Seattle Bus Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can occur in various ways, each with its unique characteristics and potential for injury or damage. Here are some common types of bus accidents:

• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when a bus collides with the vehicle in front of it. They often result from the bus driver following too closely or failing to brake in time. Passengers on the bus may be jolted forward, potentially causing injuries.
• Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Collisions): In these accidents, a bus is struck on its side by another vehicle, often at intersections. Side-impact collisions can be particularly dangerous as they can directly impact passenger compartments, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
• Rollovers: Bus rollovers happen when a bus tips over onto its side or roof. This can occur due to excessive speed, sharp turns, or abrupt maneuvers. Rollovers can result in severe injuries to passengers, especially if they are not properly secured in their seats.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions involve a bus crashing into a vehicle coming from the opposite direction. These accidents are often catastrophic, resulting in significant damage and life-threatening injuries.
• Run-Off-Road Accidents: Run-off-road accidents happen when a bus veers off the road and onto the shoulder, into a ditch, or onto another surface. This can occur due to driver error, fatigue, distraction, or road conditions. Passengers may experience a sudden and violent jolt, potentially leading to injuries.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Buses can also be involved in accidents with pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents can occur when a bus strikes individuals walking near or crossing the road. Such incidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities for pedestrians.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: These accidents involve a bus crashing into an object like a tree, utility pole, or barrier without colliding with another vehicle. Single-vehicle accidents can result from driver error, adverse road conditions, or mechanical failures.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: In multi-vehicle accidents, a bus is part of a chain reaction collision involving several vehicles. These accidents often occur on highways and can lead to extensive damage and numerous injuries.
• Intersection Accidents: Accidents at intersections are common for buses, especially when other drivers fail to yield the right of way or run red lights. These accidents can result in various types of collisions, including side-impact and rear-end collisions.
• Overturned Buses: Buses can overturn for various reasons, such as sharp turns, excessive speed, or uneven road surfaces. Overturned buses can lead to injuries, especially if passengers are not wearing seat belts.
• Backing Accidents: When a bus is in reverse, there is a risk of backing into other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects. These accidents can cause injuries or property damage.

Who is Liable for a Bus Accident in Washington State?

Liability for a bus accident can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Generally, the following parties may be held liable:

• Bus Driver: If the accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of the bus driver, they can be held personally liable.
• Bus Company: The company that owns or operates the bus can be held liable under the principle of vicarious liability. This means they are responsible for the actions of their employees (the bus driver) while they are performing their duties.
• Bus Maintenance and Repair Companies: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure due to poor maintenance or repair of the bus, the company responsible for maintaining the bus could be held liable.
• Manufacturer: If a defect in the bus or its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the bus or the defective part could be held liable under product liability laws.
• Other Negligent Parties: Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, other parties such as another driver, a pedestrian, or a governmental entity responsible for road maintenance might also be held liable.

Liability in bus accidents can be complex, often involving multiple parties. Determining who is liable typically requires a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident and an assessment of each party's actions or failures that contributed to the incident.