Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyers
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Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyers Help Injured Victims Find A Legal Path Forward
Los Angeles, California, is one of the most culturally diverse and economically dynamic cities in the United States. Known throughout the world as L.A., the entertainment capital of the country, is home to approximately 3.8 million people. Only New York City is larger than Los Angeles, which is famous for its excellent weather, splendid coastline, and ethnic diversity. Residents of Los Angeles take advantage of all the amenities that come with living in a global city.
Due to its large population, the city of Los Angeles offers residents many different modes of transportation for getting around the sprawling metropolis. Visitors and locals use the Los Angeles Metro bus system, charter buses, tour buses, and other commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, bus accidents are common in Southern California and across the United States. In 2015, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) documented approximately sixty-seven thousand bus accidents.
Although bus accidents occur less frequently than car accidents or truck accidents, victims of bus accidents often suffer serious bodily injuries. Head-on collisions, rollover accidents, distracted driving, and engine failure are some of the most common causes of bus accidents in the United States. Depending on the facts of a particular bus accident, a governmental entity or a private corporation may be liable for the injuries suffered by victims.
Filing a claim against a public agency involves navigating a detailed and often complex set of legal procedures. In these cases, seeking guidance from a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer with experience in these matters can be helpful for victims seeking compensation for their losses.
With the help of Los Angeles bus accident lawyers, you can potentially streamline the process of communicating with insurance companies to pursue a settlement that reflects your damages. However, if a settlement is not forthcoming, an experienced bus accident attorney can advocate for your right to a jury trial.
Medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress can all make the recovery period more stressful. Financial insecurity can lead to anxiety and depression. By contacting a Los Angeles bus accident attorney, you can explore ways to pursue compensation for these losses.
That said, you can reach out to a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles who can handle the complicated task of seeking monetary compensation on your behalf.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Bus Accident Data
Bus accidents caused approximately two hundred and thirty fatalities in 2017. This number represents only a one percent decrease from the number of fatalities caused by bus accidents in 2016. During one decade (2007-2017), buses in metropolitan areas caused approximately thirteen percent of the total fatal bus accidents in the United States. The largest percentage of fatalities occurred on school buses, and approximately thirty-five percent of bus fatalities took place on transit buses.
In 2017 alone, thirteen metropolitan buses were involved in deadly accidents. However, this number represents the fewest number of fatal bus accidents in the history of record-keeping performed by the FMCSA.
Distracted driving and human mistakes are the main causes of bus accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Individuals who drive buses must be vigilant and attentive while transporting passengers. During this time, a simple error can cause a bus accident to occur.
Negligence is a significant component of a majority of bus accidents. For example, city bus drivers may not possess adequate training. Therefore, the municipality may be held liable for your injuries.
Our skilled Los Angeles bus accident lawyers can help you identify the individuals and entities who may be responsible for your injuries. Understanding these elements of your case is important if you decide to pursue compensation for these and other losses.
Common Bus Accidents In Los Angeles
School bus accidents are typically divided into three categories based on whether drivers, pedestrians, or passengers are the parties involved in the accident.
- Drivers — Drivers might take their eyes off the road or operate their vehicle in a reckless manner that endangers the lives of others. For example, they may attempt to pass a bus and lose control of their vehicle. A driver must maintain a distance of ten feet between their vehicle and a bus. Some follow buses too closely, and they do not have time to come to a complete stop if the bus makes a turn or brakes suddenly.
- Pedestrians — Some bus drivers may get distracted or fall asleep while going at high speeds. These actions can place every vehicle around the bus in immediate danger of suffering serious bodily injury or death. Pedestrians who are struck by buses are likely to suffer fractured bones, road rash, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Passengers — During a bus accident, passengers may be tossed back and forth or ejected through the windows of the bus. They may suffer serious bodily injuries by colliding with other passengers, bus seats, and windows.
