Los Angeles County Metro buses offer an easy and affordable way to get around town. When you ride a bus in L.A., you probably aren’t thinking about the possibility of an accident. When bus accidents occur, they can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or a loved one have suffered from L.A. bus accident injuries caused by no fault of your own, you deserve compensation. You should never have to pay for someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
In this blog, the Los Angeles bus accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe explain how we can help you after a bus crash by proving liability and determining who will pay.
Types of Buses in Los Angeles
The following are types of vehicles that are considered a bus in Los Angeles:
- City buses
- School buses
- Coach, intercity, or long-haul buses (such as Greyhound)
- Feeder buses
- Government buses (Federal, State, County)
- Commuter buses
Under California law, buses are considered common carriers, which means that they are held to a higher standard of care than an average passenger vehicle. This is because buses carry a large number of passengers, and the bus driver has a responsibility to ensure the safety of all of those passengers.
This heightened duty of care is necessary because common carriers have a special responsibility to their passengers who are often vulnerable and have little control over their safety. For example, a bus passenger cannot simply pull over to the side of the road if they feel unsafe. They must rely on the bus driver to take them to their destination safely. Common carriers who breach their duty of care to their passengers may be held liable for any L.A. bus accident injuries that result.
Who Is Liable for L.A. Bus Accident Injuries?
Determining who is liable for L.A. bus accident injuries is something that a personal injury lawyer will help you with. California is an at-fault state, meaning the person or entity who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages caused.
The following are some of the most common parties that may be liable for LA bus accident injuries:
- The bus driver: bus drivers have a duty to operate their buses safely and in accordance with the law. If a bus driver’s negligence causes an accident, the driver and/or their employer may be held liable for the injuries of the victims.
- The bus company: bus companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their buses in good condition, and following all safety regulations. If a bus company’s negligence contributes to an accident, the company may be held liable for the victims’ injuries.
- The manufacturer of the bus or a defective part: if a bus accident is caused by a defect in the bus or one of its parts, the manufacturer of the bus or part may be held liable for the injuries of the victims.
- Another driver involved in the accident: if a bus accident is caused by the negligence of another driver, the at-fault driver may be held liable for the injuries of the bus passengers.
- The school district or other public entity: if you were injured on a school bus or a bus owned by another public entity, such as the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACTMA), then the public entity may be held liable for your medical bills.
How Do I Get Compensation for L.A. Bus Accident Injuries?
In order to get compensation for L.A. bus accidents, you must first prove another party acted negligently or recklessly. To prove negligence, you will need to gather evidence that shows the other party owed you a duty of care. Evidence might include videos, photos, medical records, accident reports, etc. This evidence will show the liable party breached their duty of care and caused your injuries.
Common examples of negligence or recklessness after a bus accident include:
- Impaired driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- An inexperienced or unqualified driver
- Poor supervision of drivers
- Lack of security measures on the bus
- Poor road conditions
What Compensation Can I Get After a Bus Crash?
The amount and type of compensation you can get after L.A. bus accident injuries depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical bills, and whether you lost any income as a result of the accident. You may be able to recover the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses: this includes the cost of past and future medical bills.
- Lost wages: if you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover the wages you lost during that time. You may also be able to recover future lost wages if you are unable to return to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering: compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering.
- Property damage: if your property was damaged in the accident, such as your car, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Wrongful death benefits: if you lost a loved one in a bus accident, you might be able to file a personal injury claim for wrongful death.
- Punitive damages: you may also be able to recover punitive damages if the bus company’s negligence was particularly egregious. Punitive damages are intended to punish the bus company and deter it from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured after a bus crash, you might be entitled to compensation. The Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe have helped numerous clients obtain compensation after L.A. bus accident injuries. Our team has more than 240 years of combined legal experience, has a track record of recovering billions for our clients nationwide, and we are ready to help you win!
Our staff is available 24/7 to being your free consultation by phone at 310-INJURED and online via LiveChat or encrypted contact form.