Experienced Portland Oregon Bus Accident Attorney
Portland Bus Accident Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Portland Oregon Bus Accident Attorneys
Have you recently been in a bus accident in Portland, Oregon?
If so, you need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process and support you through your personal injury claim.
At Goldberg & Loren, we specialize in helping victims of bus accidents. Our team of skilled attorneys have a proven track record of success and we have helped many clients like you recover both physically and financially from their accidents.
Our compassionate and knowledgeable team will work tirelessly to ensure that you are fully compensated for any medical costs, lost wages, or other damages you may have suffered.
Don’t wait any longer. Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Portland, Oregon
Driver Error or Negligence
Distracted driving is a common form of negligence among bus drivers in Portland Oregon. Distracted driving may include using a cell phone or other device while behind the wheel, or even talking to passengers instead of focusing on the road. Other forms of driver error include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while fatigued, and aggressive driving.
Poorly Maintained Buses, Mechanical Failure and Defective Parts
Buses are complex vehicles, and any part of the vehicle can fail if it is not properly maintained or if defective parts are installed. Bus companies have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are in good working order before they are put on the road, but unfortunately, sometimes even a well-maintained bus can have faulty parts that lead to accidents.
Examples of mechanical failure include brake failure, steering failure, engine failure, and transmission failure. Even something as seemingly small as a loose tire bolt can cause the tire to come off while the bus is in motion, leading to a serious crash.
Bus accidents occur due to defective parts that were installed on the vehicle. If a manufacturer or supplier produces a defective part, it can cause serious problems down the road. In such cases, the manufacturer or supplier can be held liable for any injuries or damages that result from the defect.
Brakes that have not been properly serviced can fail, causing the bus to crash. A tire blowout can occur if the tires are not inflated or checked regularly, causing the driver to lose control of the bus.
Poorly maintained buses may also have transmission problems that can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This can happen by causing the bus to suddenly accelerate or decelerate, putting passengers and other motorists at risk.
Electrical malfunctions may also cause the bus to lose power or stall at inopportune times.
The bus accident lawyers at Goldberg & Loren have years of experience representing victims of bus accidents caused by mechanical failure or faulty parts.
On average, from 2009 to 2019, intercity buses accounted for 12 percent, and school buses and transit buses accounted for 39 percent and 34 percent, respectively, of all buses involved in fatal crashes. [1]
Road Conditions and Traffic Laws
Hazardous road conditions that can contribute to bus accidents include wet or icy roadways, construction zones, and narrow or winding roads.
Drivers must navigate these conditions carefully and at an appropriate speed to avoid losing control of the bus, or it can result in a serious accident.
Bus drivers can help prevent accidents by following traffic laws, such as speed limits, stop signs, and traffic lights. Failing to do so can result in a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian, leading to injuries or fatalities.
Inadequate Training for Drivers
Bus drivers require specialized training to operate such large vehicles, and without proper instruction, they may not have the necessary skills to navigate the roads safely.
Some examples of inadequate training include not knowing how to safely merge onto highways, and not having enough experience driving in inclement weather conditions.
Drivers must also be trained on how to handle emergency situations, such as tire blowouts or brake failures. Without adequate training, drivers may panic in these situations, leading to a loss of control of the bus.
Driver training should include strict safety protocols, such as conducting pre-trip inspections, watching for pedestrians and cyclists, and avoiding distractions while driving.
Bus companies have a responsibility to ensure that all of their drivers receive proper training and ongoing education to help prevent accidents.
Common Types of Bus Accidents
Some common types of bus accidents in Portland, Oregon include:
- Rear-end collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle and can be dangerous in a bus accident due to the size and weight of the bus.
- Intersection collisions: These occur when a bus collides with another vehicle at an intersection, often as a result of a driver running a red light, stop sign, or failing to yield the right of way.
- Head-on collisions: These occur when a bus collides with another vehicle head-on, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Pedestrian accidents: These occur when a bus strikes a pedestrian, often due to driver error or negligence.
- Sideswipe collisions: These occur when a bus and another vehicle collide while driving parallel to each other, often due to driver error or hazardous road conditions.
- Roll-over accidents: These occur when a bus tips over, which is often the result of speeding, taking a turn too quickly, or driving on uneven terrain.
Common Injuries from Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can result in many types of injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Some common injuries that can result from a bus accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: These can occur if the person's head hits a hard surface during the accident or due to a strong impact. They can range from mild concussions to permanent brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities if the spinal cord is damaged in the accident.
- Broken bones: Bus accidents can cause a variety of bone fractures, including broken arms, legs, and ribs.
