California Injury Blog
A teen motorist who allegedly ran a red light while impaired, triggered a collision with a Metro bus, left 14 people injured. According to an NBC Los Angeles news report, the incident occurred on the morning of Aug. 19 at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Downey Road. California Highway Patrol officials said the 17-year-old male was behind the wheel of a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle that was traveling southbound on Downey Road when it collided with the bus, which was eastbound on Whittier Boulevard.
Injuries and Ongoing Investigation
Two 17-year-old females in the Volkswagen suffered major injuries and had to be extricated from the vehicle. Preliminary reports indicate the Volkswagen ran a red light, collided with the bus and collided into a traffic light pole. The driver of the Volkswagen was arrested on suspicion of DUI and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Eleven people on the bus also sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. The incident is still under investigation
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was injured in this Los Angeles bus accident. We wish them all the very best for a quick and full recovery and are relieved to note that the injuries were not life-threatening.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Volkswagen was underage and driving under the influence. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23136: “It is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle.” In this case, the driver also violated the rules of the road by running a red light, according to the officials.
In such cases, bus accident victims can seek compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Passengers who are involved may also file a lawsuit in addition to seeking compensation through their personal injury protection (PIP) policy, if they have such coverage. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. In cases where the bus driver is at fault, the bus company could also be held liable. An experienced Los Angeles bus accident lawyer and DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/teen-motorist-arrested-for-dui-in-crash-involving-metro-bus-and-car-in-east-la/2416252/