Bus Accidents
Our reputable bus accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Howard Craig Kornberg represents people in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California who have been seriously injured or killed in bus collisions and accidents.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (the Metro) operates over 2,000 peak-hour buses on an average weekday, in addition to over 70 miles of subway and above-ground rail service. Metro's 1,433 square mile service area covers much of Southern California, from Pasadena to Long Beach.
Buses and other vehicles which transport people as part of their business are known under the law as common carriers. Common carriers owe an especially high duty of care to their passengers, compared to the normal duty to exercise the reasonable care of an ordinary person. California law requires common carriers to use the "utmost care and diligence in providing safe transport of their passengers" and do all that they reasonably can to avoid harm to passengers. Passengers who are injured in an auto accident due to the negligence of the bus driver or the bus company (through improper maintenance, for example), will therefore have an easier time recovering for their injuries than drivers of other vehicles struck by the bus.
The Los Angeles auto accident lawyers of Howard Craig Kornberg are prepared to take on all types of bus and public transportation accidents, including:
- City buses
- School buses
- Airport shuttles and taxi vans
- Tour buses
Dangerous Collisions
Due to their size and weight, even low-speed accidents involving buses can cause serious property damage and personal injury, including brain and spinal cord injuries from front or rear-end collisions, as well as serious compound fractures. Due to their size, buses are harder to stop than other vehicles and require increased reaction time. Furthermore, due to their size and shape, bus drivers' visibility can be severely limited, as can their awareness of nearby cars and of conditions around the bus. All of these factors combine to make the operation of buses on city streets and highways particularly hazardous.
Suing the City
Most, but not all, buses are operated by or under the authority of the city or other government authority. Traditionally, one cannot sue the government without specific authorization. Fortunately, under the Tort Claims Act, the State of California (including cities, counties, etc.) allows itself to be sued in limited circumstances for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage caused by a public employee. This law requires first that a claim be filed with the government within six months of the accident. If the claim is rejected, the plaintiff has an additional six months in which to file a lawsuit. This time period is much shorter than the two years normally afforded to sue a private person or entity. There are several rules and exceptions to the statute of limitations, as well as specific information which must be included in a claim. If your accident involved public transportation, consult with an attorney who has handled claims against the government as soon as possible in order to ensure that your case is handled properly.
Los Angeles auto accident attorney Howard Kornberg has been achieving successful verdicts and settlements in personal injury lawsuits for over 30 years. Whether your case involves catastrophic injury or the loss of a loved one, we can help you obtain the recovery you deserve and hold the negligent driver or bus company accountable for their actions.
If you have been injured in a bus collision as a passenger, pedestrian, or other driver, contact The Law Offices of Howard Craig Kornberg today for a free initial consultation with our bus accident attorney in Los Angeles.