It takes just a wrong turn or a distracted driver to cause a serious accident. You may be hit by a bus, fall as a passenger on a bus, or be struck by a bus as a pedestrian. In all cases, you need legal representation.
At Murphy Trial Law, our bus accident lawyer in Lake Stevens advocates for you, the victim. We offer comprehensive legal representation that holds those who hurt you accountable under the law.
Our Lake Stevens personal injury lawyers have recovered nearly $100 million for our clients.
What to Know About Common Carrier Lakes in Lake Stevens, WA
Common carrier laws apply to any party that operates a bus or other vehicle that carries multiple passengers. These drivers must maintain a higher standard of care for the people they serve and the general public as well. Yet, when a driver fails to do so, the implications can be severe.
Some of the most common reasons we seek bus crashes in Lake Stevens include:
- Drivers lacking proper training to handle the vehicle in the area’s weather conditions
- Lack of employment screening
- Distraction due to navigational systems, passengers, or even phone use
- Failure to maintain the vehicle properly often leads to breakdowns and related injuries
- Overloading passengers or an uneven balance of load creates unsafe conditions
- Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
If you believe a bus accident you were in was brought on by these or other types of driver mistakes, our lawyer can help you. We will gather the evidence to prove what happened, build your case, and seek to maximize compensation for the losses you suffered. Civil litigation is your right under the law.
For a free legal consultation with a bus accident lawyer serving Lake Stevens, call (425) 835-2614
Buses Owned by the City
In Lake Stevens, the Community Transit System, operated by Snohomish County, provides most bus service in the city. The Lake Stevens School District operates the city’s school buses. And, there are private companies that also operate in the city.
In situations where the city or other government entity owns the bus system, and that driver causes you harm, you must be ready to act. You must file a claim for your losses directly with the city within 30 days. If you fail to do so, they may not allow you to file a claim, and in most cases, you will be unable to recover damages.
Our bus accident attorney in Lake Stevens will help you submit a valid claim, one that outlines who is at fault, the time, place, and circumstances of the injury, and your personal information.
We handle communications and support you in recovering fair damages. You do not need to fight this battle on your own when you have Murphy Trial Law on your side.
Lake Stevens Bus Accident Lawyer Near Me (425) 835-2614
Determining Fault in a Bus Accident Case
Our Lake Stevens bus accident attorneys work closely with victims to understand what happened. We collect data from video and surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and use accident reconstruction services to document all evidence.
This allows us to make a claim that is all-inclusive of those at fault. Some examples of those who may be responsible for your injuries and losses include the following:
- The driver: The bus driver is responsible for your accident when they are under the influence, distracted, or operating recklessly.
- The owner: If a bus or transportation company owns the bus, it could be liable for its drivers’ behavior and mistakes.
- The maintenance company: Blown tires or failing brakes can be the fault of a maintenance company or technician who failed to do their job.
- The manufacturer: There are times when a flaw in the design of the bus or components of the bus could be the reason for your injuries.
- Others on the road with you: In some cases, the bus driver reacted to the circumstances on the roadway, causing the accident. That may mean others are also responsible.
To uncover this information, expect our bus accident lawyers in Lake Stevens to gather as much data as possible from a variety of sources. We will work to establish all parties at fault so that we can seek damages from all who contributed to your injury and accident.
What Happens If You Are Partially At Fault
There are some situations in which you may hold some level of fault in the bus accident. The state operates under comparative negligence law (Chapter 4.22 RCW), which means the court will determine the percentage of fault attributed to each party and reduce compensation accordingly. We work to reduce the percentage of fault in these cases, protecting your claim value.
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What Your Bus Accident Case Is Worth
To build your accident claim, our legal team will explore all areas of loss you have, understand all parties at fault, and seek maximum claims allowed under the law.
Every case is different, and we cannot tell you the value of your claim until we review your case details. You may receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses you had from the accident and ongoing from the injuries you have
- Lost wages for the time you could not go to work and failed to receive payment
- Disfigurement from scars and amputations
- Loss of earning capacity if you can no longer do the job you were doing
- Property damage to recover costs related to your vehicle or other assets
- Pain and suffering losses
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
With the help of a bus accident lawyer near me, you gain insight, guidance, and confidence in moving your case forward. Expect our bus accident attorney to become the reliable ally you need in these challenging legal matters.
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Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Lake Stevens Bus Accident Attorney Now
Call Murphy Trial Law for a frank, honest look at what your case value is, what it will take to prove your losses, and what our team will do for you.
Learn more about your legal options when you contact our Lake Stevens bus accident lawyer for guidance and support. We offer free consultations to help you get answers.
Call or text (425) 835-2614 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form