- Internal injuries: These can include damage to internal organs such as the liver, kidney, or spleen, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Whiplash: This is a common injury in rear-end collisions and happens when the head and neck are jerked suddenly and forcefully, causing damage to the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Cuts and bruises: These are common injuries in any type of accident and can range from minor to severe.
From 2012 to 2021, about 70% of the deaths in school bus-related crashes were occupants of vehicles other than the school bus, and 16% were pedestrians. About 5% were school bus passengers, 5% were school bus drivers, and 3% were cyclists.
Of the people injured in school bus-related crashes from 2012 to 2021, about 30% were school bus passengers, 9% were school bus drivers, and 53% were occupants of other vehicles. The remainder were pedestrians, cyclists, or unknown. [2]
Table of Contents
Determining Fault in a Bus Accident
Fault in a bus accident is determined based on a variety of factors. These may include:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Police reports
- Witness statements
An investigation may need to be conducted to determine the cause of the accident and who is at fault.
The bus driver may be found to be at fault for the accident. This may be due to driver error or negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving. It may also be due to inadequate driver training or poor maintenance of the vehicle.
Other parties that could be found at fault in a bus accident include:
- Another driver involved in the accident
- The bus company or operator
- The manufacturer of a defective part of the bus
- The local government responsible for maintaining the roadways
Determining fault in a bus accident can be complex, which is why it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. Our skilled legal team at Goldberg & Loren can help investigate the accident and gather the evidence needed to prove fault of the responsible party.
May 14, 1988: A Kentucky factory worker, who was later determined to be intoxicated at the time, drove his Toyota pickup down the wrong way on Interstate 71 in rural Carroll County and collided head-on with a church bus returning from an outing. Twenty-seven of the 67 passengers were killed; 34 were injured. The accident galvanized the drunken-driving movement, with some of the family members of the victims becoming active members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. It also led to the toughening of bus safety laws. [3]
Factors that Influence Your Claim
Some of the factors that may influence your claim in a bus accident include:
- Fault: Determining who was at fault in the accident is crucial in determining liability.
- Severity of injuries: The type and severity of your injuries, as well as the costs associated with medical treatment and ongoing care, will play a significant role in determining the value of your claim.
- Insurance coverage: The amount and type of insurance coverage that the bus company or driver possesses will impact the amount of compensation available to you.
- Type of bus: The type of bus involved in the accident may also impact your claim. For example, a school bus may have different insurance requirements versus a public transit bus or private tour bus.
- Time limitations: There are time limitations, or statute of limitations, for filing a claim or lawsuit against the responsible party. It's important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
A bus hit a woman near a movie theater, knocking her out of her shoes. She had the walk signal as the TriMet driver turned left. Despite recent history — and a federal study showing that bus-pedestrian collisions are more than twice as likely to happen during left turns — TriMet hasn’t altered its operating procedures. [4]
Types of Compensation From a Bus Accident
Fair compensation for a person injured in a bus accident can depend on various factors:
- Medical expenses: Any medical expenses resulting from the accident, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: Any wages lost as a result of the accident, including time spent in the hospital or at home recovering from injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Any pain or suffering caused by the accident, including physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma.
- Property damage: Any damage done to personal property as a result of the accident.
- Future expenses: Any expenses that may arise in the future as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, such as ongoing medical treatment or therapy.
At Goldberg & Loren, we have years of experience representing victims of bus accidents and can help you get the adequate compensation for your pain needed to help you recover financially.
The Role of an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney
Goldberg & Loren will help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with experts to determine the cause of the accident. We assist injury victims by calculating their damages and advocating for their rights in settlement negotiations (or in court if necessary).
Our personal injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren have extensive experience handling bus accident cases and know how to navigate the complex legal system to help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. We work tirelessly to identify the responsible parties, negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved, and take legal action when necessary.
We have helped many injured persons who have experienced bus accidents receive financial compensation for their injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that a bus accident can take, and are committed to helping you with your accident claim. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.
Sources:
[1] Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2019. (n.d.). FMCSA. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2019
[2] School Bus Crashes – Injury Facts. (2023, April 25). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/school-bus/
[3] Today, S. M. U. (2016, October 24). Some of the deadliest bus crashes in U.S. history. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/10/23/deadliest-bus-crashes-us-history/92644694/
[4] Oregonian/OregonLive, J. R. (2010, May 5). Left-turn bus accidents, like fatal one in downtown Portland, alarmingly common among transit agencies. Oregonlive. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2010/05/left-turn_accidents_like_fatal.html
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave Suite 300
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you were injured in a bus accident in Portland we may be able to help recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us now to find out if you have a case!
We Represent Those Injured in Bus Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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