Your Rights if You Are Injured in a Los Angeles Bus Accident
Few people imagine while waiting at a bus stop that they could be seriously injured moments after boarding. Unfortunately, bus accidents happen frequently in Los Angeles and throughout California causing serious harm to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
If you are involved in a Los Angeles bus accident, you need to speak with an attorney. Depending on the situation, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
At Levin & Nalbandyan, we represent individuals who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in Los Angeles bus accidents. We will walk you through the legal process and help you get the recovery you deserve from all responsible parties. Contact our office today at (213) 232-4848 to schedule a free consultation.
Your Right to Compensation if You Are Hurt in a Bus Accident
If you are injured in a bus accident in Los Angeles, you might be entitled to compensation. However, you need to consult with a bus accident lawyer to determine if you have a valid claim for damages.
Additionally, the legal process and amount of time you have to file a claim may differ significantly depending on the bus company or the person responsible for the accident. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine who you should file a claim against in order to get the maximum recovery possible for your case.
Who Can I Sue if I Am Injured While Riding a Bus?
There are several parties who could potentially be held liable for your injuries if you suffer harm while riding a bus in Los Angeles.
Parties you may be able to sue if you are injured while riding a bus:
- The bus company
- The driver of the bus
- A government agency
- A negligent motorist
- A mechanic or the person who repaired the bus
- The bus manufacturer
- A bus parts manufacturer
If you are injured in a bus accident, it is important to speak with an attorney as quickly as possible. The bus company may attempt to get you to settle the case, by offering you a quick payout. These early settlement offers rarely reflect the true value of your case and may not cover all of your losses.
Types of Buses in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the country. Millions of people travel throughout the area utilizing public and private bus companies.
Common types of buses in LA:
- Charter buses
- Tour buses
- Greyhound and other private company buses
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Buses – Metro Buses
- DASH buses
- LAX FlyAway buses
- Local City buses
- Cityride buses
- School buses
- Commuter Express buses
Bus accident claims differ depending on the operator or government entity that owns the bus. Before you file a lawsuit, you may need to file a claim against the agency. Failing to file a timely claim can result in your case being denied.
What if I Am Involved in a Los Angeles County Mta Bus Accident?
The Los Angeles County MTA (LACMTA) also called LA Metro is one of the largest providers of public transportation in the state. Ridership on LA Metro buses is in the hundreds of thousands each day. If you are injured while riding a metro bus, you need to act fast as you only have six (6) months to file a claim for damages.
LA Metro requires that you file a claim for damages directly with their agency. If the claim is denied, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the agency. The lawsuit must be filed within six months of the denied claim.
It is important to note that the timeline for filing a claim against LA Metro is shorter than the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California. State law allows individuals up to two years to file a claim for damages based on personal injury.
Can I Sue Greyhound for a Bus Accident?
While many passengers are injured while riding public buses like the Metro or local city buses, some are hurt while riding on a charter or private bus. If you are injured while riding on a Greyhound bus, you may have a cause of action if the bus operator or company was negligent.
Proving negligence can be challenging without the help of an attorney. Private bus companies like Greyhound have endless resources at their disposal making it difficult for unrepresented accident victims to get the compensation they deserve.
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
Were you injured while riding a Metro bus in Los Angeles? Contact our office at (213) 232-4848 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you fight for justice.
