California Injury Blog
Six people were critically injured in a Los Angeles bus accident after a vehicle jumped a sidewalk and slammed into a group waiting to board a bus. According to a KABC news report, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of February 22, 2012 at the Metro Silver Line platform off the northbound 110 Freeway, near the 105 Freeway. Police say a 52-year-old man was driving a blue colored Honda in the carpool lane when the car went over a sidewalk. The Honda then entered the bus lane, swerved around a parked bus, and struck the victims, as they were about to get on the bus.
Six people were transported to area hospitals in critical condition. Four of the victims – three men and a teenage girl – sustained potentially life-threatening injuries. A doctor at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center said the victims had suffered a range of injuries from head injuries to broken bones and internal injuries. Officials conducted a field sobriety test on the driver. Investigators say alcohol was not a factor in the crash, but they are still looking into whether the driver was under the influence of drugs. No charges have been filed against the driver pending an official investigation.
My heart goes out to all the injured victims of this car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 82 fatalities and 2,630 injuries involving Los Angeles pedestrian accidents. Countywide, pedestrian accidents claimed 179 lives and injured 4,918 people, during the same year.
What Caused This Crash?
It appears based on this news account that the driver of the Honda lost control of his vehicle as it jumped the sidewalk. It is not yet known what exactly led to this horrific collision. Officials have stated alcohol was not a factor, but they are still looking into whether the driver was under the influence of drugs. I trust they are also looking into whether the motorist was distracted, inattentive, or driving recklessly at the time.
Fault and Liability
If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he can be held both criminally and civilly liable for injuries and damages caused. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, long-term care, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Pedestrian accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.