Buses in Los Angeles should not put passengers or the public at an unreasonable risk of harm. Unfortunately, many bus companies, public transit authorities and bus drivers are guilty of negligence, or the failure to use ordinary care, which increases the odds of a serious accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, contact the Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at The Liberatore Law Firm online or by calling (424) 285-8550 without delay. Our bus accident lawyers offer free initial consultations, where you can discuss your ability to recover financial compensation for your injuries and losses at no cost or obligation.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Under California’s fault law, it is necessary to determine the cause of a motor vehicle accident before victims can pursue financial compensation. The at-fault driver, person or party will be responsible for paying for a victim’s medical bills and property repairs. After a bus accident, victims will need to understand and identify the cause of the crash before filing a claim.
Common causes of bus accidents in Los Angeles include:
- Distracted driving
- Cell phone use while driving
- Breaking roadway rules
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to check blind spots
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Red-light running
- Negligent bus driver hiring practices
- Overcrowded bus
- Poor bus maintenance
- Defective bus parts
- Road hazards
Almost all bus accidents are preventable. They are primarily caused by human error, such as careless bus drivers or a negligent bus company. At The Liberatore Law Firm, we can conduct a comprehensive investigation of your bus accident to determine its cause. Then, we can file a claim against one or more responsible parties on your behalf.
Who Is Liable for a Los Angeles Bus Accident?
Liability, or legal and financial responsibility, can be assigned to many different parties after a harmful bus accident. Some cases involve negligence by multiple parties, such as the bus driver and another driver outside of the bus.
Potential options for liable parties include:
- The city or state government
- The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- A school district for a public school accident
- A private or charter school
- Rental and party bus companies
- Greyhound Lines, Inc.
- Coach USA
- Big Red Bus
- Megabus
- A motor vehicle driver
- A vehicle or part manufacturer
- A third party
All private and commercial buses in Los Angeles must have liability insurance coverage under state law. If you get injured in a bus accident, this insurance can cover damages such as your hospital bills, property damage and lost wages.
Statute of Limitations for a Bus Accident Claim in Los Angeles
If you wish to seek financial compensation for a bus accident in Los Angeles, you must act within the applicable statute of limitations. This is a legal deadline for filing a personal injury claim. In California, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of most motor vehicle accidents. However, to bring a bus accident claim against a government entity, you must act within just six months under the California Tort Claims Act.
Contact Us Today | Free Case Consultations
You may not know where to turn for help after getting involved in a bus accident in Los Angeles. The Liberatore Law Firm stands up for the rights of its clients, with attorneys who are dedicated to pursuing just results for every case. You can count on us to help you rebuild your life as much as possible after a bus collision. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call (424) 285-8550 or fill out our online contact form.
