BUS ACCIDENT LAWYER IN LOS ANGELES
Holding California Buses And Common Carriers Accountable
Public transportation providers are often referred to as “common carriers” under the law, which means that they are open to and in the business of transporting members of the general public. Examples of common carriers include city- and state-operated buses. Common carriers in California are held to a higher degree of responsibility than ordinary motor vehicle drivers.
If you were injured in an accident involving public transit vehicles like these, our Los Angeles bus accident attorney is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Types of Bus Accidents on Los Angeles Freeways
You can see every kind of multiple-passenger vehicle on our freeway system, twenty-four hours a day. Accidents may involve any of the following:
- Shuttle buses
- City buses
- School buses
- Long-distance coaches
- Regular length and articulated buses.
Drivers are perched high above traffic, but they might not see what is behind them. Accidents can be minor, or they can be very brutal, resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
When you suffer injuries in a bus accident, you need a lawyer you can count on.
Understanding California Bus Regulations
Bus drivers are held to strict standards regarding alcohol and drug use, distracted driving, adherence to traffic laws, and working hours to prevent driver fatigue. Buses must adhere to accessibility laws, ensuring they are equipped with accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Buses have designated lanes and stops, and other vehicles are typically not allowed to use bus-only lanes. Vehicles must yield to buses merging into traffic when leaving a bus stop.
When a bus is stopped to load or unload passengers, other vehicles are required to stop and wait until the bus continues its route. Failure to do so can result in fines.
Buses are subject to the same speed limits as other vehicles unless otherwise specified for certain areas or conditions. Buses must adhere to specific turning rules, especially in urban areas. They might have designated lanes or areas for making turns to ensure safety for pedestrians and other vehicles.
Passing a stopped bus that is loading or unloading passengers is illegal. Vehicles must remain stopped until the bus continues moving or the bus driver signals it's safe to pass.
Vehicles must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop sign extended while children are getting on or off. This applies on both sides of the road unless there is a physical divider or barrier separating the lanes.
Identifying Causes of Bus Accidents in LA
Bus accidents can occur due to various reasons, and some common causes include:
- Driver Error: This includes distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, reckless driving, failure to obey traffic laws, and lack of experience or training.
- Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Poorly maintained buses can lead to accidents due to brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical malfunctions.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather like heavy rain, snow, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and make road surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, construction zones, and poorly marked lanes can contribute to accidents, especially if drivers fail to adjust their driving accordingly.
- Other Drivers: Actions of other vehicles on the road, such as sudden lane changes, failure to yield, or driving under the influence, can lead to collisions involving buses.
- Faulty Equipment or Parts: Defective parts or equipment within the bus, such as faulty brakes or steering systems, can cause accidents.
- Pedestrian or Cyclist Interaction: Accidents involving buses can also occur due to interactions with pedestrians or cyclists, especially during boarding or disembarking.
- Medical Conditions or Health Issues: Sudden health issues affecting the driver while on the road, such as a heart attack or seizure, can lead to loss of control and accidents.
- Inadequate Training or Supervision: Insufficient training or supervision of drivers by the bus company can contribute to unsafe driving practices and potential accidents.
- External Factors: Events like animals on the road, sudden obstructions, or objects falling onto the road can create unexpected hazards leading to accidents involving buses.
Determining Liability in Los Angeles Bus Accidents
In California, liability for a bus accident can fall on various parties depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Potential parties that could be held liable include:
- Bus Driver: If the driver's negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws directly caused the accident, they can be held liable. This includes cases of distracted driving, intoxication, speeding, or other forms of driver error.
- Bus Company or Owner: California’s Civil Code §2100 states that common carriers “must use the utmost care and diligence for [passengers’] safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.” When bus drivers and bus companies or any other common carriers fail to comply with such laws, passengers can suffer severe injuries or even wrongful death.
- Bus Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: If the accident occurred due to a defective part or poor maintenance, the manufacturer or the party responsible for maintaining the bus could be held liable for the damages.
- Government Entities: If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other issues related to the maintenance of public roads, the government agency responsible for road maintenance might be held partially liable.
- Other Drivers or Entities: In some cases, liability might be shared with other drivers or entities whose actions contributed to the accident. For instance, if another vehicle caused the bus driver to swerve and crash, that driver or their insurer might share liability.
- Passengers or Pedestrians: In rare instances, passengers or pedestrians might contribute to an accident by distracting the driver or engaging in unsafe behavior, which could affect liability.
Determining liability in a bus accident often involves a thorough investigation to establish the sequence of events and the parties involved. California follows comparative negligence laws, meaning liability can be apportioned among multiple parties based on their degree of fault. It's advisable for those involved in a bus accident to seek legal counsel to navigate the complexities of liability and potential compensation claims.
