Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer
Many people rely on buses to get around the Los Angeles metro area. Whether you are riding a city bus, a commercial charter bus, or a school bus, you expect the driver to be adequately trained and the bus to be properly maintained. When you are injured in a bus accident caused by driver error, another motorist, faulty bus maintenance, or other negligent actions, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to fight for your right to recover compensation.
Trust Salamati Law in Los Angeles. We help victims obtain compensation to cover medical bills and lost income, with additional payouts for pain and suffering. If you have lost a loved one in a bus crash, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can help you seek a favorable settlement or jury award. When you work with us, an experienced bus accident attorney in Los Angeles will work tirelessly to help you recover maximum compensation for your damages and losses.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
It’s crucial to investigate the cause of the accident to determine liability and hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Some of the most common causes of bus accidents in Los Angeles include:
- Poorly trained drivers: Driving a bus requires a complex skill set. A driver must learn vehicle handling, safety procedures, emergency responses, and other essential skills to transport riders to their destinations safely. If a bus company allows an inadequately trained driver to work, they may be liable if that driver causes a bus accident.
- Negligent bus drivers: If a bus driver engages in reckless behavior such as speeding, running red lights, and texting while driving, it places passengers and other people on the road in imminent danger.
- Faulty bus maintenance: Regular maintenance is an absolute necessity. Failure to conduct routine inspections and maintenance increases the chances of tire blowouts, brake and steering failure, and other hazards.
- Other drivers: The driver of another vehicle may be responsible for an accident. A skilled lawyer will work to identify all liable parties in a bus vs. car accident so you can pursue fair and reasonable compensation for your losses and damages.
A knowledgeable Los Angeles bus accident lawyer understands the necessity of a thorough investigation and obtaining compelling evidence to build a successful case.
Who Is Liable After a Bus Accident?
Special considerations apply to MTA bus accidents. It’s not just the driver who may be liable for causing an accident. In general, common carriers are held to a high standard. Civ. Code 2100 states that carriers must “use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.”
LA MTA is expected to exercise reasonable diligence in hiring, training, overseeing staff, and conducting routine maintenance and repairs. Despite its status as a public entity, the Los Angeles Metro Authority can be held liable for the actions or inactions of its employees.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is a public entity subject to the California Tort Claims Act, which sets forth strict procedural requirements for filing a complaint. In some cases, you may have as little as six months to initiate your claim after a Los Angeles MTA bus crash, so acting as soon as possible is essential to preserve your legal rights.
Liable parties may also include the following:
A School Bus Driver or School District
If you or your child has been injured in a school bus accident, liability may lie with the driver, the school district, a maintenance contractor, or other party. Other motorists are commonly held liable in these cases, as they attempt to illegally pass the school bus stop sign or fail to pay attention and crash into the rear end of the bus.
A Commercial Bus Company
If you were injured in an accident involving a bus owned by Greyhound or another commercial bus line, the driver and the company may be liable for damages. Common instances of bus company negligence include failing to train drivers and screen them for drug and alcohol abuse.
A Charter Bus Company
Whether for business, weddings, or sightseeing, passengers trust their charter bus drivers will drive responsibly. However, common causes behind charter bus accidents include driving too fast for weather or road conditions, failure to yield the right of way, and distracted driving.
A Tour Bus Company
The state of California (and LA in particular) is home to a considerable amount of tour bus traffic. A Hollywood bus tour can become dangerous when driver error or other types of negligence causes an accident.
Potential Compensation
A bus accident can cause serious injuries to the brain and spinal cord, scarring and disfigurement, and even permanent disability. Filing a bus accident lawsuit can never undo the damage, but it can provide compensation to help you move forward with your life.
Compensation after a bus accident in Los Angeles may include:
- Past, present, and future hospital bills, treatments, surgeries, and therapies
- Disability-related purchases such as mobility assistive devices and home modifications
- Loss of past, present, and future income for the victim and all dependents
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional duress, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In the case of a fatal bus accident, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for:
- Lost financial support
- Loss of household services
- Loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance
- Funeral and burial expenses
While we cannot guarantee results, you can count on us to provide you with the same high level of representation that has helped us become a top personal injury law firm in Los Angeles.
5 Things You Should Do After a Bus Accident
A bus accident is often traumatic and overwhelming, but a few simple steps can protect your rights and well-being, including the following.
- Ensure your safety: Safety should be your top priority after a bus accident. Call 911 to alert the authorities. Remove yourself and others from immediate danger. Exercise caution when exiting the bus, especially in a high-traffic area.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of the accident, including road conditions, vehicle damage, skid marks, and other potential evidence. Take photos of bruises, cuts, and other visible signs of injury when possible.
- Get medical attention: See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, they may prove serious upon closer inspection.
- Keep track of your limitations and pain levels: Going forward, keep a journal that details all the ways your bus accident injury has impacted your life, including pain, discomfort, and limitations on your work and personal life.
- Consult a lawyer: One of the most important things you can do after a bus accident is speak with an experienced bus accident attorney in Los Angeles. Your lawyer can handle complex insurance issues and negotiate with insurance companies for the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Lawsuits Play a Vital Role in Safety Advocacy
Over the years, high-profile accidents have led to landmark safety reforms like the federal Motor-Coach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 and California’s Passenger Charter-Party Carriers’ Act of 2016. Often, it takes a combination of the media spotlight, the diligent work of a bus accident lawyer, and the ruling of a judge and jury to force negligent parties to admit their shortcomings and take necessary steps to improve safety and prevent future accidents.
Contact Salamati Law for a Free Consultation
At Salamati Law, our veteran attorneys tap into a powerful network of crash investigators, medical experts, and others who can substantiate your case. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Los Angeles bus accident lawyer if you or a loved one have been injured in an accident. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