Charter Bus Accidents
Private buses are often used by individuals for hosting parties, conducting tours, or embarking on luxury excursions. Unfortunately, the companies that operate them may not maintain the buses in good working order. In other cases, its drivers might not possess the license required to operate a commercial bus. If a bus malfunctions or is driven incorrectly, it can cause passengers and other motorists to suffer serious bodily injury or death. The passengers may not know that the bus on which they are traveling is unsafe.
Shuttle Bus Accidents
University students often use shuttle buses to get from place to place on large campuses. Also, hotels use shuttle buses to transport guests to and from airports. Many of these vehicles are difficult to operate due to their unique dimensions. All bus drivers have a duty to operate their buses in the manner of a reasonably prudent person. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents involving shuttle buses. Among the most common types of distraction while driving are eating food and texting.
Freight Bus Accident
Freight buses carry goods to various destinations. The majority of them are forty feet long and can hold a maximum of thirty-three thousand pounds. However, longer freight buses can transport up to sixty-five thousand pounds. Sometimes, they may be loaded with too many items, which can potentially cause accidents that endanger motorists and passengers nearby.
Public Transit Bus Accidents
Individuals who do not have their own mode of transportation must rely on public transit. Unfortunately, many accidents in urban areas involve public transit buses. For instance, impatient drivers may attempt to pass buses too quickly and cause collisions. Most public transit buses are large; therefore, many drivers find themselves in the bus driver’s blind spot.
If drivers are not attentive while switching lanes near buses, they can cause accidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Also, bus drivers must be extremely cautious when changing lanes to avoid colliding with other vehicles on the road.
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents In Los Angeles
It can be difficult to determine which party is liable for your injuries. More than one entity can potentially be held responsible. The following are some of the most common causes of bus accidents in Los Angeles, California:
- Overcrowded Passengers — Weight limits exist to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. All operators who drive vehicles that weigh more than 26,001 pounds must obtain a class B commercial driver’s license. Specific passenger endorsements are necessary if a bus carries more than sixteen passengers. It is important to note that the driver is also included when calculating the total number of passengers. If more than sixteen passengers are transported, then it is more likely that the driver will lose control of the vehicle or cause an accident.
- Street Hazards — Buses are not designed to pass over specific types of terrain. Some roads may not be safe for them to take. It is more likely that a bus accident will occur when excessive rain and dangerous conditions cause hazards, such as potholes.
- Mechanical Problems — All buses need to be maintained consistently. Regular safety checks are necessary to make sure buses are dependable and safe. Otherwise, mechanical failures may increase the likelihood of serious bodily injury and death.
- Driving While Intoxicated — Drivers under the influence do not have the presence of mind and level of alertness necessary to operate a bus safely.
- Fatigue — Sleepiness can sneak up on bus drivers who travel long distances without taking rest stops. They need to stay alert to avoid causing an accident that places the lives of passengers at risk.
- Distracted Driving — Bus drivers may be distracted by eating food, texting while driving, using headphones, or, in school buses, students speaking loudly or yelling. They may be unable to focus on the road while faced with these distractions.
- Speeding — Bus drivers may feel pressured to speed if they’re behind schedule. Although they may not believe they are driving too fast, even slight speeding can be dangerous and put passengers and motorists at risk of suffering serious bodily injury or death.
Injuries Victims Suffer During Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can cause extensive personal injuries and property damage in a short period of time. Their weight, height, and width make them capable of causing catastrophic injuries. Approximately fourteen thousand people suffered injuries during bus accidents in 2015. Also, two hundred and fifty-seven fatalities occurred due to bus accidents in the same year.
Victims may find it difficult to obtain information regarding how to seek financial compensation for their injuries. Due to the complexities that may arise from dealing with public bus operators such as counties, cities, and states, many bus accident cases require dedicated time and effort. Pursuing a claim against private bus companies can be a similarly complex process for individuals who are unfamiliar with the laws that apply to these vehicles and the accidents they may cause.
Our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers have handled similar cases before. They can investigate your injuries and study how you can pursue compensation under the laws that apply to your claim.
