A train accident involving a Metro Blue Line train and a Metro bus in downtown Los Angeles left at least 32 people injured the morning of August 27, 2012. According to a City News Service report, the injury crash occurred at San Pedro Street and Washington Boulevard. Officials say 32 people were hurt, one seriously. Twenty people were transported to the hospital for examination. None of those injuries is believed to have been life-threatening. The bus, which was operating on line 51, was traveling south on San Pedro Street when the accident occurred. Officials are still looking into what caused this accident.
My heart goes out to the many injured victims of this bus accident. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 219 fatalities and 24,561 injuries were reported as a result of traffic accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, traffic collisions claimed 530 lives and caused 50,513 injuries, during the same year.
What Caused This Collision?
Based on this news article, it appears that the train and bus collided at a street intersection. It is unclear as to who had the right-of-way here. Were the crossing arms and warning bells working at the crossing? Was the bus driver speeding? Buses are required to come to a full stop at railroad grade crossings. Did the bus driver fail to do so? I trust officials are still looking into who was at fault here.
Passengers’ Rights
Transit companies, whether they are public or private carriers, owe their passengers the highest duty of care. This means that they are responsible for the safe transit of their passengers. In this case, injured passengers can file a claim against the transit authority seeking compensation for their injuries, damages and losses. Victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Bus accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled similar Metro bus and train accident claims. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.