Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyers Fighting For LA County Crash Victims

Bus accidents in California can result in severe and debilitating injuries

Bus transportation is convenient for many Los Angeles residents, but it does come with a risk. The unfortunate reality is that serious accidents remain far too common on the Metro.

Based in Los Angeles, Oaks Law Firm takes on the full spectrum of bus accident cases in the San Fernando Valley region. Whether you were hurt on a private commuter bus or a public bus—such as a LACMTA bus—our Los Angeles bus accident attorneys are here to help.

Types of bus accident claims we handle in LA County

At Oaks Law Firm, our dedicated attorneys handle a wide range of bus accident cases in LA County and throughout California, ensuring that victims receive the justice and financial compensation they deserve. Here are some of the common types of bus accident cases we deal with:

1. Rear-end accidents: These accidents occur when a bus collides with the vehicle in front of it or is struck from behind by another vehicle. Rear-end collisions can happen due to sudden stops, inattentive driving, or mechanical failures. The force of the impact may cause bus passengers to suffer whiplash, head injuries, or other trauma.
2. Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous and occur when a bus and another vehicle collide front-to-front. These accidents can result from driver error, road conditions, or obstructions. The impact is often severe, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for both passengers and drivers.
3. Product liability: Bus accidents can also stem from defective parts, such as faulty tires, brakes, or other mechanical components. When these crucial parts fail, they can lead to loss of control, crashes, and severe injuries. In such cases, manufacturers, suppliers, or maintenance providers may be held liable for failing to ensure the safety of their products.
4. Negligent hiring or training: Bus companies have a legal obligation to screen, hire, and train their drivers properly. Accidents can occur if a driver lacks the necessary qualifications, experience, or training to operate the bus safely. In these instances, the bus operator may be held responsible for negligent hiring practices or inadequate training.
5. Pedestrian accidents: Buses pose a significant risk to pedestrians, especially in busy urban areas like those found in Southern California. Accidents may occur if a bus strikes a pedestrian who is crossing the road, either at a crosswalk or elsewhere. These incidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities, and the bus driver or company may be liable for failing to exercise due caution.
6. Bicycle accidents: Collisions between buses and cyclists can occur when bus drivers fail to check blind spots, make abrupt turns, or do not provide enough space on the road. Such accidents can lead to severe injuries for the cyclist, who is relatively unprotected compared to passengers in vehicles.
7. Lurching incidents: Passengers inside a bus can suffer injuries if the driver accelerates or brakes abruptly, causing them to lurch and strike the interior of the bus. These incidents are often preventable with safe driving practices and can lead to a range of injuries, from minor bruises to serious head trauma.
8. Bus-only collisions: This category includes accidents where a bus collides with fixed objects, other buses, or obstacles. These accidents can occur due to driver error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors. Depending on the severity of the collision, passengers and other road users may be at risk of injury.
9. Slip and falls: Slip and fall incidents on buses can occur due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, loose handrails, or obstacles. Passengers may sustain injuries like fractures, sprains, or head injuries. Bus operators are responsible for maintaining a safe environment and can be held liable for negligence if they fail to do so.
10. Accidents during boarding or exiting: Passengers can be injured while getting on or off a bus, especially if the driver is negligent. Injuries can occur if the bus starts moving while passengers are still boarding or disembarking, or if there are obstacles or uneven surfaces near the entrance.
11. Third-party assaults: In some unfortunate cases, passengers may be assaulted by another individual while on the bus. The bus operator, whether public or private, may be held liable if it is determined that inadequate security measures contributed to the incident. This includes failing to prevent foreseeable violence or not having proper safety protocols in place.

Who is liable for bus accidents in Los Angeles?

Determining liability in a bus accident in Los Angeles involves examining the circumstances of the incident and identifying all parties who may have contributed to the crash, including:

• Government entities: The government may be liable for accidents involving public transportation buses, such as those operated by LA Metro. This includes situations where the accident was caused by driver negligence or improper maintenance of the bus.
• Private bus companies: If the accident occurred on a privately operated bus, such as a tour bus, charter bus, or party bus, the private company that owns and operates the vehicle may be held liable. These companies are responsible for ensuring the safety and proper maintenance of their buses and drivers.
• Schools: In the case of school bus accidents, liability may fall on the school district for public schools or on the private school itself. Both are responsible for the actions of their bus drivers and the maintenance of their vehicles.
• Third-party drivers: If another driver caused the bus accident, their insurance company may be liable for the damages. This includes situations where a third-party driver collides with the bus, causing injuries to passengers and others.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If a defective bus component, such as brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held liable. This involves product liability claims, where the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring their products are safe and functional.

In many cases, bus accident claims involve naming the City of Los Angeles as the defendant, particularly when public buses and their drivers are involved. However, identifying the correct defendant can be complex, especially when multiple parties share responsibility. Consulting with experienced attorneys can help clarify who should be held accountable and ensure that all responsible parties are pursued for compensation.

Contact our Los Angeles bus accident attorneys today

Bus companies and their insurers often have extensive resources and legal teams dedicated to minimizing their liability. To ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve, it's crucial to have experienced legal representation on your side.

At Oaks Law Firm, Los Angeles bus accident attorneys are dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured victims. With years of experience in handling bus accident cases, we understand the tactics used by bus companies and their insurers to deny or reduce claims. We are committed to holding these parties accountable and securing the full compensation you need for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

If you were injured as a passenger on a bus, do not hesitate to contact our law firm. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your interests and build a strong case. From our law offices throughout California – including two in Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills we are strategically positioned to serve clients throughout the San Fernando Valley, LA County, and statewide.