Key Takeaways
- People injured in accidents involving TriMet generally need to file a tort claim notice within 180 days of the injury.
- TriMet, Portland’s bus system, operates 610 vehicles across bus, light rail, and commuter rail services throughout the Portland metro.
- As a public agency, TriMet is responsible for the safety of its vehicles and the actions of its drivers.
- Riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists hurt in TriMet crashes may have claims, which follow the same framework as other government claims.
- TriMet self-insures its commercial general and auto liability, so it handles claims and determines fault itself rather than through an outside insurer.
TriMet is Portland’s bus system, short for “Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon.” It operates 610 vehicles (bus, light rail, and commuter rail transit services) throughout the Portland metro. If you suffered serious injuries while riding a TriMet bus, or were injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist in a crash, contact the Portland bus accident lawyers at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC.
Contact Our Portland Bus Accident Lawyer
IMPORTANT: People injured in accidents involving TriMet need to file a tort claim notice generally within 180 days of the injury, so contact a lawyer right away.
Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC’s TriMet Experience
Lawyers with Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC have considerable experience representing plaintiffs in high-value injury cases following TriMet accidents. Attorney Jane Paulson represented a woman who was run over in the crosswalk by a TriMet bus and lost her leg. You can read more about that case here.
Legal Options After a TriMet Bus Accident
TriMet is a public agency that is responsible for the safety of its vehicles and actions of its drivers. If you were harmed by or on a TriMet bus, we may be able to help you file a claim. TriMet has been sued in the past. For example, in April 2010 the agency was sued after a TriMet driver struck and killed two people and injured three others, an accident that prompted a safety review. The driver operating the bus at the time was not convicted of any criminal charges, but did get six traffic citations and was fired by TriMet.
“At Paulson Coletti, ‘liberty and justice for all’ is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.”
A bicyclist from North Portland suffered a broken spine when he was hit by a pickup truck. He ended up suing the city of Portland, TriMet, and the Oregon Department of Transportation, claiming that the bike lane in that area was much too small and dangerous. This might seem strange, until you know that TriMet was involved in the redesign of that stretch of road the bicyclist was injured on (North Interstate Avenue). In such a case, a bicycle accident attorney in Portland can fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.
TriMet claims follow the same framework as other government claims. Learn about filing an injury claim against the state of Oregon.
TriMet Self-Insures All Commercial Liability
According to TriMet, the agency self-insures all commercial general liability and auto liability as required by Oregon’s statutes. Because the agency is self-insured, it does not work with a third-party insurance agency to file claims, respond to claims, and determine fault. TriMet handles all its claims itself. This is important for two reasons: a company will vehemently protect its own interests, and TriMet employees will know their company inside and out. You need a Portland bus accident attorney in your corner who knows the law, how to apply it appropriately, and who is trial-ready.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Ready to Handle Your TriMet Bus Accident Claim
Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC is a “Best Law Firms” rated practice that is ready and equipped to handle even the most complex cases. While many law firms are content to “dabble” in Portland personal injury litigation, we thrive on it. Our tenacity and trial-readiness could work to your advantage if you or someone you love was injured by TriMet. Contact us today for a free review and learn if you have a case!