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.
An Overview of School Bus Accident Statistics
As a parent, putting your child on a school bus can be stressful. You are forced to place a great deal of faith into the hands of the school and the school bus driver. Unfortunately, safety can be an issue. School bus accidents do happen. According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), there were more than 100 people killed in school bus accidents nationwide in 2022 alone. Eight of those people were school bus passengers. An estimated 12,500 people were hurt in school bus accidents. Nearly half of those injured were school bus passengers.
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.
Know the Steps to Take after a School Bus Accident
School bus accidents are challenging for parents. It is scary to find out that your child’s school bus was involved in an accident—especially if it is a serious crash. Knowing the appropriate steps to take immediately after such an incident can help ensure the safety of all involved and facilitate the necessary follow-up actions. Here are the steps that parents should take:
- Ensure Your Child’s Safety: Immediately after being notified of the accident, confirm your child’s safety. Thereafter, contact the school and/or the local authorities to get accurate information about the incident and the details of what happened.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your child appears fine, they should be checked out by a medical doctor.. Many injuries, like concussions, may not be immediately apparent. It is wise to have a doctor evaluate them as soon as possible. Not only is it important that your child gets care for their own health and well-being, but medical records are necessary to support any legal claim.
- Document the Incident: Gather all possible information about the accident. Along with other things, key details include the location, time, cause of the accident, and contact information of witnesses. If you can, you should take photographs of the accident site. The more information that you have, the better.
- Seek Professional Legal Representation: School bus accidents can involve multiple legal complexities, including personal injury claims and dealing with school district liabilities. The sooner you speak to an experienced Portland bus accident lawyer, the better. Your attorney will protect your rights and your interests.
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.
Public Bus Accidents vs Private Bus Accidents: What You Need to Know
In Oregon, the legal implications for accidents involving public buses differ significantly from those involving private buses. Here are key points bus accident victims should know:
Liability Laws
- Public Buses: Public bus services in Oregon are often operated by government entities such as city or county transit authorities. As such, they are considered public utilities. Claims against them involve sovereign immunity—which can limit or alter the standard procedures for filing a lawsuit, and may require what’s called a Tort Claim Notice to be filed within 180 days of the event.
- Private Buses: Private bus companies, such as tour buses or charter buses, are governed by different regulations. These companies are commercial entities and do not benefit from sovereign immunity. The legal process can be more straightforward. With that being said, it may still be challenging to navigate without a lawyer’s help.
Insurance Coverage
- Public Buses: Public buses typically have substantial insurance policies due to the higher number of passengers and the greater potential for significant claims. Oregon law requires that public transportation entities maintain higher levels of insurance.
- Private Buses: The insurance for private buses can vary significantly depending on the specific company and the scope of their operation. Oregon mandates minimum insurance requirements—but companies may carry more than the minimum coverage.
Regulatory Oversight
- Public Buses: Public transportation is heavily regulated for safety and compliance. In Oregon, public buses must adhere to strict state and federal regulations, which include regular maintenance and safety checks.
- Private Buses: While also regulated, private bus operations may have more variability in compliance due to the differing scales of operation. However, they must still meet safety standards that protect passengers and the public.
How Long Do You Have to File a Bus Accident Claim in Oregon?
In Oregon, there is typically a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims (some narrow exceptions might apply).. A bus accident claim is generally subject to this two-year statute of limitations. Do not fall behind in the claims process: Consult with a Portland bus accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Less Time for Public Bus Accident Claims: In Oregon, you must file a Tort Claim Notice (which is just a notice of your intent to bring a claim) within 180 days of the accident. It is a crucial step, as failing to meet this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation later. The notice of claim is a preliminary step before filing a lawsuit. Among other things, it must detail the circumstances of the accident, the nature of your injuries, and the damages you are claiming. A Portland lawyer with experience handling public bus accident claims can help to protect your rights and your interests.
Why Trust the Portland Bus Accident Attorney at The Law Offices of Jon Friedman,
Are you preparing to bring a bus accident claim? Whether a private bus accident, a public bus accident, a school bus accident, or any other type of case, it is imperative that you have strong and experienced legal representation. At The Law Offices of Jon Friedman, we go above and beyond to fight for justice for victims and families. Our decades of experience and our client testimonials tell the story best. When you contact us at our Portland law office, you will connect with an Oregon bus accident lawyer who can:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about your case;
- Investigate your Portland bus accident—gathering evidence to prove fault;
- Handle the legal paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations and or trial if necessary; and
- Develop a personalized strategy focused on maximizing your financial recovery.
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
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland Personal Injury Attorneys Also Focus on the Following Practice Areas:
- Accident Injury
- Airplane Accident
- Auto Wreck
- Bicycle Accident
- Boating Accident
- Construction Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Dog Bite
- Pedestrian Accident
- Slip and Fall
- Product Liability
- Legal Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Scooter Accident
- Train Accident
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
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.
Law Offices of Jon Friedman
811 SW Naito Pkwy #610, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-242-1440
