Injured in a Bus Accident in Encino?
Whether you were a passenger on an LA Metro bus traveling down Ventura Boulevard, a driver in a car hit by a tour bus, or a pedestrian, an accident involving a bus can be a terrifying and life-altering event. These large, heavy vehicles can cause devastating damage and serious injuries.
Victims in Encino are often left feeling overwhelmed, facing not just physical recovery but a complex legal battle against large transportation companies and government entities. The Encino bus accident lawyers at Cohen & Marzban are here to level the playing field and fight for the justice you deserve.
Why Bus Accident Claims Are More Complex
Unlike a typical car accident claim, bus accident cases involve layers of liability and are governed by a different set of laws. Identifying the responsible party is critical and can include multiple entities:
- The bus driver: For negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued.
- The bussing company: For issues like negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training, or a failure to properly maintain its fleet of vehicles.
- A government entity: Public transit authorities (like LA Metro) have specific rules and much shorter deadlines for filing claims. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from ever recovering compensation.
- The bus manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defective part or a mechanical failure, the manufacturer could be held liable.
How We Handle Your Encino Bus Accident Claim
Our investigation goes far beyond requesting a copy of the police report. We have the resources and experience to take on large corporations and government agencies. We meticulously build your case by:
- Securing critical evidence: We move quickly to obtain on-board camera footage, maintenance and inspection logs, and the bus driver's employment and training records.
- Analyzing "black box" data: A bus's event data recorder provides crucial, impartial information about the bus's speed, braking, and other actions leading up to the crash.
- Working with experts: We consult with accident reconstruction specialists to scientifically prove exactly how the accident happened and who was at fault.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can cause a wide range of injuries to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians due to the immense forces involved.
- Head and neck injuries: Sudden stops, starts, or collisions can cause passengers to be thrown forward or sideways, leading to whiplash, concussions, or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries are particularly harmful due to the fact that buses don’t have seatbelts.
- Fractures and broken bones: Impacts with other vehicles can cause severe fractures. Passengers can also suffer broken bones from being thrown from their seats or against hard surfaces inside the bus.
- Spinal cord injuries: The sheer force of a bus collision can result in herniated discs or catastrophic damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to chronic pain and paralysis.
- Lacerations and contusions: Broken glass, torn metal, and being thrown around the interior of the bus can cause deep cuts, significant bruising, and serious soft tissue injuries.
