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Bus Accident Lawyer in Portland, Oregon


At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman in Portland, Oregon, we understand that bus transit is a lifeline for many. Every weekday, according to their latest passenger count statistics, our area residents take nearly 317,000 trips on TriMet buses for work, school, shopping, services, and recreation.

Our city buses are generally economical and reliable resources for passengers from all walks of life who count on mass transit to travel safely to their destinations, whether they use the bus every day, once a week, or for easy access to special events without massive parking fees.

Unfortunately, as Portland bus accident lawyers, we have handled many cases where mass transit has left our residents injured, out of work, and with more questions than answers regarding who can be held liable for their damages.

With more than three decades of personal injury experience, we try to recover compensation for our bus collision clients and are available to review your claim for a free consultation.

Bus Accidents Attorney Portland

What Types of Vehicles Qualify as Buses?


Buses are defined as motorized vehicle that can carry more than ten passengers, according to The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

That can include:

  • Greyhound buses
  • City buses
  • Tour buses and coaches
  • Minibusses
  • School buses
  • Buses contracted for high school/college sports and/or other events
  • Other vans or buses used for workers, clubs, and church groups

Depending on the nature of the accident, personal injuries can occur to passengers and non-passengers alike, including other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists who are traveling alongside these large transit vehicles.

Determining the cause of the crash, and who is at fault, will require the help of an experienced Portland bus accident attorney, so you are not left paying for your medical expenses and lost wages out of pocket.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bus Crashes in Portland, Oregon?


Most bus crashes are caused by the careless or negligent behavior of either the bus driver or another vehicle’s driver.

That can include:

  • Stopping in bus lanes
  • Suddenly changing driving lanes
  • Swerving into traffic
  • Colliding with pedestrians or bicyclists
  • Traveling at high speeds
  • Operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Driving distracted by cellphones, GPS devices, or other electronics
  • Fatigued driving
  • Inexperienced or poorly trained bus drivers

Driver error whether that of the bus driver or another’s vehicle’s operator may be the most common cause of traffic collisions in Portland, but they are not the only reason these large vehicles are involved in crashes that cause injuries. The truth is, bus collisions can be complex, and require extensive investigative research to isolate the cause and the responsible parties.

At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland Personal Injury Attorneys Also Focus on the Following Practice Areas:

Portland Bus Accident Lawsuits May Involve More than One Liable Party


With different variations of buses operating on our city streets and interstates, assessing the at-fault party may be harder than citing the bus driver for speeding. Many parties may be responsible for the collision, based on their involvement with the bus operator.

They can include, but are not limited to the bus:

  • Owner
  • Operating or management company
  • Bus or parts manufacturer
  • Maintenance crews

Bus accident lawsuits can be complicated and require consulting with Portland bus accident attorneys who have experience in overseeing multi-party claims and can pinpoint the origin of the collision — including something seemingly as simple as the bus administrators failing to conduct the necessary background checks on their drivers.

At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, we have the resources to examine your bus crash injuries, so you can focus on healing while we pursue the liable party or combination of parties for the best outcome for your unique claim.

Partnering with the Right Portland Bus Accident Lawyer


Bus accidents can result in serious injuries and extensive damages that must be fully calculated by an experienced attorney to ensure no detail is left to chance during your evaluation.

That may include pursuing compensation for your:

  • Immediate and future medical costs
  • Lost wages or other forms of income due to time off work
  • Loss of future income as a result of diminished ability, physical or mental impairment
  • Punitive damages, if the accident is proven to be the result of careless or negligent driving
  • Lifetime care and support in the event of a very serious injury such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage

Call Our Experienced Portland Bus Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation


If you have been hurt by a Portland bus accident lawyer, contact our Multnomah County and Portland personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman today by calling 503-242-1440 for a free confidential assessment of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bus Accident in Portland, Oregon

Should I Talk to the Bus Company About the Crash First?

If you were onboard any type of bus when an accident occurred, your name likely appears on the police report, or manifests, or investigation paperwork, or other documents that can lead the bus company, or their insurance company or lawyers directly to you. This means they may call to learn your side of what happened during the crash. Do not agree to give any statement to them, or agree to sign any forms without speaking with a skilled bus accident attorney in Portland first. We can help provide a bigger picture of your case, so you can make informed legal decisions going forward.

What Happens if Another Driver Caused the Bus Accident?

When bus accidents occur, it may be the fault of a third party, which could include another driver who crashed into the bus. Partnering with an experienced bus accident attorney in Oregon will help you understand who was liable for the crash, and whether there is more than one party that may be pursued for damages. We can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome for your unique case.

How Can an Oregon Bus Accident Attorney Help with My Accident and Injury Case?

The first thing a Portland bus accident lawyer will do is help you understand whether your situation is a case. Next, the law firm will determine which driver, company, or other entity is liable for your damages before plotting the best legal approach to achieve a fair and just financial outcome for your case. Once we know you have a case, we will get to work on reviewing the accident scene, identifying and interviewing witnesses from the crash site, and partnering with expert witnesses who can help outline fault and your physical injuries and how they have impacted your daily activities and overall quality of life.

What If I Have No Idea How the Crash Happened?

Like most passengers, bus passengers have an expectation that the driver of the vehicle they are in will operate it with care and ensure their safe arrival. This typically means bus passengers are engaged in other activities to pass the time, like reading a newspaper, catching up on emails, or simply daydreaming during their journey. This means, when a crash occurs, it could be hard for the passengers to know exactly what happened, how hurt they are, or what their next steps should be.

The police report may contain statements from the drivers, eyewitnesses, and passengers, or cite a liable party because they ran a stop light or were driving impaired. However, police reports alone will not resolve the legal issues. This is why it is important to partner with experienced bus accident attorneys in Portland to fully investigate the crash, the evidence available, and all factors associated with the collision.

Who is Liable for School Bus Accidents, Injuries, and Wrongful Deaths in Oregon?

If your child was injured while on a school bus, the public school or its district may be responsible for the negligence of the school bus driver. This investigation may involve a municipal or state agency, which typically requires our bus accident attorneys to file a claim notice within 180 days of the crash. If the bus is operated by a private school, or a private third party, the claim will unfold differently, based on applicable law. We can help you determine who, or what entity is liable for your damages.

Do bus accidents tend to have a different statute of limitations?

Since many buses are owned by the city or government, the time frame to get actual notice to the responsible party may be 180 days from the date of the incident and then you have two years from the date of the wreck to file suit or resolve this case. If the bus involved in the accident is not a government owned or operated bus, you have the regular two years from the date of the accident to file, and there is usually no need to file a tort claim notice.

Who is responsible for filing a police report?

You should operate as if no one else has filed the police report and file one yourself. It is important to have a police report. Don’t assume the bus driver will call the police.

Do bus drivers have to get a certain license to operate the bus?

Yes, you must have valid driver’s license as well as a commercial driver’s license. School bus drivers must also pass multiple written tests, a physical, drug test, and do behind the wheel training.

What are my legal options if my child was injured on a school bus?

If your child was injured on a school bus they are unable to file their own claim as they are a minor. You are able to file a bus accident claim on their behalf and hire an Oregon bus accident lawyer to take over the case.

Law Offices of Jon Friedman

1020 Southwest Taylor Street, #430, Portland, OR 97205

Phone: 503-242-1440

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