The following are some of the most common injuries that occur during bus accidents in Los Angeles, California:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries — Traumatic brain injuries can cause extensive neurological damage. Bus accident victims are often thrown with great force inside the bus as it rocks during an accident. Many victims suffer traumatic brain injuries when they collide with seats, windows, and the floor of the bus. The following are some of the most common symptoms that occur due to traumatic brain injuries:
- Changes in appetite
- Numb fingers and toes
- Fluids exiting the ears and nostrils
- Grand mal or petit seizures
- Losing consciousness
- Altered mood
- Loss of memory
- Impaired vision
- Light sensitivity
- Sound sensitivity
- Confusion
- Impaired speech
- Sleepiness
- Sudden vomiting
- Persistent nausea
- Severe headaches
Traumatic brain injuries can produce symptoms that last for weeks or months. The severity of the injury often determines how long symptoms remain noticeable and persistent.
- Spinal Cord Injury — Spinal cord injuries can alter the course of an individual’s life. Bus accidents are dangerous, and many victims experience spinal cord injuries when they are thrown out of a bus and strike the pavement or another hard surface. The three different sections of the spinal cord include the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine. Different accidents can affect separate areas of the spinal cord.
- Lumbar Spine Injury or Thoracic Spine Injury — The entire spine is a sensitive area of the body. If any area of the spinal cord suffers an injury, the victim may lose the ability to control their legs. Also, spinal cord injuries can cause problems with the bladder and the digestive system. Decreased sexual function may also occur due to a spinal cord injury.
- Cervical Spine Injury — The cervical spine is a sensitive area of the body. Sometimes one injury can cause damage to the cervical spine, the lumbar spine, and the thoracic spine. Those who suffer cervical spine injuries may lose the ability to use their arms and suffer impaired breathing. The following are some of the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury:
- Stinging pain
- Problems with digestion
- Tingling sensation in the extremities
- Impaired breathing
- Numbness
- Sudden muscle spasms
- Weak muscles
- Neck Injuries and Whiplash — The soft tissue of the neck is vulnerable, and bus accidents can potentially damage this part of the body. Sudden impacts can cause extensive damage to the neck. However, whiplash symptoms do not usually appear immediately after an accident. Many days may pass before an individual begins to experience neck pain due to whiplash. The most common symptoms of neck injuries and whiplash include the following:
- Shoulder pain, back pain, and arm pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Impaired concentration
- Burning sensation
- Impaired vision
- Confusion
- Severe headaches
- Muscle swelling
- General neck pain
- Lacerations — Glass, metal, and other sharp materials may cause lacerations and other severe injuries. Most lacerations require immediate medical treatment, and sometimes individuals must undergo surgery to treat their injuries. Unfortunately, many lacerations may cause scarring.
- Fractured Bones — Passengers who suffer injuries during bus accidents are often subject to the force that arises when the bus makes contact with another object. Many passengers are slammed against seats and other objects inside the bus. Fractured bones are quite common during bus accidents. The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with fractured bones:
- Bone protruding through the skin.
- Bruising or swelling.
- Unable to move a particular limb.
- Severe pain throughout the injured area.
The following are other common injuries that victims suffer during bus accidents:
- Amputated limbs
- Carbon monoxide inhalation
- Stab wounds
- Bullet wounds
- Severe burns
- Severed extremities
- Disabilities
- Partial or complete paralysis
The injuries that bus accident victims suffer may impair their ability to work or take care of themselves. Many individuals require extensive medical treatment and long-term physical therapy. Some victims may have to deal with the psychological trauma of disfigurement, mental impairment, and permanent disability.
The Parties Who May Be Liable For Your Bus Accident
Bus accidents can happen under many different circumstances. One important question that is essential to your case is which parties are liable for your injuries.
Our Los Angeles bus accident lawyer can help identify parties who may be held accountable for your losses. The following are some of the common entities that are named as defendants in bus accident cases:
- State and Local Governments — Counties, cities, or townships may be responsible for the conditions that gave rise to the bus accident. A driver may have been negligent and caused the bus to roll over. A city may have failed to uproot overgrown tree roots that caused a severe crack in the pavement, which caused the bus accident in which you suffered injuries. Multiple governmental entities may be liable, depending on the circumstances.
