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Steve Kherkher - May 12, 2025
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
The long-term impacts of a bus crash may include:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial analysts to calculate your full damages, including:
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.
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.
Bus accident victims may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages:
In some cases involving gross negligence or safety violations, punitive damages may also be awarded.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
Connect with a Kherkher Garcia trial lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation for your injury.
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