Seven people were injured, two of them seriously, in a bus accident when a Los Angeles Metro bus collided with a SUV in downtown Los Angeles early morning on August 30, 2017. According to a KTLA news report, the crash occurred near Broadway and Olympic Boulevard when authorities suspect one of the drivers ran a red light. However, officials still have not determined which driver ran the light or caused the accident. The bus struck and toppled a streetlight before going onto the sidewalk.
Two people, including the driver of the SUV and one of the people on the bus, were seriously injured although their injuries were not considered life threatening. Police said there were six people on the bus at the time and five of them were in “fair” condition after the crash.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the injured victims of this bus accident. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Possible Red Light Violation
Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers may have run a red light at the intersection triggering this injury crash. California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Fault and Liability
If the bus driver is determined to have been at fault, then, the driver and his employer could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused to bus passengers. Bus companies – whether they are public or private – owe the utmost duty of care to passengers. If the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused.
Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. If you are injured in a bus accident, it is important to take certain steps including filing the police report, collecting evidence from the scene including contact information for eyewitnesses and photographs of the scene. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that all negligent parties are held liable.