Long Beach Bus Accident Lawyer

Long Beach Transit provides public transportation to over 17 million people in southeastern Los Angeles County and serves as a staple of transportation that covers over 100 square miles across 14 cities. As Long Beach’s transit provides 38 bus routes for passengers to conveniently get to their destination of choice, the possibility of getting involved in a bus accident is more likely than you think.

According to a Large Truck and Bus Crash Summary Report conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 178,604 reported crashes in 2023, with 173,742 suffering from non-fatal injuries and 4,862 succumbing to fatal injuries.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are experienced in handling bus accident cases and are prepared for any possible variation that may occur in a bus crash. From head-on collisions to accidents caused by a driver’s negligence, our law firm has seen them all and we are ready to help guide you through the legal process of filing a bus accident lawsuit.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients who have sustained catastrophic injuries and high medical expenses from a bus crash. With years of experience handling bus accident cases under our belts, we are confident that we will get you the maximum compensation that you deserve for your losses.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Causes of Bus Accidents in Long Beach

When it comes to determining the top causes of bus accidents, it can be pinpointed down to a number of factors, but from what is commonly seen in Long Beach, distracted driving, speeding, and the narrow road design are the leading causes.

Speeding

According to a data chart conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding was a factor in about 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, killing 12,330 annually, or an average of over 33 people per day. While efforts to combat speeding have been implemented, there are still a significant number of people who willingly decide to speed despite the dangers that can arise.

As to why people would speed in the first place, aside from complete disregard of traffic laws, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined that traffic congestion, the sense of running late, and a general feeling of anonymity encourages people to speed in order to suit their needs and desires. 

As a result, a negligent driver who speeds can ultimately cause a bus accident such as a head-on collision and injure themselves and the bus passengers inside. In some of the most severe cases, it can lead to fatal injuries for those involved. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a common and frequent case when it comes to a Long Beach bus accident due to how it can easily occur to anybody on the road. The NHTSA’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign has recorded that 8% of all fatal traffic accidents are caused by distracted drivers and over 32,000 people have unfortunately perished as a result of it. 

As distracted driving encompasses a variety of activities such as eating, drinking, and talking, both bus drivers and nearby drivers alike are likely to engage in distracted driving when they least expect it. 

Narrow Roads

According to a safe streets data report conducted by the city of Long Beach, Long Beach residents have shared that they would feel safer if there weren’t so much traffic congestion occurring on narrow roads. 

As bikers and drivers have to share the road in the city, the chances of a personal injury lawsuit occurring due to the lack of space to maneuver is very likely. In cases such as these, it is important for drivers to be wary of their surroundings, especially for those who are driving large vehicles such as a school bus. However, despite drivers implementing the best driving practices, accidents will happen if the road design is poor and offers little maneuverability.  

Types of Bus Accidents

While the city of Long Beach does not have many bus accidents that were derived from the fault of the bus driver, the majority of bus accidents involving city buses and school buses are typically due to the involvement of a random motor vehicle driver.

As bus accidents involve different types of accidents, it is important to understand some of the most common scenarios in order to understand your legal options should you choose to pursue to recover financial compensation.

Car Accidents

One of the most common types of bus accidents, a car colliding with a bus is often due to the negligence of a driver. According to an improper driving and road rage report by the NSC, approximately 94% of all car accidents are caused by driver error. More specifically, the report  discovers that recognition and decision based errors are the leading causes of car accidents.

Recognition and decision based errors such as inattentiveness, visual distractions, speeding, false assumptions, and general misjudgment of other drivers are some of the leading causes of car accidents. As a result, this can cause bus accidents where the bus is either rear ended or encounter a head-on collision.

Pedestrian Accidents

Unlike car accidents, pedestrian accidents are one of the most fatal due to the limited protective measures people have when a bus hits them. The NHTSA conducted a nationwide ranking of pedestrian fatality rates and California is ranked in the top 10 of having the most fatal pedestrian accidents throughout the United States. In the safe streets data report conducted by the city of Long Beach, 6% of all traffic accidents in Long Beach were categorized as pedestrian based accidents.