- Bus Repair Companies — The business entity that owns the bus may have retained a repair company to maintain buses for the business entity. If a mechanical failure causes your accident, you may be able to bring a claim against the bus repair company for negligence.
- Private Bus Companies — You might bring a claim for negligent hiring if the bus company failed to properly vet or train the driver who caused your accident. It may also be liable for your injuries if the bus company did not create or follow effective safety procedures.
- Manufacturers of Buses and Bus Parts — If a faulty bus part caused your accident, its manufacturers may be liable for the injuries you suffered during a bus accident. The retail business that sold it may also be held responsible for your injuries.
Damages Available In Los Angeles Bus Accidents
After a bus accident, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for the injuries you suffer due to the negligence of another party. The possible damages you can pursue are discussed below. Damages compensate victims after they suffer injuries.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, the court awards punitive damages if the defendant engages in willful, wanton, or malicious conduct. They are intended to deter defendants from committing these extremely negligent actions in the future.
No strict formula exists for calculating the punitive damages amount in any given case. The amount of punitive damages awarded in a case will vary depending on the facts of the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are typically non-quantifiable, but there are exceptions. Most non-economic damages are subjective and may include the following:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems.
- The spouse of the injured victim can claim loss of consortium.
- Loss of love, companionship, and emotional support.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Emotional distress.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are objective and are often quantifiable. A specific value will be associated with economic damages. An individual will calculate economic damages by adding the costs they incurred due to their personal injuries and property damage. The following are common examples of economic damages:
- Expenses and lost opportunities caused by the bus accident.
- Costs of training and education for employment purposes if you suffered a disability due to the bus accident.
- Medical insurance costs and other itemized payments.
- Lost future earnings.
- Lost income.
- Medical bills.
California And Limitations On Damages
Bus accident settlements and personal injury awards, in general, do not have any monetary ceiling. Courts are permitted to award damages in any amount within reason. The exception involves medical malpractice cases in California, which have a limit on pain and suffering damages and other non-economic losses. The cap on these damages is $250,000.
Bus Companies, Liability, And Severe Injuries
Commercial vehicles are regulated in California and other states throughout the country. Regulations enforced by the FMCSA and the state affect how commercial automobiles operate in California, including Los Angeles. Many buses are deemed to be common carriers because they carry passengers.
Common carriers are held to a higher standard of care in California. They must utilize the utmost care and diligence to maintain the health and safety of passengers. They must also possess and use a reasonable degree of skill while operating their vehicles. Bus companies in California must adhere to the following regulations:
- Consistent inspections and regular maintenance.
- Enforced policies regarding random drug tests and blood alcohol levels.
- Limits on the total hours that bus drivers can operate buses.
- Adherence to training and licensing policies for commercial bus operators.
Bus drivers and bus companies may not always comply with these regulations. Failure to follow through on inspections and maintenance can potentially give rise to a negligence claim in the event of a bus accident. In Los Angeles, our bus accident lawyers can work to hold bus companies and bus drivers liable for the injuries you suffered.
The number of defendants in a bus accident case can make it more complex than other personal injury cases. Parties may file counterclaims and cross-claims against each other if they believe they are not liable for the plaintiff’s injuries. Private business entities, municipalities, and individual bus drivers may all be liable for your injuries. Being vigilant and organized when pursuing claims against these parties can help support your case.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Los Angeles City Bus Accident Claims
It is possible to pursue a claim against governmental entities in California, but the statute of limitations associated with these claims is shorter. You must file a claim within six months of the date of the injury if you want to hold a governmental entity liable, such as the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Also, the federal government instituted the Federal Tort Claims Act, which waives sovereign immunity for these entities. Injured individuals are therefore permitted to assert claims against these governmental entities.
The following are requirements associated with the Federal Tort Claims Act:
- A tort claim may be denied after you submit it to the governmental entity, but you may still file a lawsuit, and this lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the denial.
