On Mother’s Day, a devastating tour bus accident on Route 60 in Hacienda Heights, California, left one person dead and dozens more injured. The bus collided with an SUV that became engulfed in flames, killing the SUV’s driver and sending 32 passengers to local hospitals. Two victims remain in critical condition. Incidents like this highlight the dangers of large passenger vehicle crashes, and the importance of knowing your legal rights after one occurs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, it is crucial to understand what may have caused the crash, how those injuries could affect your future, and what a skilled auto accident attorney can do to help you seek justice and compensation.
Tour Bus Crash Details
The tragic crash on Sunday morning resulted in one death and dozens of injuries after a tour bus collided with an SUV. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the SUV was fully engulfed in flames when first responders arrived. The SUV driver, trapped inside, died at the scene.
Thirty-two bus passengers were transported to hospitals, with two reported in critical condition. Most of the injured suffered minor injuries, while 31 others on the bus declined medical treatment and left the scene on their own. The tour bus sustained significant front-end damage and a shattered windshield.
The crash occurred in the San Gabriel Valley suburb just east of Los Angeles. Witnesses described the incident as happening too quickly for drivers to react. The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Common Causes of Tour Bus Crashes
Tour buses are a popular mode of transportation for sightseeing, events, and group travel. However, they can become extremely dangerous when negligence or hazardous conditions are involved. While any type of bus can be involved in an accident, tour buses are unique. Common causes of crashes involving buses include:
Driver Fatigue
Bus drivers often operate under strict schedules with long hours, leading to exhaustion. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.
Distracted Driving
Distractions such as cell phone use, eating, adjusting controls, or conversing with passengers can divert a driver’s attention from the road, causing preventable accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Tour buses have more mass and require longer stopping distances than passenger cars. Excessive speed, sudden lane changes, or aggressive driving can lead to loss of control or crashes.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Bus companies are required to keep their vehicles in safe working condition. Brake failure, worn tires, steering problems, or faulty lights can all lead to dangerous situations if neglected.
Inadequate Driver Training
Improperly trained or uncertified drivers may lack the experience needed to operate large vehicles safely. This lack of training can contribute to poor decision-making during emergencies.
Weather and Road Conditions
Rain, fog, and road construction can make bus travel riskier. Drivers must adjust speed and be extra cautious during poor weather or on poorly maintained roads.
Third-Party Negligence
Not all accidents are the bus company’s fault. Other drivers, like the SUV driver in the recent Los Angeles crash, may cause or contribute to the incident. Poorly marked road construction zones or malfunctioning traffic lights can also be factors.
Injuries and Long-Term Impacts of Bus Accidents
Bus crashes can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial harm to victims. Because buses often lack seat belts and passengers may be standing or walking during travel, injuries can be severe.
Common Bus Accident Injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burn injuries (especially in crashes involving fire)
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
The long-term impacts of a bus crash may include:
- Chronic pain and disability
- Loss of income or inability to return to work
- Mounting medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Permanent disfigurement or reduced mobility
- Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
- Impact on family dynamics and quality of life
Bus accident victims may face years of recovery or lifelong challenges. That’s why it is critical to take legal action quickly to preserve evidence and pursue compensation.
How a Bus Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one was injured in a bus crash, an experienced attorney can be an essential advocate in your recovery. Here’s how a bus accident lawyer from Kherkher Garcia can help:
Investigating the Crash
We will launch a full investigation into the accident, including police reports, eyewitness statements, video footage, driver history, and maintenance records. This helps identify all liable parties – whether it is the bus driver, bus company, a third-party driver, or a government entity.
Preserving Critical Evidence
Evidence can disappear quickly. We send preservation letters to prevent the destruction of logs, maintenance records, and onboard data, such as GPS and speed trackers.
Determining Liability
In complex bus crashes, more than one party may be responsible. We identify everyone who may have contributed to the crash and pursue claims accordingly. This may include claims against individuals, companies, insurers, or government agencies.
Calculating Full Damages
We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial analysts to calculate your full damages, including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurers are not on your side. They may offer low settlements or try to deny responsibility. We fight back with strong evidence and tough negotiation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Taking the Case to Trial (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have the resources and experience to fight for maximum compensation in front of a jury.
What Damages Can Victims Recover after a Bus Crash?
Bus accident victims may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
In some cases involving gross negligence or safety violations, punitive damages may also be awarded.
FAQs About Tour Bus Accidents
If you are involved in a bus crash, you likely have many questions. Kherkher Garcia can answer those questions and help you protect your rights. Consider the following:
Q: Who can be held liable in a tour bus accident?
A: Liability may rest with the bus driver, bus company, third-party drivers, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance contractors, or government agencies, depending on the cause of the crash.
Q: What should I do immediately after a bus accident?
A: Seek medical care, report the accident to police, document the scene if possible (photos, videos), and get contact info for witnesses. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you speak with an attorney.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: In California and many other states, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If a government agency is involved, that window may be as short as six months. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve your right to file.
Q: I wasn’t seriously injured, but I’m in pain. Should I still talk to a lawyer?
A: Yes. Many injuries – especially soft tissue or internal injuries – don’t show symptoms right away. It is always wise to seek medical attention and legal advice to protect your health and legal interests.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a bus accident attorney?
A: At Kherkher Garcia, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we win your case.
Speak to a Bus Crash Attorney Today
Tour bus crashes can leave a devastating wake – physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash like the recent tragedy in Los Angeles, you do not have to navigate this alone. A knowledgeable bus accident attorney can help you understand your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation. We are here to help victims and their families rebuild after a life-altering accident. Get started by calling us at 713-333-1030. You can also reach out to us online via our website form.
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