Seeking Compensation for Bus Accident Injuries in LA
At the law firm of Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we take immediate action to help our clients obtain full and fair compensation for any injuries they have suffered as a result of negligence on the part of a common carrier.
Scott is a bus accident lawyer who is well-equipped to handle all the facets of your case with personal attention, empathy, and skill. We also represent families whose loved ones have died in fatal bus or common carrier accidents in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties and throughout the state of California.
Scott has over 30 years of experience. In addition, he has successfully represented more than 3,000 injury victims and obtained recoveries totaling over $175 million. Scott is one of fewer than 700 attorneys nationwide who are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Personalized Legal Support After a Bus Accident
Your case will never be passed off to a less-qualified associate. Our founding attorney, Scott J. Corwin, will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and then fight on your behalf to obtain the highest possible compensation for your injuries. You can count on Scott to give you the one-on-one attention you deserve and need after your accident.
Contact a Trusted Los Angeles Bus Accident Lawyer Today
Whether you were hurt in a bus accident, or any other accident involving the negligence of a common carrier, we can help. Our firm handles cases in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties and throughout the state of California.
Get a free case evaluation by calling Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, toll-free at (310) 683-2300, or contact us onlineto discuss your bus accident claim.
Making Things Right
Over $175 Million Recovered on Behalf of Our Clients-
Brain Damage $3,407,752
Boy sustains brain damage from trip and fall in pothole.
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Bus Accident $2,782,954
Passenger injured when bus driver falls asleep and rolls bus.
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Motorcycle Accident $2,300,000
City employee causes collision with police motorcycle.
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Motorcycle Accident $2,100,000
Motorcyclist suffers brain injury in collision.
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Motorcycle Accident $1,250,000
Vehicle turns left in front of motorcycle, causing collision.
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Car Accident $1,250,000
Driver injured in collision with vehicle that crossed over into his lane.
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Car Accident $1,000,000
Rear-end collision exacerbates pre-existing back condition.
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Car Accident $1,000,000
Driver injured in nighttime collision with overturned big rig on highway.
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Brain Injury $1,000,000
Rider injured on ferris wheel when struck in head by seat rack.
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Car Accident Injury $850,000
Eight-year-old boy struck and killed by vehicle while crossing busy thoroughfare.
What Sets Us Apart
Quality Legal Representation Your Case Needs-
Fast, Favorable Resolutions
At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we understand the importance of securing a favorable outcome in your case, fast. More than 95 percent of our clients’ cases settle within 5 to 9 months, and our clients are very satisfied with the results (see our client reviews!). We only file lawsuits when absolutely necessary, such as in cases where the defendant disputes liability or refuses to pay for the full extent of our client’s damages.
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Renowned Reputation
With more than 30 years in practice and over $175 million recovered for his clients, Scott is known for his aggressive approach to litigation. Some of his accolades include:
- Inclusion in the Southern California Super Lawyers® list since 2007, a distinction reserved for only the top 5 percent of all personal injury lawyers in the region
- Named a “Top 100 Super Lawyer”
- Named a Top 25 Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in California by the National Trial Lawyers Association since 2010
- Maintains a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo
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Personal Attention
At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we believe in developing strong attorney-client relationships built on honesty, trust, and communication. As a client, you will always receive direct, personal attention from Scott; your case will never be passed off to an associate or paralegal. Instead, you can always rely on dedicated representation from a highly experienced and award-winning attorney who is ready to fight for you.
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Zero Upfront Fees
Our firm offers all personal injury and wrongful death legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket fees or expenses. Instead, we only get paid if and when we recover compensation for you. In the unlikely event that we do not win your case, you do not pay a dime. We also offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose in reaching out to our team today. Contact our firm 24/7 and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
Client Reviews
Here What People Have to Say About Scott-
Needed help with a 4-car collision. He took care of everything on his end.
- Earon Bagunu -
I am not one to write reviews but after an unfortunate car accident, I am so glad I called Scott Corwin.
- Catherine Lenke -
A month ago, I was involved in a car crash and broke my right wrist. The process with this attorney was pretty fast. Scott was able to help me and also Julie was always super nice and very professional. I’m very glad everything was easy and fast.
- Sabrina Guna -
Scott got the personal injury settlement amount I expected to get (actually a few percent more). He was quiet and efficient, not a time-waster. Perfect fit for a working person.
- Carl Hoppe -
Thanks again Scott and Staff for your great work. My family and I are fortunate to have you all by our side in times of need.
- Maria Mejia