Each year, thousands of bus riders are seriously injured or killed in bus accidents. Due to their large size and heavy weight, buses often cause catastrophic damage when they flip, crash into another vehicle or into an object (such as a freeway divider), or veer off the road. While many feel safe riding in a bus, its size, unfortunately, does not act as a guarantee that the passengers inside will not be injured, especially if the bus rolls over or is involved in a serious accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Los Angeles bus accident, an experienced accident lawyer will be able to advise you about your legal rights and options.
Many times, Los Angeles bus accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. Whether you are riding in a public bus run by the city or in a private bus owned by a well-known company (such as a Hollywood tour guide company), the laws are the same: bus drivers and those responsible for the bus have a legal obligation to safely transport their passengers. In other words, the company that owns the bus could also be responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
There are many ways that a driver’s negligence can lead to a serious bus accident. These include:
- Making an Unsafe Lane Change. Changing lanes without looking properly is one of the most common reasons for auto accidents in Southern California.
- Exceeding the Speed Limit. Bus drivers who drive faster than the speed limit may not be able to adjust to changing traffic conditions or brake in time to avoid a collision.
- Driving While Impaired. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly unsafe, against the law, and
could lead to a serious accident. - Texting/Talking While Driving. Under California law, school, transit and commercial bus drivers are not allowed to use a cell phone or text while driving. If your bus driver was texting while operating the bus you were riding on, discuss your legal rights with an experienced accident lawyer.
- Distracted Driving. A driver who takes his or her hands of the wheel or eyes off the road is considered distracted.
- Driving While Tired. Commercial drivers, including bus drivers, are required to get adequate rest before they start a shift.
This list is not exhaustive. Your bus operator may have failed to completely stop at a stop sign or driven in another manner considered negligent under California law. A skilled Los Angeles accident lawyer will go over the facts of your case with you in detail.
For more information about your potential for financial compensation after being injured in a bus or other type of auto accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Ghozland Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation.