Who Can Be at Fault in a Los Angeles Bus Accident?
Bus accidents in Los Angeles can be challenging and frightening events. They often involve multiple parties and can lead to serious injuries. If you have been in a bus accident, you might wonder who is responsible for your injuries and damages. Our team at Kosnett Law Firm will explore the different parties that could be at fault in a Los Angeles bus accident and what you need to know about seeking compensation.
The Bus Driver
One of the first people to consider when determining fault in a bus accident is the bus driver. Bus drivers have a big responsibility. They are in charge of safely transporting many passengers at once. If a bus driver acts carelessly or breaks traffic laws, they could be held responsible for an accident. Some examples of bus driver negligence include speeding, running red lights or stop signs, driving while distracted (like using a cell phone), operating the bus while tired or overworked, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to yield the right of way, and making unsafe lane changes.
If the bus driver’s actions directly led to the accident, they could be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
The Bus Company
In many cases, the bus company that employs the driver can also be held responsible for an accident. This is because of a legal principle called “respondeat superior,” which means that an employer is responsible for the actions of their employees while they’re on the job.
The bus company might be at fault if:
- They hired an unqualified or inexperienced driver
- They failed to properly train their drivers
- They didn’t perform regular maintenance on their buses
- They pushed drivers to work long hours, leading to fatigue
- They didn’t address known safety issues with their vehicles
It is important to note that bus companies have a duty to ensure their vehicles are safe and their drivers are competent. If they fail in this duty, they could be held liable for accidents that result.
Other Drivers on the Road
Sometimes, a bus accident isn’t the fault of the bus driver or company at all. Other drivers on the road can cause accidents involving buses. For example:
- A car might cut off a bus, forcing it to swerve or brake suddenly
- A driver might rear-end a bus that’s stopped to pick up passengers
- A distracted driver might drift into the bus’s lane, causing a collision
In these cases, the other driver would be at fault for the accident. If you are injured in a bus accident caused by another driver, you might need to file a claim against that driver’s insurance company.
Government Entities
Many buses in Los Angeles are operated by government agencies like the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). When a government-run bus is involved in an accident, the government entity itself might be held responsible. However, suing a government agency is different from suing a private company. There are often special rules and shorter deadlines for filing claims against the government. It is important to act quickly and seek legal advice if you are considering a claim against a government-run bus service.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
Sometimes, bus accidents happen because of mechanical failures. If a crucial part of the bus malfunctions and causes an accident, the manufacturer of that part could be held liable. This might include brake failures, tire blowouts, steering system malfunctions, and engine problems. In these cases, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. These claims can be complex and often require expert testimony to prove that the part was defective.
Road Maintenance Agencies
Poor road conditions can sometimes contribute to bus accidents. If an accident was caused by issues like large potholes, missing road signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals, the agency responsible for maintaining the road might be at fault. In Los Angeles, this could be the city, county, or state government, depending on where the accident occurred. Like claims against government-run bus services, there are special rules for filing claims against road maintenance agencies.
Get the Legal Help You Need Today
It is crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and there are often strict deadlines for filing claims, especially when government entities are involved. At Kosnett Law Firm, we are here to help you deal with this challenging time. We have the experience and resources to investigate your accident, determine who’s at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our expertise to work for you.
