Two people were injured after a Metro bus crashed into several parked cars in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday night, March 20, 2024.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the accident happened at about 11:40 p.m. around the area of Olympic Boulevard and Georgia Street near the GRAMMY Museum at LA Live.
The LAPD said that a man allegedly threatened the Metro bus driver with a gun. During the struggle, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into several parked cars near the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Police ultimately captured the suspect after he ran off the bus in an attempt to escape. The weapon the suspect used to threaten the Metro driver was determined to be a replica of a gun.
The driver of the bus and a woman occupying one of the parked vehicles involved were hospitalized with moderate injuries.
Further details were not available immediately. Investigations are ongoing.
Award-Winning Bus Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA
When a bus accident occurs, it may be possible to claim compensation for the victims and their families, especially if they were injured or lost a loved one in the accident. In any case, the best chance of achieving maximum settlement is by hiring a good lawyer. Worry not, our Los Angeles law firm is here for you!
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case with our dedicated injury lawyers. They are qualified legal professionals who will guide you through the necessary steps and consider all other factors affecting your settlement offer. Additionally, they can assist you if obtaining further information or a police report proves challenging.
Consult with our renowned Los Angeles bus accident attorneys at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who will assist you with your insurance claim or represent you throughout these proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million in settlements and verdicts for our California clients.
If you want to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What To Do After a Bus Accident in Los Angeles, CA
No one can predict a bus collision, but you can prepare for one. An accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a bus crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. When in doubt, give us a call. Keep our phone number, (888) 488-1391, in your contacts or written down if the worst occurs. You aren’t alone after a serious collision.
Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a bus accident:
- Get to a Safe Location – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions.
- Stay Composed – Stay on the scene, check yourself for injuries first, and then check others.
- Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. They can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
- Exchange Information – Ask for the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other important details.
- Do Not Admit Fault – This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident. Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer, but be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
- Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital or your primary doctor immediately. Immediate medical care can help lessen the harm you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
- Report to Your Insurance Company – Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Contact immediately and follow the agent’s directions for reporting the collision.
- Speak to Insurance Adjusters – You may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company as soon as the day of the accident. If you wish to speak with the claims adjuster, do not provide any more information than is absolutely necessary. Consult an attorney before recording a statement or accepting an insurance settlement offer.
- Create a File – Organize and maintain accident-related documents. A copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected should be included in your file.
- Consult with our award-winning bus accident attorneys in California – We offer free consultations, so you can discuss your bus crash without risk or obligation. Our California bus accident attorneys can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.
Bus Accident Statistics
The number of registered buses in California was 100,828 as of 2020, according to Statista. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records indicated 176 fatalities related to bus accidents during that same period. A total of 131 fatalities were reported on school buses and transit buses. There was a decrease in the number of incidents from the previous year (261 in 2019), but the statistics still remain high.
An accident involving a bus may have a variety of causes and consequences. In many cases, distracted driving on the part of the bus driver or even jaywalking on the part of the pedestrian is what causes pedestrian accidents. Whether you are walking or diving, you need to know how bus accidents are caused.
Between 2011 and 2020, drivers of other vehicles were responsible for 70% of fatalities in school bus accidents, while pedestrians were responsible for 16%.