Bus Accidents

All About Public Transit Accidents (and Liability)

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on February 18, 2018

Washington certainly provides many different ways to help the public get around. With buses, trains, monorails, and even ferries to move people from place to place, there are many ways to see the sights or commute to work and back again. But with so many options, there are bound to be accidents along the way. The Tacoma Amtrak derailing on December 18, 2017, is one tragic example. Read the rest »

What If I’m in an Accident with a WSDOT Vehicle?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on November 10, 2017

In general, the best advice when it comes to dealing with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) vehicles is this: avoid them. If you are involved in an accident with an official WSDOT vehicle, handle it much like any other type of crash.

Keep in mind, however, that you may face criminal charges if you are responsible – and filing a lawsuit can be much more complicated. Read the rest »

Monorail Accidents: Who’s Liable for Public Transit Accidents?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 10, 2017

People who were in Seattle in 2005 when two monorails sideswiped each other will never forget it. The monorail was shut down for months while investigators tried to identify the cause of the collision and how to prevent it from happening in the future. Luckily, the accident didn’t cause any major injuries to the 84 passengers, but it left many wondering who would be liable for another monorail accident, or any injuries sustained on public transit vehicles. Read the rest »

Get to the Office Party Safely by Knowing Party Bus Safety

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 12, 2016

Holiday office parties are a great way to build camaraderie and let staff members know how appreciated they are. However, if you’re management, getting everyone to and from the party safely should be your first priority. If you’re the one arranging the party and the party bus that will be transporting the guests, you might carry some responsibility if something happens along the way.

Read the rest »

Seattle Bus Accident Causes

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on June 20, 2016

A recent study by Inrix, a Washington-based traffic data company, highlighted the current traffic problems in the Seattle area. These include some of the following facts:

• The population of Seattle’s metropolitan area now has exceeded 3.8 million and will continue to increase. As a result, traffic congestion that plagues the area is likely to worsen. Estimates put the city population in 2040 at nearly 5 million.
• Currently the city is listed as #6 among US cities as it relates to traffic problems and congestion. (recently passing Boston, MA)
• They estimate that the average Seattle commuter wastes 66 hours per year in traffic delays. Read the rest »

Common Causes of Seattle Bus Accidents

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on June 3, 2016

Buses are very much like cars when it comes to accidents. They depend on the driver to make sure that they stay in control, they function based on the mechanical condition of every part of the bus, and they have a reliance on road conditions. Because of their similarity to cars, common causes of bus accidents are very similar to those of other vehicular accidents.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Seattle

The most common reasons why a bus in Seattle may be involved in an accident include weather, driver distraction or negligence, the road conditions, or problems with the equipment. While it is true that most of your Washington State or Seattle bus drivers are well trained, attentive, and responsible, as well as driving equipment being well maintained on roads that are well taken care of, there are times when this is simply not the case. When this occurs, there is a high likelihood that there will be a bus accident, which can lead to injuries or even fatalities. Read the rest »

Seattle Bus Accident FAQs

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on May 11, 2016

Over the years, Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. have handled many cases involving people injured in bus accidents. Below are the some of the most common questions we hear about Seattle bus accidents.

What are the most common causes of Seattle bus accidents?

• Negligent bus drivers
• Bus drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding
• Drivers not following safety guidelines
• Defective bus or bus equipment manufacturing Read the rest »

Who Do I File a Claim Against in a Seattle Bus Accident? 

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on May 9, 2016

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), over 30 million Americans ride mass transit daily. That’s almost 10 percent of the entire country. With this many people riding buses, accidents are bound to happen. Seattle traffic is bad and getting worse.  More and more people rely on the Metro, Pierce Transit, Puget Sound public transportation, or other types of bus programs. Unfortunately, people get injured in Washington bus accidents daily. Federal and state laws strictly regulate buses, holding bus companies to a high duty of care to their passengers.

Bus Carrier Common Duties of Care

Common duties of care are actions bus companies have to take to avoid passengers getting injures. Here are the common duties of care outlined in federal and state bus regulations: Read the rest »

High School Basketball Team Involved in Bus Crash

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on February 24, 2015

A bus carrying a Washington high school basketball team was involved in a roll-over accident resulting in multiple injuries to the young passengers. According to a news report in The Seattle Times, the bus accident occurred near westbound Highway 104 and southbound I-5 in Mountlake Terrace. Officials say the bus was trying to merge onto 104 when it hit the curb and flipped over. Of the 16 occupants of the bus, 10 suffered minor injuries including lacerations. Ten people were taken to a nearby hospital for observation with non-life-threatening injuries.

Initial reports said that the 53-year-old Everett bus driver believed brake failure contributed to the crash. However, an inspection by the State Patrol found that the brakes were functioning properly. State Patrol is now reviewing footage from a video camera that was installed inside the bus. Read the rest »

Woman Injured in Seattle Bus Accident

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 5, 2014

A 60-year-old mother was injured when her daughter turned their vehicle into a Metro bus in the west side of lower Queen Anne. According to a KOMO news report, the bus accident occurred on Elliott Avenue West at Harrison in Seattle. Officials say the victim’s daughter did not see the bus in the bus lane before turning left. The mother had to be extricated from the car, and was transported in stable condition to a nearby hospital. None of the passengers on the bus were injured. Read the rest »