Bus Accident in Los Angeles
Bus accident in Los Angeles — it’s a phrase that’s been showing up far too often in recent headlines. Whether it’s a Metro line crash, school bus incident, or a charter bus collision on the I-10, victims are often left with devastating injuries and very little clarity about their rights. So who’s liable, and how can you pursue compensation if you’re hurt in a bus crash in LA?
Types of Bus Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a dense public and private transportation network. The most common types of bus accidents include:
- Metro Bus Accidents: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) operates hundreds of buses daily. Crashes can occur due to driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, or mechanical failure.
- School Bus Accidents: These involve children and are treated with heightened liability standards. School districts may be sued if the driver or vehicle maintenance contributed to the crash.
- Private Charter or Tour Bus Accidents: Often involve tourists or long-distance travel and may include multiple jurisdictions and insurance carriers.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bus Crash?
Liability can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility:
- Bus Driver: If the driver was distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence, they may be personally liable along with their employer.
- Bus Company or Operator: The entity responsible for maintenance, driver hiring, and supervision may be held liable under the legal theory of vicarious liability.
- Municipality or Government Agency: For public buses like LA Metro, the city or county may be sued, but specific claim filing rules apply.
- Another Driver: If the bus was struck by a private vehicle, that driver’s insurance may cover victim injuries.
- Parts Manufacturer or Maintenance Crew: If brake failure or faulty equipment contributed, product liability or negligence claims may be valid.
How to File a Claim After a Bus Accident in Los Angeles
If your bus crash involved a city, county, or state-operated vehicle, you must file a government tort claim under California Government Code § 911.2. This gives you only six months from the date of injury to submit your claim. If denied, you have another six months to file a lawsuit.
Private bus claims (like Greyhound or tour buses) follow typical personal injury timelines: 2 years from the date of the accident under California’s statute of limitations.
Common Injuries from Bus Crashes
Due to the size and lack of seatbelts in most buses, passengers and others involved often suffer serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractures and broken bones
- Whiplash and neck trauma
- Burns (in rare cases involving fuel fires)
- Emotional distress and PTSD
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’re injured in a Los Angeles bus accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Emergency room and hospital costs
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Property damage (if your vehicle or belongings were involved)
Local Case Example: 2024 Metro Crash on Vermont Ave
In March 2024, an LA Metro bus collided with a rideshare vehicle near Vermont and Sunset, injuring 18 people. The investigation revealed the bus driver failed to yield while turning left. Victims, including several students, filed claims with LACMTA. Early reports indicated a combined payout of over $1.2 million distributed among the injured.
How ANTN Law Can Help You
ANTN Law, led by Arpine Navasardyan, has helped numerous Angelenos get the justice they deserve after traumatic incidents. Our team understands the tight deadlines and complicated processes of suing public agencies. We will help:
- File your claim correctly and on time
- Gather expert evidence to prove liability
- Negotiate with insurers or the city
- Take your case to court, if necessary
Book your free consultation now. Don’t wait — protect your rights and future.
Helpful Legal Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents in LA
- What should I do right after a bus crash? Call 911, seek medical help, and get witness info. Then contact a personal injury lawyer.
- Can I sue the city if the Metro bus was at fault? Yes — but you must file a claim within 6 months.
- What if I was in another car hit by a bus? You can still file a claim for injuries and damage, against the bus operator or city.
- What if my child was hurt on a school bus? The school district may be liable. Seek legal advice immediately.
- Can I get compensated if I was standing and fell inside the bus? Possibly, if the fall was due to driver error or unsafe conditions.
- Are buses required to have seatbelts? Not all are. Lack of seatbelts doesn’t eliminate the bus operator’s liability.
- What if the bus hit a cyclist or pedestrian? The injured party can still pursue a claim if negligence is proven.
- Do I need a lawyer for a government claim? Strongly recommended. Filing rules and deadlines are strict.
- Can I claim emotional trauma even if I wasn’t physically injured? Possibly, with proper medical and psychological documentation.
- What if the bus was privately owned? You can file a standard personal injury claim, not a government tort claim.
- How long does it take to resolve a bus accident case? It varies — anywhere from a few months to a year or more.
- Can multiple people file one lawsuit? Yes. Class actions or joint filings are common in large crashes.
- What is vicarious liability? It’s when an employer (like the city or bus company) is held responsible for employee negligence.
- What’s the deadline to file my lawsuit? 6 months for public buses, 2 years for private buses or third-party drivers.
- How much does it cost to hire ANTN Law? We work on contingency — no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win.
