In 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 5,904 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, marking an 18% increase from 2020. From 2010 to 2021, intercity buses accounted for 11% of all buses involved in fatal accidents, while school buses and transit buses accounted for 37% and 36% percent, respectively.
These statistics highlight the unfortunate reality of bus accidents, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Bus accidents can involve pedestrians, vehicles, motorcycles, or other buses and large trucks. If you or a loved one is involved in a bus accident lawsuit, our team of personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, CA is ready to help.
This guide covers everything you need to know about bus accident lawsuits, so you can progress through the legal process smoothly with a Los Angeles injury attorney by your side.
Common Bus Accidents
Below are a few of the most common bus accidents that can lead to severe injuries or wrongful death.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents involving buses are particularly dangerous because of the size and weight of the vehicle. In busy, overpopulated cities, the risks increase significantly. For example, if a student runs across the street unexpectedly or a distracted driver swerves into the bus lane, the bus driver may have limited time to react due to the tight roadways and large blind spots.
Rear-end or Sideswipe Collisions
Buses, being large and slow-moving, are prone to rear-end collisions due to delayed stopping times. Sideswipe accidents occur when a bus changes lanes without properly checking for surrounding traffic, resulting in contact with other vehicles nearby. Both types of collisions can lead to severe injuries or even deaths, given the size and weight of the bus.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
These accidents occur when a bus crashes into a stationary object, such as a light pole, tree, or guardrail. Single-vehicle accidents are often caused by driver error, such as delayed reaction time, poor weather conditions, or mechanical failures.
A rollover is a type of single-vehicle accident, where a bus rolls over onto its side or roof due to its high center of gravity. Rollovers can happen as a result of sharp turns, sudden swerves, or speeding, and they can lead to severe injuries for passengers and nearby pedestrians.
Who Can Be Held Liable for the Damages Caused By a Bus Accident?
Determining liability in a bus accident depends on the specific circumstances and evidence presented. Bus accident lawyers carefully assess the situation to identify responsible parties. Common entities that can be held liable include:
- The bus driver. If the bus driver’s negligence — such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws — causes an accident that harms passengers or others, both the driver and their employer can be held liable.
- The bus owner or company. If the bus owner or operating company failed to hire a qualified driver, neglected proper maintenance, or ignored necessary repairs, they could be held responsible for accidents resulting from these negligent acts.
- The bus manufacturer. If a defect in the bus, such as faulty brakes, engine failure, or other mechanical issues, contributed to the accident, the manufacturers of the bus or its parts could be held liable under product liability laws.
- Another driver. If a reckless or negligent driver of another vehicle caused the accident, they may be held liable for the resulting damages or injuries.
- The government. In cases involving public buses, government agencies responsible for maintaining roads or ensuring safe transportation can also share liability if poor road conditions, for instance, played a role in the accident.
What To Do If You Are a Victim of a Bus Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured or tragically lost their life in a bus accident, it is essential to take immediate steps to document the incident and preserve evidence to support any future lawsuits.
The first step is to prioritize health and safety by calling 911. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Once safety is addressed, report the accident to the authorities and ensure a police report is filed. Collect as much information as possible at the scene, including the exact location, contact details of everyone involved, eyewitness statements, and photos or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
This documentation can be vital in any legal action or investigation that follows. Experienced personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles can guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive rightful compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With the Best Personal Injury Attorneys (Los Angeles)
If you face a tragedy involving a bus accident, our Los Angeles personal injury law firm will work directly with insurance companies to identify the best compensation for your case.
John J. Perlstein is known as the best wrongful death attorney (Los Angeles) and has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He will ensure accurate compensation for surviving family members and clearance for those wrongly accused.
Call (213) 583-5786 or fill out the form for a free consultation with our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys.