Spokane Bus Accident Guide
- Key Takeaways for Spokane Bus Accident Lawyer
- Why Choose Fannin Litigation Group?
- What To Do After a Bus Accident in Spokane
- Injuries From Bus Accidents Are Often Life-Altering
- Bus Accidents in Spokane Involving Public, School, and Private Carriers
- What Compensation Might Include in a Spokane Bus Accident Case
- FAQs About Spokane Bus Accident Attorneys
- Injured in a Spokane Bus Accident? Call Fannin Litigation Group for a Free Consultation Today
Key Takeaways for Spokane Bus Accident Lawyer
- Liability for Spokane bus accidents may involve negligence by the driver, vehicle maintenance failures, or government oversight issues.
- Injuries from bus crashes are often severe, especially for pedestrians, bicyclists, or passengers thrown during impact.
- Washington law sets strict deadlines and legal requirements for filing bus accident claims.
- Documentation, medical care, and legal guidance are key to protecting your potential claim.
- Fannin Litigation Group provides free consultations and fights for maximum compensation for bus accident victims across Spokane.
Why Choose Fannin Litigation Group?
Finding the right legal team after a traumatic injury isn’t easy. Here’s what sets us apart when you need an experienced Spokane bus accident lawyer on your side:
Compassionate, Client-Centered Legal Guidance
You’re not just another case file. Our attorney and team take the time to listen. We want to hear about your pain, your concerns, and your goals. We focus on both the legal strategy and the human side of your recovery.
Personal Attention From Start to Finish
Every client receives hands-on support from our team. We believe in transparent communication, prompt responses, and personal involvement at every stage of your case. You can count on consistent, attentive service from the first call to the final resolution.
Proven Track Record of Results
With nearly three decades of trial experience and a 99% success rate at trial, we’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars after severe injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents.
Deep Spokane Roots and Local Knowledge
We live and practice law right here in Spokane. We know local roads like North Monroe Street, Division Street, and the I-90 corridor. We’re familiar with Spokane Transit Authority bus operations and regional liability laws.
Contingency-Based Representation
You don’t pay upfront legal fees. We only collect a fee if we help recover compensation for you. That means we’re all in on your case.
What To Do After a Bus Accident in Spokane
If you’ve already received medical care, you’re on the right path. But there are several important steps to take after a serious accident to protect your health and your legal rights.
Here are some immediate steps that can strengthen your case:
- Hire a lawyer who understands transit liability, government claims procedures, and insurance tactics.
- Follow all medical advice and attend every appointment. Gaps in care can affect your claim.
- Keep records of expenses, medications, and how your injuries affect your daily life.
- Write or video journal your pain levels, mental health struggles, and recovery milestones.
- Preserve physical evidence, such as damaged clothing, photos of the scene, and contact info for witnesses.
Doing these things early can protect your claim and make it easier to prove damages later. Fannin Litigation Group can guide you through each step, so nothing gets missed.
Understanding Liability in Spokane Bus Accidents
Determining fault in a bus accident isn’t always straightforward. That’s because bus crashes often involve more than one responsible party.
In Washington state, buses are considered “common carriers.” This means they owe passengers and the public a higher duty of care under RCW 81.68.040. When that duty is breached by speeding, failing to yield, ignoring mechanical issues, or some other failure, multiple entities might be liable.
Here are examples of who may be responsible:
- Bus drivers, if they were distracted, impaired, or violating traffic laws.
- Transit agencies like Spokane Transit Authority, if they failed to properly train or supervise drivers.
- School districts and their transportation contractors, if the crash involved a school bus.
- Bus companies, when they cut corners on inspections or repairs.
- Other drivers, if they caused a chain-reaction crash.
- Maintenance contractors, if faulty parts or repairs led to the accident.
Each scenario requires a different legal strategy. Our firm investigates every angle to help you uncover the truth and build a case for compensation.
Injuries From Bus Accidents Are Often Life-Altering
Because of their large size and heavy weight, crashes involving buses can be catastrophic, even at low speeds. Pedestrians and cyclists are at the highest risk of suffering life-altering injuries in a bus collision.
Common injuries in bus accident cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from falls or blunt-force impact
- Spinal cord damage resulting in limited mobility or paralysis
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries, including crushed limbs and pelvic trauma
- Internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding
- Soft tissue damage, including herniated discs, torn ligaments, and severe whiplash
- Facial injuries and dental trauma from windshield or seat impact
- Burns, lacerations, and scarring from broken glass or metal
- Amputations or crush injuries, especially in pedestrian or rollover collisions
- Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
We work with clients facing every kind of post-crash diagnosis, from traumatic brain injuries to orthopedic surgeries. Whether you or your family member received care at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, MultiCare Deaconess Hospital, or Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, we’ll gather medical records, document care, work with your doctors, and build a case grounded in your specific recovery needs.
Bus Accidents in Spokane Involving Public, School, and Private Carriers
In one recent year, Washington reported 201 bus accidents, including 59 injury crashes and five fatalities. Spokane sees its share of these, especially on high-traffic routes like Sprague Avenue, Division Street, and Interstate 90.
