Liability Questions Remain in LA Greyhound Bus Crash
A collision between two buses sent 13 people to the hospital on Thursday morning. The March 22, 2018, crash occurred on the 10 Freeway in Boyle Heights and prompted a SigAlert. Those involved in the crash are encouraged to call Ellis Law for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Traffic backup leads to bus crash
The accident occurred at about 11 a.m. on rainy Thursday. It happened in the Express Lanes when the front right corner of a Greyhound bus carrying 38 passengers struck the back left of a Foothill Transit bus. The crash shut down the Express Lanes in both directions and other buses took detours to avoid the scene.
The bus accident was reportedly triggered by a car that left the roadway, where it hit a tree and then crossed back into the lanes of traffic. The backup from this congestion set off a chain reaction involving the bus crash.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, 40 people were evaluated at the scene for injuries. Thirteen of those people were transported to the hospital with injuries; one of those people was critically injured.
Liability factors in Greyhound bus accident
In addition to the authorities, Greyhound is investigating the accident. There are a few factors that may complicate the analysis. All motorists have a duty to keep their vehicles under control – this includes remaining on the road, in the correct lane and making the necessary adjustments to drive safely in bad weather. Motorists must also maintain assured clear distance from the the vehicle ahead. This is especially true for common carriers like buses, which are under the duty of highest care to transport passengers; they must use all vigilance reasonable under the circumstances to prevent harm.
Some things the investigators may be looking for include:
- Position of vehicles
- Vehicle speed
- Weather
- Visibility
- Whether involved vehicles were functioning properly
- Whether there were any distractions, either outside or in the vehicles
An official determination of cause can go a long way in determining legal liability in multi-vehicle accidents. This, in turn, can assist those who suffered injuries to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Past and future medical bills related to the accident
- Lost wages
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Spouse’s loss of consortium
- Costs of prescriptions and other medications
Do not delay: speak with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Ellis Injury Law
Accident claims may seem like they take a “hurry up and wait!” pattern but it is still important to get started on the process early. Evidence is easier to obtain; witnesses’ memories are fresh; there is more flexibility to negotiate a pre-lawsuit settlement before the statute of limitations runs.
If you or a loved one was among those injured in the recent Greyhound bus crash, speak with a skilled and experienced LA bus accident lawyer from Ellis Injury Law today. By calling 1-888-981-9214, you can schedule a confidential free, no-obligation consultation.
Additional Resources:
- KTLA, 13 Hospitalized After Greyhound Bus Collides With Foothill Transit Bus on Rainy 10 Freeway in Boyle Heights, http://ktla.com/2018/03/22/13-hospitalized-after-greyhound-bus-collides-with-foothill-transit-bus-on-rainy-10-freeway-in-boyle-heights/
- Mass Transit Magazine, CA: 13 Hospitalized After Greyhound Bus Collides With Foothill Transit Bus, http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/12404463/13-hospitalized-after-greyhound-bus-collides-with-foothill-transit-bus
- ABC 7, 13 injured in bus crash on 10 Freeway in East Los Angeles, http://abc7.com/tag/car-crash/