Bus transportation is essential for many residents of Washington; many travel by bus to their jobs and children rely on buses to take them safely to school. Yet bus accidents happen frequently, seriously injuring innocent passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. In 2006, school bus accidents alone accounted for 394 collisions, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Numerous factors cause bus accidents. Driver negligence, defective equipment, dangerous road or weather conditions and poor or inadequate bus maintenance all play a role.

Bus accidents are unique for several reasons. First, because buses are larger and heavier than most other vehicles, accidents involving buses typically cause injury to others beyond just the occupants of the bus. Second, almost 70 percent of bus accident victims are people driving or riding in other vehicles. Also unique to bus transport is the lack of safety restraints. Laws govern the use of seatbelts and child seats in passenger vehicles, yet many school and city buses are not equipped with seat belts. Bus occupants, particularly children, are especially vulnerable to traumatic injury when an accident occurs. School districts faced with budget restrictions may try to reduce costs by keeping old buses in service longer and hiring less experienced drivers at lower pay.

Legally, the responsibilities of bus driver and bus company are different than those of a passenger vehicle. A bus is considered to be a “common carrier” and thus the driver is held to a higher standard of safety and protection than the driver of a regular car. These issues can become complicated, however, when a bus company is operated by a city or other government branch. (Some claims must be brought through a special government tort claim system before a lawsuit can be filed).

Because of these complicating factors, obtaining legal compensation for injuries from a bus accident is a complex process. An experienced personal injury attorney can help. The auto accident lawyers at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, know how to conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to determine the cause of the accident. Numerous factors can cause bus collisions, so it is vital to have knowledgeable advocates on your side. Most importantly, the attorneys of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, understand how to prepare a legal strategy that protects your best interests.

When a bus accident causes serious injury, it is essential that you act quickly to preserve key evidence – and to ensure your right to file a claim. There are statutes of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, so legal action must be taken promptly.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of a bus accident, call the trial lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, now at (253) 383-5388 or click here to submit a FREE case review. Let our experience work for you. Our initial consultation is free of charge and if we accept your case, we only get paid for our services if you receive monetary compensation.

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At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.

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$650,000
Client was involved in a bus accident when he was rear-ended by a county bus on the freeway. He sustained it back fractures that required surgery and emotional injuries that prevented him from returning to work.
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  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
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