Foster Law Offices represents bus accident victims in the greater Seattle area and throughout Washington state. If you have been in a bus accident - whether as a passenger on the bus or in collision with a bus, it is important to understand your legal rights and to avoid speaking to an insurance company or any representative from the county, city or school district prior to speaking to an attorney.

As cities like the Seattle metro area continue to grow, congestion increases on local streets and highways. Sadly, as more and more people choose public transportation to save time and money, the number of people injured or killed in bus accidents has increased exponentially.

In addition to city and county bus accidents, school bus accidents cause significant hardship and tragedy for children and their families. Each school day more than 25 million children ride the recognizable yellow school bus back and forth to school, and school related activities. Additionally, millions travel in leased school buses to camp, religious, athletic and youth events. There are an approximate 450,000 school buses in service to date. School buses travel 2 million miles every school day. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 16,000 school bus collisions occur annually, resulting in 12,000 injuries and 130 deaths.

The principal causes of bus accidents are driver negligence, defective equipment, dangerous roadways, poor weather conditions and improper maintenance. A bus accident requires an attorney skilled in bus accidents to prove a theory of liability upon which the injured victim can receive the compensation he or she is entitled to.

Bus accident claims involve more complex issues than car accidents. As a result, it is necessary to consult an attorney experienced in municipal litigation. Municipal litigation involves lawsuit filed against cities, counties, school districts and other governmental agencies. Prosecuting a "municipal case" requires a number of different requirements from the typical automobile accident case. For example, prior to filing a lawsuit against a municipality, an injured victim must file a formal claim with the municipality and allow the municipality the opportunity to respond to the claim (usually 60 days).

At Foster Law Offices, we understand and excel at municipal litigation and understand the importance of thoroughly investigating the case and ensuring our clients receive the best medical treatment prior to proceeding with a bus accident case. Our team of bus accident attorneys and investigators know how to ask the right questions about the condition of the bus, local, state and federal safety standards, licensing, and other key issues.

If you or a member of your family has been injured as the result of a bus accident, either as a passenger, pedestrian, or the driver of another vehicle, you may be entitled to file a claim against the city, county, school district or private bus company for the damages you have incurred as a result of the accident. It is important to know what to do to protect the legal rights of yourself and your loved ones.

Selecting the right bus accident attorney is an important decision. You should choose someone who is experienced, aggressive, and dedicated to working to obtain just and fair compensation for your injuries. At Foster Law Offices, we look forward to assisting you or your family member in obtaining the maximum settlement you are entitled to receive after being victimized by a vehicle meant to serve the public.

In the state of Washington, injured bus accident victims are entitled to receive a settlement for: ambulance expenses hospital expenses and all other medical and rehabilitative treatment-related expenses; past and future lost earnings; past and future permanent physical disability; emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

In the event that the victim succumbs to bus accident injuries, family members and other survivors may be entitled to be compensated for loss of future earning capacity, grief and the loss of consortium of the loved one lost in a bus accident.

To protect your legal rights following serious injury or death due to a bus accident, it is wise to consult with a personal injury law firm with experience in bus accident claims as soon as possible following the accident.

Foster Law Offices immediately embarks upon a comprehensive investigation of your bus accident and works diligently to obtain a timely and lucrative settlement through negotiation or by taking the case to court and conducting a jury trial in order to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve under Washington law. For a no-cost review of your case, please contact us.