Portland Bus Accident Lawyer
Start your free case reviewWe Handle Bus Accident Injury Claims in Portland and Throughout Oregon
When you ride a bus, you place your trust in the driver and bus company to get you to your destination safely. Passengers expect properly maintained vehicles, thoroughly trained drivers, and compliance with safety rules designed to prevent serious accidents. When those rules are broken, passengers and other road users may suffer spine injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, and other life-changing harm.
Johnston Law Firm has been serving clients in Portland and throughout Oregon for over 20 years. We represent people injured in bus crashes and can investigate what happened, identify responsible parties, and pursue compensation for their losses.
Were you injured in a Portland bus accident? Call Johnston Law Firm at 503-546-3167 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation with our legal team.
About Johnston Law Firm
How Our Portland Attorneys Can Help With Your Bus Accident Claim
At Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm, our personal injury attorney is experienced in representing people injured in bus accidents. We handle bus accident cases and other major injury cases throughout the state of Oregon. A successful bus accident claim requires the attention of a lawyer who understands how to analyze the case and who will work aggressively to maximize the client’s compensation for injuries suffered in a bus accident.
The Johnston Law Firm has successfully represented bus accident victims against bus companies and other motor carriers. We offer an in-depth understanding of the law, a thorough investigation into the facts of the case and an exceptional ability to present a compelling argument to a jury.
When we handle your Portland bus accident claim, we can:
- Investigate the bus accident and gather evidence showing how and why it occurred.
- Identify bus companies, drivers, government agencies, or other parties that may be responsible.
- Review driver records, safety violations, maintenance histories, and other evidence relevant to liability.
- Document your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
- Work with qualified experts when specialized analysis can help strengthen your bus accident case.
- Handle communications and settlement negotiations with bus companies and their insurance carriers.
- Prepare your case for trial and present a compelling argument to a jury when necessary.
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Types of Bus Accidents We Handle in Portland
Bus accidents can involve public transit vehicles, school buses, private carriers, and other vehicles transporting passengers throughout Portland. The rules and procedures governing a claim can vary depending on who owns or operates the bus and what caused the accident. Johnston Law Firm can investigate these circumstances, determine who may be responsible, and help injured people pursue compensation.
TriMet Bus Accidents
TriMet buses are a familiar part of Portland’s public transportation system, but passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists can suffer serious injuries when accidents occur. These crashes may result from driver error, distracted or fatigued driving, unsafe speeds, inadequate maintenance, or other forms of negligence.
Because TriMet is a public entity, an injury claim can involve different requirements and deadlines than a typical accident involving private parties. We can investigate the crash, determine which requirements apply, preserve evidence, and pursue your claim against the appropriate parties.
School Bus Accidents
School bus accidents can put children, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk of serious injuries. Crashes may involve negligent driving, inadequate driver training, poor vehicle maintenance, defective equipment, unsafe loading or unloading practices, or failures to follow applicable safety procedures.
We can investigate the driver, bus operator, maintenance practices, and other circumstances surrounding the accident. When negligence contributed to the crash, Johnston Law Firm can identify potentially responsible parties and pursue compensation for the resulting injuries and losses.
Accidents Involving Charter Buses
Charter buses regularly transport groups throughout Portland and across Oregon for tours, corporate events, weddings, school trips, sporting events, and other group travel. Companies serving the Portland area, or just passing through, include Blue Star Charters & Tours, Inc., MTRWestern, Greyhound, and Northwest Navigator Luxury Coaches.
When a charter bus accident occurs, responsibility may extend beyond the driver to the bus company, maintenance contractors, vehicle manufacturers, or other parties. Driver fatigue, speeding, distraction, inadequate training, improper inspections, poor maintenance, and defective components can all contribute to serious crashes.
Johnston Law Firm can investigate the driver’s conduct, company safety practices, maintenance and inspection records, and other evidence surrounding the collision. We work to identify all potentially responsible parties and pursue compensation for injured passengers, motorists, pedestrians, and others affected by Portland charter bus accidents.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Portland
Bus drivers and companies are responsible for transporting passengers safely and following applicable safety requirements. However, negligence by drivers, bus operators, maintenance providers, or other parties can contribute to serious crashes throughout Portland.
