Bus Accident Attorney Serving Los Angeles
Many people in Los Angeles travel by bus. The public transit system in this city is actually quite efficient, especially when you compare it to that of other cities in third-world nations. Los Angeles citizens can rely on the public transit system to get to work, visit friends, and run errands. Indeed, the government is actively encouraging citizens to use public transit as a sustainable solution to protect the environment.
In addition, many visitors to the city travel around on private buses. This is especially true in some of the more touristy areas of the city, where tour buses are common. Those who wish to travel from Los Angeles to another city in California may also choose to travel by charter bus, which can be cheaper and more convenient than flying, especially for those who do not own their own vehicles. Finally, parents in Los Angeles often put their children on school buses in order to ensure that they reach their educational institutions on time.
While all of these buses can make life more convenient for those in Los Angeles, they have another thing in common — all of these vehicles can crash. When buses crash, the injuries are often severe. If you have been injured in a Los Angeles bus accident, you need to get in touch with a personal injury attorney in California as soon as possible. The statute of limitations may prevent you from taking legal action if you wait too long, so it is best to be proactive.
With the help of our attorneys, you can pursue compensation for a number of damages. For example, you might be struggling to pay off medical expenses as you attempt to get treatment for your injuries. These expenses might be exceedingly difficult to cover if your injuries also prevent you from working. In addition, you might be dealing with a range of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, PTSD, anxiety, and much more.
Why are Los Angeles Buses More Dangerous Than Other Vehicles?
Buses are inherently more dangerous compared to other vehicles for a number of reasons. First of all, buses tend to be more top-heavy compared to a sedan or even a pick-up truck. Because of this, bus drivers have to be careful when going around corners or making sudden turns, as the risk of a rollover is significant. Secondly, buses are heavy vehicles, and they may take longer to come to a complete stop compared to smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable cars. In addition, buses typically have no seatbelts. This means that if a bus crashes, its occupants are more likely to be thrown about inside the vehicle, suffering considerable injuries in the process.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Bus Accident
Although injured parties can certainly sue after a bus accident, it is also possible for the family members of deceased victims to file bus accident lawsuits. In the legal world, this is known as a “wrongful death lawsuit.” These types of lawsuits are quite similar to normal personal injury lawsuits, but family members can recover certain damages, such as funeral expenses. Bus accidents can easily result in fatalities, and there have been a number of victims who have lost their lives due to these accidents in the Los Angeles area.
On November 12th of 2021, it was reported that the parents of a deceased girl had been awarded a settlement of $21.6 million. Their daughter had been struck and killed by a Metro bus in Redondo Beach. The court ruled that the 13-year-old girl was completely faultless, and that her life-ending accident was caused entirely by MV Transportation Inc., the City of Redondo Beach, and the State of California.
School Bus Lawsuits: School bus accidents are also relatively common in California. School bus safety is a rising concern in the Golden State, as these vehicles are tasked with transporting the most precious cargo of all — our children. Unbelievably, these school buses seem to crash on a regular basis. Parents of children who have been injured in these accidents can certainly take legal action against negligent parties.
On November 8th of 2021, it was reported that a school bus had crashed into a creek in Easton, California. 13 individuals were taken to a nearby hospital, and authorities stated that it could have been much worse. The driver hit an embankment and crashed through a rail. This caused the bus to slide down the footpath and into the creek. Authorities say that the bus driver was qualified and experienced. The driver also showed no signs of intoxication at the time of the crash.
Public Transit Bus Lawsuits: Public transit bus lawsuits are handled slightly differently. This is because you are typically suing a government agency when you take legal action after a public bus accident. The most important thing you need to keep in mind when you sue a government agency is that you do not have much time. In California, the statute of limitations prevents you from suing the government if you wait more than six months. This means that you need to get in touch with a qualified attorney as soon as possible after suffering a public transit bus accident.
Private Bus Lawsuits: Finally, you can also sue private bus companies for injuries. Unlike lawsuits against a public bus company, you have a longer amount of time to take legal action. The statute of limitations in this case is two years. That being said, you should still be proactive and start the legal process as soon as possible. Evidence has a tendency to disappear over time, and witnesses may be unavailable to testify on your behalf after a few years have passed.
There have been many private bus accidents in California over the years. Many of the victims were tourists who were traveling by bus to see various attractions in the Golden State. Some, however, were simply residents of California who were trying to get from one side of the state to the other in a charter bus. Tour buses have been responsible for a number of fatal accidents throughout the United States over the last few years, and some of these tour companies are now enforcing greater safety standards as a result. Some are even requiring that passengers wear seatbelts for the first time.
In September of 2021, it was reported that a motorcycle had crashed into the side of a tour bus on Highway 101. The motorcyclist was completely run over by the tour bus and suffered serious injuries. Earlier that year, another motorcyclist was killed in California after a collision with a party bus.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Los Angeles area for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We understand that bus accidents can be incredibly traumatic and life-altering. We also recognize that you may have lost loved ones in a bus accident. While these situations can be difficult to deal with on so many levels, it is important that you take action as soon as possible. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you can hold negligent parties accountable and pursue justice.
In addition, a lawsuit can provide you with a considerable settlement. This settlement can help you pay for things like medical expenses, missed wages, and many non-economic damages. Book your consultation today, and we can immediately start to plan out your next move. We can explain virtually every aspect of your upcoming lawsuit, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. Take decisive legal action today.
