Every day, people throughout Los Angeles County rely on public transportation – especially buses – to get around. Buses help relieve the congested traffic of our roads and highways and are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Unfortunately, given their size, buses can cause serious devastation when involved in an accident.
If you or someone you love was involved in a bus accident in any capacity and suffered injuries, our personal injury attorneys want to help you. Our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers at Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP can investigate the accident, prove liability, and build a strong claim on your behalf.
COMMON CAUSES OF BUS ACCIDENTS
Buses are designed and built with passenger safety in mind. Even so, automobile accidents are an unfortunate reality and a common occurrence on the roads and freeways.
Our firm has handled cases involving bus accidents caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Defective vehicle components, including faulty brakes, windows, seats, etc.
- Unsafe road conditions, such as road defects or potholes.
- Reckless driving, including speeding, failing to yield, failing to check blind spots, and other traffic violations.
The attorneys at Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP represent any party who has been injured in a bus accident in Los Angeles, including passengers, bus drivers, pedestrians, and drivers who have been struck by a bus. From school children, senior citizens, everyday commuters, to other drivers on the roads, we are prepared to represent clients from all walks of life pursue just compensation for their injuries.
TYPES OF BUS ACCIDENT IJURIES
Given the sheer size and weight of a bus, accidents can lead to severe, catastrophic, and sometimes even fatal injuries.
Common bus accident injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis
- Amputations
- Burns
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Facial and dental injuries
- Permanent disfigurement
- Other fatal injuries that can lead to wrongful death
Bus Accident Liability
If you are involved in a bus accident, one of the first things you may ask is who can be held liable for your injuries. Depending on the situation you might be able to hold one or more parties liable for your injuries including the bus driver, the bus company, a government entity, or the bus manufacturer.
When can a bus company or other party might be held liable for a person’s injuries:
- Violation of state or federal laws and regulations
- Inadequate licensing and training
- Improper maintenance of the bus
- Driver operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Operator inattention, fatigue, or negligence
Determining liability or who can be held legally responsible for your damages can be challenging without the help of a qualified attorney. It is imperative to discuss your case with an experienced bus accident lawyer in Los Angeles who knows the law and can fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation allowed.
Economic and Non-Economic Bus Accident Damages
In California, a bus accident victim may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. An attorney can help estimate the total amount of damages you should request.
Economic damages are monetary losses that can be easily verified or calculated. Medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of repairs to your vehicle are common forms of economic damages.
Non-economic damages are more subjective losses that are considered non-monetary including compensation for emotional distress, loss of society or companionship, and pain and suffering.
Types of Bus Accidents
Greyhound and Tour Bus Accidents
Some of the most horrific accidents involve Greyhounds and other tour buses. Because these buses usually carry a large number of passengers and travel long distances, the results can be catastrophic.
Unfortunately, the cause of many of these accidents is driver fatigue or inattention. Greyhound and tour bus operators may be required to drive overnight to arrive at their destination. Exhaustion can quickly lead to devastation for dozens of passengers and other motorists.
School Bus Accidents
School children can be particularly vulnerable to accidents because they are unrestrained in the bus. Even a minor accident can cause serious injury or death to young kids that are unable to wear seat belts.
In addition to injuries that occur on the bus, many school children are injured when they are loading and unloading. If your child is injured while riding a school bus, it may be the school board or another government entity that can be held responsible for your losses.
Public Transportation Bus Accidents
There are several public bus fleets in Los Angeles including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro buses, City of Los Angeles Transportation (LADOT) Dash buses, and the Flyaway bus service.
If you are involved in a public transportation bus accident in Los Angeles, you need to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist injured in the accident, you should always speak to an attorney.
ENLIST THE SUPPORT OF a Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney
In the wake of a bus accident, you could be suffering serious and potentially life-changing injuries. With these injuries come medical bills, time out of work, and a slew of other unexpected expenses. The good news is that you do not have to face this alone.
With our Los Angeles bus accident lawyers on your side, you will be positioned for a successful resolution from the moment we take on your case. We fight tirelessly to help our clients recover the maximum compensation to which they are entitled. Reach out now to start building your case.
