Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyers
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- Bus Accident Data
- Shuttle Bus Accidents
- The Most Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Los Angeles
- The Parties Who May Be Liable for the Injuries You Suffered During a Bus Accident
- Damages Available
- Economic Damages
- Los Angeles City Bus Accidents
- Which Parties Can Bring Legal Claims After a Bus Accident?
POWERFUL BUS ACCIDENT LAWYERS Defending the Injured in Los Angeles County
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 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.
It can be intimidating to stand up to a county, city, or state when asserting your legal claims. Sometimes the best thing a victim can do is seek out the professional services of an experienced Los Angeles bus accident lawyer.
With the help of a knowledgeable bus accident attorney, you can focus on recovering from your injuries and moving on with your life. Bus accident lawyers can communicate with the insurance company to pursue a settlement offer that makes you whole. However, if a settlement is not forthcoming, an experienced Los Angeles bus accident lawyer can enforce your right to a jury trial. Living through the aftermath of a serious bus accident can be emotionally devastating.
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 pursue financial compensation for your injuries.
By reaching out to a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you can have a legal professional handle the complicated task of seeking monetary compensation on your behalf. You may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident. A bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles can handle legal matters while you heal from your injuries.
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
City bus drivers may not possess adequate training, and therefore the municipality may be liable for your injuries. A skilled Los Angeles bus accident lawyer can help you determine the individuals and entities that may be liable for your injuries. Understanding these elements of your case is extremely important if you want to obtain financial compensation for your injuries.
The Most Common Bus Accidents in Los Angeles
Charter Bus Accidents
Shuttle Bus Accidents
Freight Bus Accident
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. 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
- 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 a specific terrain. Some roads may not be safe for a bus to pass over. 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 on a consistent maintenance schedule. Regular safety checks are necessary to make sure buses are dependable and safe. Buses that are not maintained are more likely to cause accidents. Regular bus maintenance is necessary to reduce the likelihood of serious bodily injury and death.
Driving while intoxicated
– Many bus drivers may take prescribed medication that does not affect their ability to operate a bus in a safe manner. However, some bus drivers may abuse drugs or alcohol and drive a bus while under the influence. Drivers who are intoxicated do not have the presence of mind and level of alertness necessary to drive a bus safely.Bus drivers must not consume alcohol or drugs while operating buses. Drivers who are intoxicated are more likely to cause an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
- Fatigue – Sleepiness can sneak up on bus drivers who travel long distances without taking rest stops. Some drivers may not sleep the night before making a long trip. Bus drivers must make sure that they stay awake 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, or using headphones. Some school buses may contain many students speaking loudly or yelling. Bus drivers may be unable to focus on the road while faced with these distractions. Drivers should not use their mobile phones while operating a bus. Texting while driving is inherently dangerous because it only takes a single moment to cause a bus accident.
- Driving at excessive rates of speed – Bus drivers may feel pressured to speed if they are late arriving at the places where they are supposed to meet passengers. Although bus drivers 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
Victims may find it difficult to obtain information regarding how to seek financial compensation for their injuries. Due to the complexities that arise from dealing with governmental entities such as counties, cities, and states, many bus accident cases require dedicated time and effort.
Also, standing up to private bus companies can be overwhelming for individuals who are unfamiliar with the legal system. Some governmental entities may claim immunity, and a layperson may not know which arguments to assert to overcome sovereign immunity.
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
- 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 often 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 cause scars that may never heal.
- 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
- Death
- Amputated limbs
- Carbon monoxide inhalation
- Stab wounds
- Bullet wounds
- Severe burns
- Severed extremities
- Disabilities
- Traumatic brain injuries
- 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.
It can be difficult for some accident victims to face the prospect of lifelong medical care and rehabilitative treatment. Medical bills and lost income often compound these issues by adding financial stress on top of an already unbearable situation. Family strife and conflict often increase due to these issues.
The Parties Who May Be Liable for the Injuries You Suffered During a Bus Accident
- State and local governments – Governmental entities may be liable for the injuries you suffered. Counties, cities, and townships may be responsible for the conditions that gave rise to the bus accident. A city employee 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 that caused the bus accident in which you suffered injuries. Multiple governmental entities may be liable.
- Bus repair companies – The business entity that owns the bus may have retained a repair company to maintain buses for the business entity. If so, you can bring a claim against the bus repair company for negligence.
Private bus companies – Bus accidents might happen when a mechanical problem causes the accident. Malfunctioning brake pads, worn tires, and loose steering columns are some examples of common problems that can cause bus accidents. You might bring a claim for negligent hiring if the bus company hired unqualified employees.
Also, the bus company may have failed to train the employees in conformity with the common business practices of other bus companies. A private bus company may also be liable for your injuries if the bus company did not create effective safety procedures.
- Manufacturers of buses and bus parts – The manufacturer of malfunctioning buses and bus parts exposes passengers to an unreasonable risk of bodily injury or death. Therefore, bus and bus part manufacturers may be liable for the injuries you suffered during a bus accident. Retail businesses that sell faulty bus parts may also be liable for your injuries.
Damages Available
Punitive Damages
Non-Economic Damages
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems
- The spouse of the injured victim can claim loss of consortium
- Wrongful death (loss of love, companionship, and emotional support)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
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 Companies, Liability, and Severe Injuries
Commercial vehicles are regulated in California and other states throughout the country. The FMCSA and California state regulations affect how commercial automobiles operate within the borders of California. Many buses also are deemed to be common carriers because they contain passengers.
- 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
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Los Angeles City Bus Accidents
- 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 will receive 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.
Bus Accident Claims and Investigations
- 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 will request records and documents that demonstrate how the bus company did not adhere to the standard of care. Building a strong case with evidence is a task every good bus accident lawyer performs. Simulations, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts are also essential to a strong bus accident case.
Bus Accident Cases and the Statute of Limitations
Which Parties Can Bring Legal Claims After a Bus Accident?
- Trolleys
- Limousines
- Trains
- Ferries
- Airplanes
- Subways
- Automobiles used by Uber drivers
- Taxis
- 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
The individuals who suffer injuries in a bus accident can assert their rights and bring legal claims 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 bus driver liable for their injuries.
Every bus accident case is unique, and no two cases will have the same facts, no matter how alike they may appear to be. It is, therefore, in your best interest to inform a bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles of as many facts as possible regarding the bus accident in which you suffered personal injuries. Taking notes and recording any important information regarding the bus accident will enable you to provide thorough details of the bus accident to your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Bus Accident
- 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
You should seek out well-known Los Angeles bus accident lawyers so you can obtain as much information as possible regarding your potential legal claims. 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. A knowledgeable bus accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options from now on and enable you to feel less overwhelmed about asserting your legal rights.
You may have reached out to the representative of the bus company or an insurance claims adjuster regarding your injuries. You should understand that insurance companies will attempt to manipulate you into accepting a low settlement amount or waiving your rights to bring legal claims. Do not be tricked by insurance companies. You need to retain a bus accident lawyer so the insurance companies understand that you are serious about seeking financial compensation for your injuries.
Contact Arash Law's Bus Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles Today
Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., helps injured victims seek financial compensation for their injuries. We have decades of experience representing clients in personal injury cases. We have recovered over $500 Million for clients throughout California. We focus on your case, and we are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and assert the rights of our clients.
Contact Arash Law, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation. Our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers serve the 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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