Stewart O’Leary Injured in Bus Accident on Interstate 45 [Bellevue, WA]

Bellevue Accident Hurts Northshore School District Bus Driver

Bellevue, WA (February 13, 2025) – Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore School District bus driver, was injured following a bus accident on Interstate 45 Friday afternoon.

The accident happened while he was taking a group of high school girl basketball players from North Creek High School to a game.

Officers said the metal bar flew through the windshield and struck O’Leary in the chest. 

Two coaches who were on the bus assisted O’Leary and called 911.

O’Leary managed to slow the bus to the shoulder without hitting any vehicle.

He was transported to the hospital and treated for a serious bruise to the chest, and glass shards that struck his face.

Meanwhile, at the district’s bus office in Bothell, the shattered glass windshield has been put up for display as co-workers leave notes showing their appreciation and pride for O’Leary’s effort.

Drive Safely and Prevent Accidents

Traffic collisions can happen anytime, but their impact lasts a lifetime. Stay alert, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence. Always wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. Keep a safe distance between vehicles and adjust your speed for road conditions.

File a Personal Injury Claim in Case of Traffic Collision

A personal injury claim following a traffic collision is a legal process that allows an injured party to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the accident. These claims arise when a driver’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions lead to an accident resulting in injuries.

The first step in pursuing a personal injury claim is to establish fault. This normally involved gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographs of the accident scene. A skilled attorney from Sweet Lawyers can help establish who was responsible for the accident, which is indeed, necessary for determining liability.

Once fault is established, the injured party can then pursue compensation for damages which may include but are not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Consequently, medical documentation and expert testimony are essential for proving the extent of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.

Meanwhile, it’s important to note that the statute of limitations, or the time frame within which a personal injury claim must be filed, varies by state. If a claim is not filed within this window, the victim and the victim’s family may lose the right to seek compensation.

A personal injury claim in a traffic collision can be complex, but it offers an essential avenue for the victims to recover damages and hold negligent drivers accountable.

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