Considering how the homeless population has increased in Long Beach by 4.6% according to the city’s 2023 homeless count report, pedestrian based accidents are more relevant than ever. With that in mind, bus drivers need to be more vigilant than ever to prevent these types of accidents from ever happening.

Bicycle & Scooter Accidents

Long Beach as a city is known for its beachside location, and as a result, there are hundreds of people who traverse the city on bikes and scooters. Whether they are using their own bike or renting e-bikes/e-scooters from their phone, the likelihood of getting in a bicycle or scooter accident with a bus is significantly higher than before.

A Micromobility Products Report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has discovered that injuries associated with micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters has increased about 21% in 2022 from 2021. It has also been reported that the number of bus crashes associated with e-bikes and e-scooters have also dramatically increased due to these riders not practicing basic traffic protocols. As a result, the rate of these injuries has been steadily increasing by 23% every year since 2017.

Potential Injuries in a Long Beach Bus Accident

Bus crashes are often devastating because injuries will vary depending on the severity of the collision. As most buses do not have a seat belt installed, those involved in a serious accident can be inflicted with severe and catastrophic injuries that could permanently alter your life. So if you have sustained serious injuries due to a bus crash, please seek medical attention for any of the following injuries.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Bruises
• Internal Injuries
• Cuts
• Whiplash
• Broken Bones

What To Do If You Are in a Bus Accident?

If you are subjected to a serious injury in a Long Beach bus accident, it is absolutely vital to call 911 and seek medical care before your serious injuries become fatal. Depending on the nature of the accident, it is recommended to take photos of the incident for your personal records and for the insurance company if they require proof for any submitted claims. If you are worried or unsure about the total value of your claim, an experienced bus accident lawyer will be able to determine the strength and overall value of your bus accident case.

Our Long Beach Bus Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help

If you were involved in a bus accident in Long Beach due to someone else’s negligence, you may sue to recover damages. Recoverable damages in a bus accident case may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death. No matter what kind of accident you are involved in, it is important that you understand all possible legal options to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Should you choose to pursue legal action, our trusted and experienced bus accident team at West Coast Trial Lawyers are readily available to assist. With over $1.7 billion recovered for our clients, we are devoted to serving justice to bus accident victims and are confident that we will deliver results that will satisfy our clients. 

To schedule a FREE case evaluation, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accident Injuries in Long Beach

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim if I Was Injured?

According to Section 335.1 of the state’s legislation, California law requires a personal injury claim to be filed within two years of the incident date. This rule encompasses all personal injury cases caused either by ill intention or negligent behavior. If you do not file a claim within that time, you waive your right to sue and would not be able to financially recover from the incident.

Can I File a Claim if I Slip and Fall on a Bus?

Yes you can file a claim, but the strength of your claim will be entirely dependent on the incident. While it is not uncommon for passengers to suffer a slip and fall accident while boarding or exiting the bus, however, it can be difficult to determine who, or what, was the main cause of your fall.

If you fell due to your own accord (being under the influence, distracted, or just being clumsy) then you are solely responsible for any injuries. However, if another passenger, the bus driver, or even the bus company was at fault for your fall then they would become responsible for any severe injuries that you have sustained.

How Is Liability Determined in California Law?

In Southern California, liability is determined by whoever is most at fault of the alleged incident and the victim would be eligible to receive compensation for the incurred damages. If you were a passenger on a bus when the crash occurred, either the bus driver or the driver that caused the incident may be responsible for medical treatment and damages.

However, if the bus company was responsible for the accident due to their negligence, then they would be held liable for all of the damages. If you are having trouble trying to determine liability for your incident, then it is recommended to consult with a bus accident attorney to get a better understanding of your claim.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for Being Injured in a Bus Accident?

The compensation range of your injury will largely depend on the severity of the injury. If you have sustained a permanent life altering injury with high or ongoing medical expenses such as traumatic head or spinal injuries, an experienced lawyer would be able to get you a fair compensation anywhere between the six to seven figure range.