Pendleton Bus Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Bus Accident in Eastern Oregon? We Hold Public and Private Bus Companies Accountable

Bus accidents are complex and high-impact. Whether they involve public transit, school buses, or private motorcoaches, these collisions often result in serious injuries, multiple victims, and complicated liability.

At Hess Injury Law, our Pendleton bus accident lawyers represent injured passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers in Pendleton and throughout Umatilla County who were harmed due to negligence involving buses.

If you were injured in a bus crash, you may be facing mounting medical bills, missed work, insurance confusion, and unclear legal options. Our firm is here to guide you forward, protect your rights, and demand the compensation you deserve—no matter who the responsible party is.

Types of Bus Accident Cases We Handle

Bus accident cases require a thorough investigation, immediate evidence preservation, and the ability to deal with large corporate or government entities. We represent victims injured in:

  • Public transit bus accidents involving city or regional transportation systems
  • School bus accidents, including injuries to children or other drivers
  • Private bus or shuttle crashes involving tour operators, church groups, and charter services
  • Commercial long-haul bus collisions involving companies like Greyhound or FlixBus
  • Casino or tribal shuttle incidents operating throughout Eastern Oregon
  • Bus stop and pedestrian zone accidents, including unsafe pickup/drop-off areas

We also handle wrongful death claims for families who have lost loved ones in fatal bus accidents on I-84, U.S. 395, Highway 11, or city roads in and around Pendleton.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Crash?

Bus accidents often involve more than just the driver. We identify every party whose actions—or inactions—contributed to the crash. Potentially liable entities may include:

  • The bus driver, for reckless or impaired operation
  • A public entity, such as a transit agency or school district
  • A private company, like a charter operator or tour business
  • A third-party contractor, such as a maintenance provider
  • A manufacturer, in cases involving defective vehicle parts
  • A municipality, if dangerous road design contributed to the accident

If the bus was government-owned, special notice deadlines apply under Oregon’s Tort Claims Act. Our team handles all filings, deadlines, and procedural requirements to protect your claim.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Pendleton, OR

Many bus accidents are caused by preventable human error or company negligence. We routinely investigate cases involving:

  • Driver fatigue or distraction (including phone use or failure to check blind spots)
  • Operating a bus while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication
  • Speeding, aggressive turns, or running traffic signals
  • Poor driver training or supervision
  • Failure to maintain brakes, tires, steering, or safety systems
  • Overcrowded or unsafely loaded buses
  • Unsafe school bus pickup/drop-off procedures

Our firm builds each case with the assumption it may go to trial. We collect driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, surveillance footage, and witness statements to support your claim.

Injuries Commonly Associated With Bus Collisions

Due to the size and weight of buses—and the fact that passengers often aren’t secured with seat belts—injuries from bus crashes can be catastrophic. We represent clients suffering from:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Complex fractures and crush injuries
  • Severe lacerations or amputations
  • Internal organ damage
  • Psychological trauma (especially in children)
  • Fatal injuries requiring wrongful death actions

These are life-altering cases. Our legal team works with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to evaluate long-term costs and fight for full financial recovery.

Compensation Available in an Oregon Bus Accident Claim

If you were seriously injured due to negligence in a bus accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Depending on your case, we may pursue damages for:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Permanent impairment or disability
  • Disfigurement or loss of quality of life
  • Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

We don’t accept low settlement offers from large transportation insurers. We build strong cases backed by evidence and support, so you’re positioned to receive what your case is truly worth.

Why Clients in Pendleton Trust Hess Injury Law

Bus accident litigation is highly technical and fiercely defended. You need a law firm with deep knowledge of both Oregon tort law and the federal transportation regulations that govern commercial and municipal bus carriers.

Clients choose Hess Injury Law because we offer:

  • A proven personal injury practice rooted in Pendleton
  • Experience handling public and private transportation claims
  • Local insight into regional bus routes, school systems, and city infrastructure
  • Direct access to your attorney—not a call center or junior associate
  • A no-fee-unless-we-win policy, so you don’t pay out of pocket

We know how these companies defend their cases. And we know how to beat them.

Act Quickly—Oregon Law Limits the Time to File

Most personal injury claims in Oregon must be filed within two years. However, when a public entity is involved—such as a city transit agency or school district—you may be required to file a formal tort claim notice within 180 days of the accident.

Delays can also make it harder to preserve evidence, access video recordings, or identify witnesses. Contacting a lawyer early puts you in the best position to protect your rights.

Contact a Pendleton Bus Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus crash in Pendleton, don’t try to navigate the system on your own. Bus companies and their insurers act fast to minimize their liability—so should you.

Hess Injury Law in Oregon provides experienced, local legal representation to those hurt in serious transportation accidents. Contact us through our website today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to fight for the outcome you deserve.