Bus Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Holding California Buses And Common Carriers Accountable

Public transportation providers are often referred to as “common carriers” under the law, which means that they are open to and in the business of transporting members of the general public. Examples of common carriers include city- and state-operated buses. Common carriers in California are held to a higher degree of responsibility than ordinary motor vehicle drivers.

If you were injured in an accident involving public transit vehicles like these, our Los Angeles bus accident attorney is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Types of Bus Accidents on Los Angeles Freeways

You can see every kind of multiple-passenger vehicle on our freeway system, twenty-four hours a day. Accidents may involve any of the following:

• Shuttle buses
• City buses
• School buses
• Long-distance coaches
• Regular length and articulated buses.

Drivers are perched high above traffic, but they might not see what is behind them. Accidents can be minor, or they can be very brutal, resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.

When you suffer injuries in a bus accident, you need a lawyer you can count on.

Understanding California Bus Regulations

Bus drivers are held to strict standards regarding alcohol and drug use, distracted driving, adherence to traffic laws, and working hours to prevent driver fatigue. Buses must adhere to accessibility laws, ensuring they are equipped with accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Buses have designated lanes and stops, and other vehicles are typically not allowed to use bus-only lanes. Vehicles must yield to buses merging into traffic when leaving a bus stop.

When a bus is stopped to load or unload passengers, other vehicles are required to stop and wait until the bus continues its route. Failure to do so can result in fines.

Buses are subject to the same speed limits as other vehicles unless otherwise specified for certain areas or conditions. Buses must adhere to specific turning rules, especially in urban areas. They might have designated lanes or areas for making turns to ensure safety for pedestrians and other vehicles.

Passing a stopped bus that is loading or unloading passengers is illegal. Vehicles must remain stopped until the bus continues moving or the bus driver signals it's safe to pass.

Vehicles must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop sign extended while children are getting on or off. This applies on both sides of the road unless there is a physical divider or barrier separating the lanes.

Identifying Causes of Bus Accidents in LA

Bus accidents can occur due to various reasons, and some common causes include:

• Driver Error: This includes distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, reckless driving, failure to obey traffic laws, and lack of experience or training.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Poorly maintained buses can lead to accidents due to brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical malfunctions.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather like heavy rain, snow, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and make road surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, construction zones, and poorly marked lanes can contribute to accidents, especially if drivers fail to adjust their driving accordingly.
• Other Drivers: Actions of other vehicles on the road, such as sudden lane changes, failure to yield, or driving under the influence, can lead to collisions involving buses.
• Faulty Equipment or Parts: Defective parts or equipment within the bus, such as faulty brakes or steering systems, can cause accidents.
• Pedestrian or Cyclist Interaction: Accidents involving buses can also occur due to interactions with pedestrians or cyclists, especially during boarding or disembarking.
• Medical Conditions or Health Issues: Sudden health issues affecting the driver while on the road, such as a heart attack or seizure, can lead to loss of control and accidents.
• Inadequate Training or Supervision: Insufficient training or supervision of drivers by the bus company can contribute to unsafe driving practices and potential accidents.
• External Factors: Events like animals on the road, sudden obstructions, or objects falling onto the road can create unexpected hazards leading to accidents involving buses.

Determining Liability in Los Angeles Bus Accidents

In California, liability for a bus accident can fall on various parties depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Potential parties that could be held liable include:

• Bus Driver: If the driver's negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws directly caused the accident, they can be held liable. This includes cases of distracted driving, intoxication, speeding, or other forms of driver error.
• Bus Company or Owner: California’s Civil Code §2100 states that common carriers “must use the utmost care and diligence for [passengers’] safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.” When bus drivers and bus companies or any other common carriers fail to comply with such laws, passengers can suffer severe injuries or even wrongful death.
• Bus Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: If the accident occurred due to a defective part or poor maintenance, the manufacturer or the party responsible for maintaining the bus could be held liable for the damages.
• Government Entities: If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other issues related to the maintenance of public roads, the government agency responsible for road maintenance might be held partially liable.
• Other Drivers or Entities: In some cases, liability might be shared with other drivers or entities whose actions contributed to the accident. For instance, if another vehicle caused the bus driver to swerve and crash, that driver or their insurer might share liability.
• Passengers or Pedestrians: In rare instances, passengers or pedestrians might contribute to an accident by distracting the driver or engaging in unsafe behavior, which could affect liability.

Determining liability in a bus accident often involves a thorough investigation to establish the sequence of events and the parties involved. California follows comparative negligence laws, meaning liability can be apportioned among multiple parties based on their degree of fault. It's advisable for those involved in a bus accident to seek legal counsel to navigate the complexities of liability and potential compensation claims.

Seeking Compensation for Bus Accident Injuries in LA

At the law firm of Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we take immediate action to help our clients obtain full and fair compensation for any injuries they have suffered as a result of negligence on the part of a common carrier.

Scott is a bus accident lawyer who is well-equipped to handle all the facets of your case with personal attention, empathy, and skill. We also represent families whose loved ones have died in fatal bus or common carrier accidents in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties and throughout the state of California.

Scott has over 30 years of experience. In addition, he has successfully represented more than 3,000 injury victims and obtained recoveries totaling over $175 million. Scott is one of fewer than 700 attorneys nationwide who are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Personalized Legal Support After a Bus Accident

Your case will never be passed off to a less-qualified associate. Our founding attorney, Scott J. Corwin, will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and then fight on your behalf to obtain the highest possible compensation for your injuries. You can count on Scott to give you the one-on-one attention you deserve and need after your accident.

Contact a Trusted Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer Today

Whether you were hurt in a bus accident, or any other accident involving the negligence of a common carrier, we can help. Our firm handles cases in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties and throughout the state of California.

Get a free case evaluation by calling Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, toll-free at (310) 683-2300, or contact us online to discuss your bus accident claim.