Nobody expects to be injured while riding the bus, nor does anyone think about getting hit by a bus while going about their day, yet bus accidents are astonishingly frequent in the U.S.
Bus crashes on major roadways like NE 8th Street, Bellevue Way NE, and I-90 are not uncommon. When they happen, the impact is often devastating due to the size and weight of the vehicle and the number of people involved, including bus passengers and other motorists.
If a Bellevue bus crash left you with physical pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about what to do next, a Bellevue bus accident lawyer with Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help. They know the serious consequences of collisions involving buses and other heavy vehicles, and will work relentlessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Your Bellevue Bus Accident Case?
After a bus accident, choosing the right legal help is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, clients in Bellevue trust Chong H. Ye — a dedicated Bellevue personal injury lawyer — because he delivers more than just excellent legal representation; he offers compassionate, personal attention rooted in real-life experiences.
Real care, real results
Chong started his firm after seeing how poorly his own family was treated by the legal system following a serious car crash. Today, he takes every case personally. His clients often share testimonials that Chong made them feel heard, informed, and cared for during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
A history of success
Chong has recovered millions of dollars for victims of serious injuries throughout the Puget Sound region. His track record shows that he’s not afraid to take on large insurance companies or bus operators—and he’s prepared to take cases to trial when needed.
Support for Non-English Speakers
Chong Ye provides legal services in English, Spanish, and Korean. This matters when you're recovering from an injury and the legal language already feels difficult. Chong’s multilingual background helps non-English speaking clients feel confident and respected throughout the process.
No legal fees unless you win
The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers operates on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. You can call now for a free consultation—no pressure, no cost.
Why Bus Accidents Are So Dangerous
Bus accidents aren’t like typical car crashes. Their size, passenger load, and lack of standard safety features all contribute to the risk of serious injury. While buses are designed to carry more people, they often do so with minimal restraint systems and higher centers of gravity, factors that make them particularly hazardous in a crash.
Common types of bus accidents include:
- School bus crashes – Often occur in neighborhoods or school zones.
- Transit bus accidents – Involve city buses like King County Metro vehicles.
- Charter bus collisions – Frequently involve long-distance travel and private companies.
- Tour bus crashes – Can occur near Bellevue's attractions or scenic routes.
- Shuttle and commuter bus accidents – Often used between cities or to business campuses.
- Intercity buses – Such as Greyhound or BoltBus, using I-5 and I-90 corridors.
Passengers inside buses usually do not have seat belts. Even when seat belts are available, Washington law does not require passengers to use them in most public transportation settings. The lack of airbag protection and the layout of standing or seated passengers can make injuries more severe, particularly when buses tip over or collide with other vehicles.
Certain areas in Bellevue are especially prone to bus crashes. High-traffic intersections like NE 8th Street & 116th Avenue NE or busy corridors like the Eastgate Park & Ride and Factoria Boulevard are common locations for transit collisions due to congestion and frequent stops.
Bus Accidents in Bellevue and Beyond
A bus is a vehicle that is designed to carry the driver and eight or more passengers, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This definition encompasses school buses, transit buses, cross-country motor coaches, and other common vehicles, including smaller van buses.
According to federal data, 13,452 bus accidents were recorded nationwide in one recent year. These accidents resulted in 203 deaths and 6,680 injuries.
Washington accounted for 201 of the nation’s bus crashes. Five of those were fatal, and 59 resulted in injuries.
Bellevue, WA, has seen an increase in bus-related accidents in recent years as both population and public transportation usage have grown. King County Metro, Sound Transit, and school buses all operate heavily throughout the area, which contributes to both the risk and the complexity of bus accident cases.
Intersections near the Bellevue Transit Center and on routes like SR 520 and I-405 are particularly high-risk areas, given the mix of buses, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians nearby.
This is more than a traffic issue; it’s a public safety concern. Every bus accident affects not just those on board, but also cyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers nearby.
What Causes Bus Accidents?
There are many reasons bus accidents happen. Some of the most common include:
- Driver fatigue – Long shifts without breaks can cause bus drivers to lose focus.
- Distracted driving – Bus drivers may be managing passengers, GPS systems, or radio dispatches.
- Speeding or unsafe lane changes – Large buses require more time to stop or adjust.
- Inadequate training – Some drivers may not be properly prepared to handle emergencies or weather conditions.
- Poor maintenance – Bald tires, worn brakes, and faulty signals are preventable hazards.
- Defective parts – Manufacturer defects can lead to equipment failures mid-route.
- Negligent third-party drivers – Other drivers’ mistakes often contribute to or cause the crash.
Identifying the cause of the crash is a critical first step in determining who may be legally responsible. Knowing what went wrong allows your attorney to pinpoint liable parties and build a strong foundation for pursuing compensation after a serious Bellevue bus accident.
Do I Have a Bus Accident Claim?
If you were injured in a bus accident in Bellevue, you may have a valid claim for compensation, but only if certain legal standards are met. Personal injury claims are based on negligence. In simple terms, negligence means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused your injuries.
To successfully pursue a claim, your lawyer must show:
- Duty of care – The bus driver, bus company, or another party had a legal obligation to keep you safe.
- Breach of duty – That person or company failed to meet that obligation.
- Causation – Their actions (or inaction) directly caused your injuries.