The type of bus involved often affects the legal path forward:
- School bus accidents may involve Spokane Public Schools or other districts, requiring special notice procedures under RCW 4.96.020.
- Transit bus crashes could involve the Spokane Transit Authority (STA), and government liability claims must follow strict rules.
- Private charter or tour bus incidents may involve commercial insurance and different liability standards.
Each case requires specific legal knowledge. We move cases through the unique legal and procedural differences between school districts, transit authorities, and private companies.
What Compensation Might Include in a Spokane Bus Accident Case
Every case is different, but if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to pursue damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Costs of therapy or in-home assistance
- Wrongful death damages, if a loved one passed away due to the crash
We build every case from the ground up, gathering evidence, calculating losses, and preparing for trial from day one.
FAQs About Spokane Bus Accident Attorneys
What is the deadline for filing a bus accident lawsuit in Washington?
In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the crash under RCW 4.16.080. But if a government entity is involved, such as STA or a school district, you must also file a tort claim notice within a shorter time. Missing deadlines can bar your claim entirely.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Possibly. Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule (RCW 4.22.005), which means you can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame, though your award may be reduced accordingly. Our Spokane bus accident lawyers defend you and your claim against undue blame for the accident and fight to preserve your right to full compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a Spokane bus accident attorney?
Fannin Litigation Group works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front. Our fee comes from the recovery we secure for you, so there’s no risk to reaching out for help.
What if my child was hurt in a school bus accident?
Injuries involving children can trigger different legal timelines and processes. Claims against school districts or contractors require prompt action. We can walk you through the process and help protect your child’s legal rights.
Do I need a lawyer, or can I handle a bus accident claim on my own?
Bus accident claims are some of the most complex personal injury cases, especially when government agencies are involved. These entities often have legal teams and insurance carriers working against you. Hiring a lawyer gives you a voice and a team that knows how to fight for full and fair compensation.
Injured in a Spokane Bus Accident? Call Fannin Litigation Group for a Free Consultation Today
You shouldn’t have to bear the consequences of a bus accident on your own. Whether the accident happened near Gonzaga University, along Monroe Street, or on your child’s school route, we’re here to help you make sense of what happened and what comes next.
At Fannin Litigation Group, we don’t take every case. But if we’re a good fit, we go all in. You’ll work directly with our experienced Spokane personal injury lawyers, not a case manager or assistant. And we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you, so there is no financial risk to you.
Spokane is our home. We know the streets, the courtrooms, the agencies, and the pressure you’re under right now. Most of all, we know how to make the civil justice system work for you.
Start with a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 by appointment. Call (509)328-8204 or contact us online to find out how we can help you move forward.
Fannin Litigation Group, P.S. – Spokane office Location
Address: 1312 N. Monroe Street, Spokane, Washington 99201
Contact No: 509-328-8204
ATTORNEY PATRICK K. FANNIN
Patrick K. Fannin brings a unique combination of legal excellence, practical business experience, and genuine community connection to every case he handles. As the owner of Fannin Litigation Group, he has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy and superior results in complex personal injury matters throughout Washington State and beyond. [ATTORNEY BIO]
If you are hurt, call Patrick immediately. Not only is he an amazing human being, he is an incredible attorney. Patient, tenacious, dedicated, compassionate, knowledgeable and wise… I could go on and on. Pat has helped me win several cases. The most memorable has to be a personal injury case against a major computer retailer. Pat has a way of making you feel like everything is going to be okay, and it will be. He brings peace of mind instantly, and you can feel his honesty and care right away. He is genuine, through and through. And he’s also a fighter, with his biggest weapon being his knowledge of the law and his creative use of it. He will uncover all of the rocks and help you carry them. If you are still considering other attorneys, forget about it. Call Pat. / Brandon Hunter
Our private , small neighborhood was under attack by a malicious and unwarranted lawsuit. We hired Pat Fannin to represent all of us and to settle this case without loosing any of our rights. Mr. Fannin did an outstanding job prioritizing our needs and getting us exactly what we needed. He is extremely personal, prompt and knowledgeable. We can now rest easy in our fabulous neighborhood. Hopefully we will not need his services again, but if we do, we would be honored to hire him again. / Patricia Graham
Pat is the best! Knowledgeable, caring, honest and goes above and beyond to help his clients. At the time I came in, I was like a zombie who thought her life was over due to a car accident. I reached out to other attorneys until my friend recommended Pat. Other attorneys didn't even meet me, they had some assistant fill out a basic form. Pat sat down with me, had compassion for my injury, and walked me through every step. It was his knowledge and guidance that sent me down the path of recovery where I am once again a functional adult with no debt from my accident. Highly recommend!!! / Ted Smith
Recent Blog
Calculating pain and suffering in Washington involves evaluating how an injury affects your daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, these non-economic damages lack receipts or invoices, making them harder to quantify but no less real. Many people assume insurers use a simple formula to determine what pain and suffering is worth. In reality, Washington law provides no mandatory calc [read more]