Common causes of bus accidents may include:
- Driver fatigue: Working excessive hours can reduce alertness and reaction times.
- Distracted driving: Phones, passengers, navigation systems, and other distractions can cause crashes.
- Speeding: Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions increases accident risks.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs can seriously affect a driver’s judgment and coordination.
- Negligent hiring: Companies may employ drivers with unsafe driving histories or inadequate qualifications.
- Poor maintenance: Neglected brakes, tires, steering systems, and other components may fail.
- Improper inspections: Missed safety problems can leave dangerous buses operating on Portland roads.
- Defective parts: Faulty vehicle components or safety equipment can contribute to collisions.
Johnston Law Firm can investigate these factors to determine what caused your accident and who may be responsible.
Compensation We Can Help You Pursue for Your Portland Bus Accident Injuries
A serious bus accident can result in substantial medical costs, time away from work, and long-term physical and emotional consequences. Johnston Law Firm can document how your Portland bus accident has affected your life and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.
Depending on your injuries and circumstances, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and future treatment costs.
- Lost wages: Income and employment benefits lost while you recover from your injuries.
- Reduced earning capacity: Future income lost because injuries limit your ability to work.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and limitations caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Psychological and emotional effects resulting from a traumatic bus accident.
- Loss of enjoyment: Reduced ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.
We can evaluate your current and future losses and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portland Bus Accident Claims
Liability for a bus accident depends on fault. If a bus driver is to blame for a crash because they acted negligently, then the bus driver or the party who employs the bus driver, such as a school district or municipality or busing company, could be held liable for the damages that result. If another party causes the bus accident, such as another driver, then that driver may be held responsible, and may need to pay for damages that result through their liability insurance policy. In some cases, a municipality or another third party, such as a vehicle part manufacturer, is responsible for the crash and can be held liable.
In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of injury to bring forth a lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault party. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you breach the statute of limitations–i.e. If you file a lawsuit after two years from the date of your accident have passed–then you will be barred from bringing forth your claim and therefore barred from recovering damages. In a bus accident claim, the two-year statute of limitations applies to all claims against private parties.
If you are filing a lawsuit against a municipality, on the other hand, then the statute of limitations is different. For claims against the government–which may be the case if the bus driver is a government employee–notice of the claim must be filed within 180 days of the accident. If you breach this time limit, then you’ll be barred from recovery. Notice of claims for wrongful death must be filed within one year.
You may have a personal injury case if another party’s negligence contributed to your Portland bus accident and caused you injuries or financial losses. Factors that may support a claim include:
- A bus driver violated traffic or safety rules
- Driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment contributed to the crash
- The bus company failed to properly hire or train its driver
- Poor maintenance or defective equipment contributed to the accident
- You suffered injuries and damages because of the crash
Johnston Law Firm can investigate what happened and determine whether you may have grounds to pursue compensation.
Johnston Law Firm handles personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Our fee is collected from the compensation we recover for you, and we can explain the arrangement during your free consultation.
Many bus accident claims can be resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, if the responsible parties or their insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, Johnston Law Firm can prepare your case for court and advocate for you at trial. Whether litigation becomes necessary depends on liability, your damages, settlement negotiations, and the circumstances of your case.
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Testimonials
Sally Martinez
– Michelle E.
Mr. Johnston and his firm were incredibly thorough in getting us a fair settlement from our insurance company with little to no pressure. We really appreciated having someone who truly cared about us every step of the way. I would highly recommend the Johnston Law Firm to anyone in need of personal injury representation.
Contact a Portland Bus Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident in Portland or anywhere in Oregon, Johnston Law Firm is here to help. Whether you were involved in a TriMet bus accident, a charter bus crash, or one of the many school bus accidents that occur each year, you deserve experienced legal representation.
As dedicated Portland bus accident lawyers, we fight for injury victims to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Bus companies and public transit agencies have legal teams working to minimize their liability — let us stand up for your rights.
Contact us today via the online form, or call us directly at 503-546-3167 for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Us for a FREE Consultation
If you have been seriously injured at no fault of your own, please contact us using the form.
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