Bus Accidents Focused on a Better Tomorrow

Portland Bus Accident Attorneys

Bus Accidents Involving Private, School, or TriMet Buses

Portland is crisscrossed by buses at any given hour of the day. When one of those buses loses control, it can result in a devastating bus accident that affects possibly dozens of people all at once.

Pacific Cascade Legal is the first law firm you should call if you’re in a bus accident anywhere in Portland. Our highly experienced team of attorneys can fight bus companies and transportation agencies that don’t want to admit any fault. No matter what type of bus hit you, we can handle the claim that follows.

Learn more about bus accident claims in Portland by dialing (503) 573-5566.

Different Types of Buses in Portland

In Portland, numerous types of buses are used each day. The approach that we take for your bus accident case will depend on the type of bus that hit you. Using the information that you gathered from the scene of the crash, including the brand of the bus and the bus driver’s license, we can identify the type of bus and then the right way to get your case moving. You don’t have to worry, whether you were hit by a bus owned and operated by the government or a corporation.

Three of the most common types of buses on the streets of Portland are:

  • TriMet: In Portland, TriMet is the municipal corporation that handles bus, light rail, and commuter rail services throughout the city and the surrounding area. It is a public body, not a private entity, which changes some of the details of a TriMet bus accident claim.
  • School: Many children throughout the greater Portland metropolitan area use a school bus to get to and from school. If a school bus driver causes an accident, then the case will involve the school district, which is a public entity. You should work with a bus accident lawyer who knows how to handle such complicated cases.
  • Private: Buses in Portland that are not run or connected to a public body are instead owned and operated by a private entity or company. For example, charter buses and party buses that frequent the city are not associated with the city and its municipalities, not directly. We know how to take claims against private entities with powerful defense resources.

How Bus Accidents Happen

How did your bus accident happen? The answer is crucial for the development of your bus accident claim. With an investigation into the situation, our experienced team can look for evidence that proves how and why it happened, which will lead the way to liability.

Bus accidents can be caused by:

  • Bus driver inattention
  • Bus driver speeding
  • Mistakes from other motorists
  • Defective bus parts

The liable party in a bus accident can change depending on the cause, so you should work with a law firm that can take a case against all sorts of defendants. Furthermore, it is important to note that a bus company is usually held accountable for the mistakes of its drivers. In other words, if a bus driver’s mistakes were the cause of a crash, then the claim would likely be filed against the bus company that employed them, not the driver individually.

Damages in Bus Accident Claims

The massive weight and size of a bus can create devastation in a crash, even if the bus is traveling slowly. As a result, most bus accidents involve severe injuries and significant property damage. The total cost associated with the crash can be significant.

In a typical bus accident claim, the damages owed to the plaintiff could include:

  • Past and future medical treatment costs
  • Lost wages and future unearned income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Vehicle repairs (property damage claim)

Our Portland bus accident lawyers are used to working on high-stakes cases that involve significant financial losses and risks. If you have been seriously injured in a bus accident, then you can trust your case to us, even if you are looking at tens of thousands of dollars — or more — in total losses. We fight to protect your rights and well-being just like we were representing ourselves.

Responsive Legal Counsel is a Phone Call Away

After a bus accident, you don’t want more stress and questions. You want real help that listens to you. At Pacific Cascade Legal, we take pride in being truly supportive and responsive. We take the time to match you with an attorney that understands your goals and is best suited to represent you during this difficult time. Client relations aren’t just a sidenote here, they are the foundation of our many years of success.

Contact a Portland bus accident lawyer who cares about your recovery by clicking here.

Portland Bus Accident FAQ

  • How much time do I have to start a TriMet bus accident claim?
    In Oregon, most injury claims filed against an entity associated with the government or a public body are held to a brief 180-day statute of limitations. Given that TriMet is a public body, you could have only about 6 months to start your TriMet accident claim before you lose the right to seek compensation forever.
  • Are injuries bad in bus accidents because there’s no seatbelt?
    Most buses are not equipped with seatbelts. The passengers are meant to be protected mostly by the sheer size of the bus if a collision happens. However, in particularly violent crashes or rollovers, bus passengers can face a high risk of severe injury due to the lack of seatbelts.
  • Can other drivers be liable for a bus accident?
    We can’t assume that a bus accident was caused by the bus driver. An investigation might reveal that the other involved vehicle is to blame, like a driver who cut in front of the bus when there was no room to stop.

A Reputation for Skilled, Dedicated Advocacy

Former Clients Share Their Experiences With Our Firm
  • “Supportive and professional team”

    - Maria Lucia Gomez-Greenberg
  • “Helpful and professional team”

    - Former Client
  • “Honest and Professional”

    - Former Client

A Firm You Can Trust

A Pillar in the Legal Community
  • Client Partnerships

    We understand the value of having professional support and connected community. For this reason, we’ve assembled a complimentary and extensive referral list, which includes a range of professionals who not only perform services related to our clients’ cases, but also include every area of their lives.

  • Client Relations

    You are our priority from the moment you call our office, to long after your case ends. We have a client care system in place to ensure you feel connected, supported, and prepared every step of the way.

  • Client Match

    Your case is unique, and so are the individual strengths and expertise of our experienced team of lawyers. We take the time to understand the intricacies of your case so that we can match you with the attorney who is best equipped to advocate for your rights.

Let Us Help You Reach a
Better Tomorrow

Call 503-573-5566 or fill out the form below to get started.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.