Maison Law represents victims of LA Metro bus accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, the Maison Law firm can help you get the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an LA Metro Bus Accident?
Let’s say you’re driving down Melrose in Beverly Hills. All of a sudden, a passing LA Metro bus veers into your lane and causes you to turn sharply to avoid being hit, but you end up hitting a car in the opposite lane of traffic. Soon, multiple cars begin to crash to avoid your wreck, all due to a careless bus driver. What do you do?
Most likely, in this scenario, the insurance companies will be looking to assign blame to you for being the first car to make contact with another vehicle. This can be devastating to your finances, your insurance, and your health. By hiring an accident attorney at Maison Law we can:
- Manage the legal side of your accident by speaking with insurance adjusters on your behalf and filing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable bus company
- Put you in touch with the proper medical professionals to treat your injuries
- Investigate the accident and gather concrete proof such as traffic footage and eyewitness statements to protect your right to compensation and prove your innocence
- Recover economic and non-economic damages
It is important to note, that the statute of limitations against a government entity, like LA Metro, is only six months from the day of the accident as opposed to the two-year statue of a regular personal injury lawsuit.
Common Causes of LA Metro Bus Accidents
All buses driving through Los Angeles are required to offer a “duty of care” toward other drivers. Unfortunately, with 1,888 LA Metro buses in transit around LA County every day this is not always the case. In 2021, according to the Transportation Injury Mapping System, Los Angeles had 12,807 vehicle accidents resulting in over 18,000 injuries.
The most common causes of LA Metro bus accidents are:
- Speeding: If a bus driver faces delays, which is common in a city like Los Angeles, they may feel obligated to speed to meet their scheduled stops.
- Distraction: Passengers can engage in distracting behavior and cause the driver to lose their focus on the road.
- Drunk driving: Bus drivers who were drinking on their breaks or before work make the mistake of driving while intoxicated, putting many passenger’s lives at risk.
- Defective bus: The bus missed scheduled maintenance or certain repairs were not done correctly, causing the bus to malfunction during operation.
- Road hazards: Bad weather and uneven roads could result in a bus accident.
- Overcrowded passengers: If the weight of all the passengers exceeds the restricted weight limit, the bus may not operate correctly.
What Should I Do After an LA Metro Bus Accident?
Whether you’re a passenger, motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian, if you’ve been involved in an LA Metro bus accident the next steps you take are important to giving you a better chance at healing and protecting your right to compensation. We recommend you take the following steps after an LA Metro Bus accident:
- Ensure the safety of you and your passengers: Depending on the situation, this could mean moving your car to the side of the road, or if you are severely injured, it could mean remaining where you are until help arrives. Check yourself for burns, lacerations, or broken bones. Oftentimes, the adrenaline from an accident can mask the pain from major injuries.
- Call the Police: The police will file an accident report and take down the names of everyone involved, as well as assign fault based on the evidence presented. A police report will serve to benefit your case if you need to back up your claims later.
- Document the incident: Take photos or film the aftermath of the bus accident. Film yourself recounting the details of the incident and describe the pain you’re in. It is best to capture how the accident played out while the memory is still fresh in your mind.
- Gather witness statements and bus driver information: Film or record witnesses willing to give a statement about the accident. Take down their names and phone numbers. Photograph the employee’s ID number or take down their bus number if applicable. All of this information will help support your claim and assist your attorney in building your case.
- Do NOT admit fault: Don’t admit fault even if you feel you may have caused the accident. Allow the police to conduct their investigation and determine fault.
- Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a doctor or go to a hospital. Certain injuries can lie dormant and manifest themselves hours, or even days later.
What Compensation Can I Receive for an LA Metro Bus Accident?
Due to their complex nature, compensation for bus accidents are difficult to estimate. And in the case of a government bus line, they become even more complicated due to “sovereign immunity.” Sovereign immunity means that a government entity is not liable for injuries caused by the government entity or its employees as they are fulfilling their duty. However, the California Tort Claims Act gives exceptions in which the government can be held liable for damages. As with all personal injury cases, these damages will largely determine the type of compensation you can expect. These damages include:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital bills
- Medications and medical equipment
- Ongoing treatment for current and future medical needs
- In-home care
- Lost income
- Loss of consortium
- Vehicle repair
- Emotional pain
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Suing the government may be challenging, but our experienced tort lawyers understand government liability and are equipped to get you the compensation you need.
FAQs
Q: Can the insurance company tell me which doctor I can see?
A: No, you can see your own doctor. If you need a referral to a specialist, contact Maison Law. We’d be happy to recommend a good physician or other healthcare provider.
Q: What do I do if I have to take time off of work after being injured in an LA Metro bus accident?
A: Keep a record of the time you missed from work. Even if you’re still being paid through sick or vacation time, keep track of the money you’re losing by not being at work.
Q: What if I can’t afford a personal injury lawyer if I’ve been injured in an LA Metro bus accident?
A: Maison Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. We operate on a “no win, no fee” policy.
Contact an LA Metro Bus Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from an LA Metro bus accident, Maison Law is here to help you recover the compensation you need. Contact one of our skilled bus accident attorneys with years of experience reaching successful settlements for bus accident victims. Our consultation is 100% free and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
