rail, and bus services with impressive daily ridership:
- 310,100 people on average daily
- 688 buses in operation
- 145 light rail vehicles
When you use public transit, you expect to reach your destination safely. Both bus driver negligence and bus company failures can cause serious injuries to passengers on commercial buses.
Filing a Bus Accident Claim Against Government Agencies
If you were involved in a bus accident, you would be filing a claim against a government agency, a complex process. Specific forms must be filed in certain offices, and set deadlines must be met.
Only after there has been no response or you have received a denial from the public transit agency can you pursue a personal injury claim. Understanding who is liable and proving fault requires legal experience.
Your Accident Lawyer Handles Complex Claims
It is much better to get your claim underway with an experienced bus accident attorney in the Portland/Vancouver metro area. The Harlan Law Firm has experience representing clients injured in bus accidents and has handled thousands of personal injury cases.
A truck accident or bus injury case is similarly complex when government entities or commercial carriers are involved.
Schedule Your Free Consultation for a Bus Injury Case
Call today to schedule your free case consultation so we can determine how to proceed with your personal injury claim after a bus accident.
Without having a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer fighting for you, you could end up owing tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills and losing thousands of dollars of income that your family needs.
School Bus Collisions and Commercial Bus Accidents Need Special Attention
School bus accidents and commercial bus incidents present unique legal challenges. When children or multiple bus passengers are involved, the stakes are even higher. Our firm handles all types of bus accidents with the attention they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a bus accident in Portland or Vancouver?
Seek medical attention right away, document the scene if possible, and gather witness contact information. Contact a bus accident lawyer before giving recorded statements to any transit agency.
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Washington or Oregon?
Claims against government agencies like C-Tran or TriMet have strict deadlines. In Washington, you typically have 60 days to file a tort claim. Contact an accident lawyer quickly to protect your rights.
Who can be held liable in a bus accident case?
Multiple parties may be liable, including the bus driver, the bus company, the transit agency, or other drivers involved. Your lawyer will investigate all potentially liable parties.
What types of compensation can I receive after a bus accident?
Victims may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care. The amount depends on your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
Do I need a lawyer for a bus accident case?
Claims against government agencies involve complicated procedures and strict deadlines. An experienced bus accident lawyer can maximize your compensation while you focus on recovery.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident attorney?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and legal fees are only collected if your case is successful.
What if the bus driver was not at fault for the accident?
Even if another driver caused the accident, the transit agency may still be held responsible. Your attorney will investigate all parties involved and determine who bears fault.
Can I sue if I was injured as a pedestrian hit by a bus?
Yes. Pedestrians injured by buses have the right to pursue compensation from both the bus driver and the transit agency, depending on circumstances.
How long does a bus accident lawsuit take to resolve?
Timelines vary based on case complexity and the extent of the injury. Claims against government entities often take longer due to administrative requirements.
What makes bus accident cases different from car accident cases?
Bus accident cases often involve government entities, commercial carriers, and multiple victims. They require knowledge of specific filing procedures and deadlines.
Call Us Today!
Bus accidents in the Portland/Vancouver metro area can leave victims facing mounting medical bills and lost income. Filing claims against transit agencies such as C-Tran or TriMet requires strict procedures and professional legal guidance.
The Harlan Law Firm has the experience to handle bus accident cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (360) 735-8200 to schedule your free consultation.