- Damages – You suffered actual harm—medical bills, lost income, pain, etc.
You don’t have to sort this. A skilled Bellevue bus accident lawyer with Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can review your case, gather evidence, and explain what legal options are available to you.
Don’t Fight with the Insurance Companies
Once a bus accident occurs, insurance companies don’t wait. You might get a call within days or even hours offering a quick settlement. But these early offers are often far less than you’re entitled to. Insurers count on the fact that you're hurt, stressed, and not yet thinking clearly about long-term medical bills, future lost wages, or chronic pain.
Chong Ye deals with insurance adjusters every day. He knows their tactics and how they try to minimize payouts. When you let Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers handle communications with insurers, you gain a strong advocate who knows how to build a case that fully reflects what you’ve endured. Let our personal injury firm take on the legal stress so you can focus on your recovery.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Bus Accident Case?
Bus crashes are often more complex than regular vehicle collisions. That’s because there are multiple parties who may be legally responsible, depending on how the crash occurred. At The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we investigate thoroughly to determine who should be held accountable.
Liable parties in a Bellevue bus accident may include:
- The bus driver – if they were distracted, fatigued, or operating recklessly.
- The bus company – for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices.
- A government agency – if the bus was operated by a public entity like King County Metro.
- Third-party drivers – who caused the crash by cutting off or colliding with the bus.
- Vehicle or part manufacturers – in cases where faulty equipment contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance contractors – if improper maintenance played a role.
Identifying the responsible party is critical to recovering full compensation. In some cases, more than one party may share liability, which can increase the potential value of your claim.
Common Bus Accident Injuries
Bus accident injuries can be life-altering. Whether the bus accident victim was seated, standing, or a motorist or pedestrian struck by a bus, the trauma is often severe, and the recovery long and difficult.
Some of the most common injuries from bus accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Sudden jolts or impacts can lead to concussions or more serious brain damage that affects memory, mood, and mobility.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine can result in chronic pain, partial or full paralysis, and a lifetime of medical care.
- Fractures and broken bones – Passengers are often thrown against hard surfaces during a crash, leading to multiple fractures.
- Internal injuries – Blunt trauma can harm internal organs, requiring emergency surgery and long-term monitoring.
- Whiplash and neck injuries – Sudden stops or rear-end collisions can stretch or tear neck muscles and ligaments.
- Lacerations and contusions – Flying glass, metal, and unsecured personal items can cause deep cuts and bruising.
- Emotional trauma – The psychological impact of a bus crash, especially for children or pedestrians, can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
These injuries can affect every part of your life. Medical care, therapy, and lost time at work quickly add up. That’s why seeking legal representation early is so important.
What Compensation Is Available to Bus Accident Victims?
If you've been injured in a Bellevue bus crash, you may be entitled to compensation, also known as damages. These damages can be both economic, meaning financial losses, and non-economic, which relate to your emotional and physical suffering.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills – including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehab, and future care needs.
- Lost wages – for time you’ve already missed and income you may lose in the future.
- Pain and suffering – for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – if your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved.
- Disfigurement or disability – if the crash leaves you with lasting physical changes.
- Wrongful death damages – for family members who’ve lost a loved one in a fatal bus crash, covering funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Chong H. Ye works closely with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists to calculate the full value of your claim and ensure you don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Bellevue Bus Accident Case?
As your attorney, Chong H. Ye takes on the legal burden so you don’t have to. Here’s how The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers supports bus accident victims in Bellevue:
- Investigating the accident – gathering surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police and accident reports.
- Working with experts – to understand the full extent of your injuries and the crash’s cause.
- Handling all communication – with insurance companies, the bus company, and other attorneys.
- Negotiating aggressively – to secure the highest possible settlement.
- Preparing for trial – if insurers refuse to make a fair offer.
From the first phone call to the courtroom, Chong is your advocate. He will provide clear answers, practical advice, and tireless representation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bellevue Bus Accident Claims
Is there a deadline for filing a bus accident lawsuit in Washington?
Yes. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving bus accidents, is typically three years from the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation entirely. There are exceptions that could affect your case, so speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I am partly to blame for the bus accident?
Even if you think you may share some responsibility for what happened, you may still be able to recover damages. For example, maybe a bus driver drifted into your lane while you were adjusting your navigation screen. In Washington, the rule of comparative fault allows you to recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of blame.
Can I sue King County Metro or another public transit agency?
Yes, but claims against government entities involve additional procedures and shorter deadlines. You must first file a formal claim with the agency and wait 60 days before filing a lawsuit. An experienced attorney can make sure these steps are handled correctly.
How much does it cost to hire a bus accident lawyer?
At The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, there are no upfront costs to hire us. We only get paid if we recover money for you. This is called a contingency fee arrangement, and it means legal help is available to everyone, regardless of income.
Contact the Bellevue Bus Accident Lawyer at The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers Today
You’ve already been through enough. Now is the time to get the legal support you need and deserve. At The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we believe every injured person in Bellevue should have access to trustworthy, effective legal care. That’s why we offer no-cost consultations and only get paid when you do.
Let us help you understand your options and chart the path forward. Whether you were hurt as a bus passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, we’re ready to listen—and to act. Call (425) 322-0577 today or visit The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule your free consultation.