- If the governmental entity admits liability, then you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation for your injuries. The governmental entity may claim the amount you claimed, or it may be a fraction of the amount claimed.
- The governmental entity is given six months to make a decision regarding your claim.
- You must include a specific amount for damages in your tort claim.
- You must assert specific facts regarding your claim so the governmental entity can conduct a reasonable investigation.
A governmental entity, such as a city or county, might be liable for your injuries if a roadway or hazardous condition caused the bus accident in which you suffered injuries. Roads, pavements, and sidewalks may also contain hazardous elements due to overgrown tree roots, environmental damage, or other factors.
Our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers can help review potential claims and identify negligent parties. If your injuries were not caused by a government-owned vehicle, then you have two years from the date of injury within which to file your claims. Some other exceptions may further extend or shorten the applicable deadline in your case. You can discuss these with one of our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers.
Bus Accident Investigations
Adequate investigations are vital to any bus accident case. You must establish the four elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation (actual and proximate), and damages. Proving these elements will validate your claim. The following are common examples of negligence that can cause bus accidents:
- Inadequate maintenance of a bus
- Negligent hiring
- Fatigued driving
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Violating traffic laws
Bus accident lawyers understand how to use the facts of a case to establish the four elements of negligence. Companies also have their own policies and procedures that they are supposed to follow in their daily operations. A skilled bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles can request records and documents that may demonstrate how the bus company did not adhere to the standard of care. Simulations, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts can also help substantiate your claim.
Which Parties Can Bring Claims After A Bus Accident?
Common carriers transport individual passengers, and all buses are common carriers. They must thus adhere to specific duties, including the following:
- Making sure that passengers are safe inside the vehicles and keeping entrances and exits illuminated and free of dangerous conditions.
- Retaining security personnel to protect life and property.
- Maintaining all vehicles in a reasonable manner.
- Hiring drivers who are licensed, qualified, and well-trained.
- Keeping abreast of important repairs and defects affecting all vehicles.
Any individuals who suffer injuries in a bus accident may be able to file a claim against the bus company, the driver, and other potentially liable parties. The possible victims may include family members of decedents, bus drivers, passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians, and passengers. Even a victim who slips and falls inside a bus may hold the bus and the bus driver liable for their injuries.
Many different scenarios and facts can give rise to a bus accident case. No two cases will have the same facts. You may thus wish to take as many notes about your bus accident as you can. Recording any important information and relaying it to your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help them investigate your accident and see if you have a claim.
What To Do If You Are Injured In A Bus Accident
Call 911 immediately and make sure that you and the people around you are not seriously harmed. Request emergency medical attention if anyone is seriously injured. After you are sure you have received medical treatment for your injuries, you should obtain as much evidence as possible regarding the accident. The following are important items of evidence related to bus accidents:
- Written notes about the accident and its causes.
- Photographs of the incident scene and the injuries you sustained.
- Medical records and police reports.
- Witness statements.
- Witness contact information.
Reach out to our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers to learn whether you have a case. You may have to file a tort claim against a governmental entity. If so, you need to make sure you do not miss any important deadlines. Our team can help you understand what pursuing compensation may involve in your circumstances and guide you through the claims process.
You may have reached out to the representative of the bus company or an insurance claims adjuster regarding your injuries. Since they may not know about the full extent of your losses at this point, they may offer you a settlement amount that doesn’t adequately compensate you. A bus accident lawyer can communicate with insurance companies for you and negotiate a settlement that better aligns with the value of your damages.
Contact Arash Law’s Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyers
The personal injury law firm of Arash Law helps clients seek financial compensation for their injuries. We have decades of experience representing them in bus accident cases and other types of personal injury claims. We can review your case to see how we can advocate for your rights when negotiating with at-fault parties and their insurance companies.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers also serve surrounding areas, such as East Los Angeles, Huntington Park, Maywood, Walnut Park, Commerce, Bell, Glendale, South Pasadena, Monterey Park, South Gate, Cudahy, West Hollywood, Alhambra, Montebello, and Bell Gardens.
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