Injured in a Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bus Accident? Here is What to do.

Public transportation, such as riding on a Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) bus in Los Angeles, is one of the most popular methods of getting around in the city. Accidents can happen on or with a public transportation vehicle, and it can be scary and confusing to know what to do or to whom to turn. If you are injured in an accident involving public transportation in Los Angeles, it is important to know that you have rights and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you. To learn more about your legal options following injury on or with a Metro bus, call or contact the GP Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a California lawyer with expertise in bus accident cases.

Common Injuries in Bus Accidents

Public transportation accidents can cause devastating injuries to victims due to the large size and weight of the buses. Also, injuries for bus passengers can be exacerbated due to the fact that buses do not have restraints for passengers. Some of the most common injuries caused by public transportation bus accidents include the following:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Facial disfiguration and injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations and road rash
• Burns
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal injuries
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord damage
• Paralysis
• Death

Victims of Metro bus accidents are entitled to compensation for their injuries, but special rules apply to public transportation companies, as common carriers, who have a duty to use the utmost care and diligence when transporting passengers. You need an attorney with experience handling public bus accidents to protect your rights and maximize your damages under the law.

California Tort Claims Act

As a public entity, Metro is subject to the California Tort Claims Act. Under this Act, victims of accidents must complete a number of specific procedural steps in a limited window of time to preserve their claims. Failure to comply with these procedural steps can result in your claim being barred resulting in zero compensation for your injuries. Unlike a typical personal injury case where you have a two (2) year statute of limitations, victims involving a public entity, such as Metro, only have six (6) months to file a written claim for damages from the date of the accident. Metro then has the opportunity to respond to the claim, and if your case is rejected by Metro, you have six (6) months from the date of rejection to take legal action in the form of filing of a lawsuit.

Compensation for a Metro Bus Accident

Compensation for injuries resulting from bus accidents include damages for economic and noneconomic harm inflicted on the victim. Economic damages refers to all out of pocket costs caused by the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and loss of future income and benefits. Noneconomic damages cover all intangible harms caused by the bus accident, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of quality of life, disability, and disfigurement. Bus accidents are often catastrophic, and as a result the economic and noneconomic damages can be substantial. An experienced bus accident attorney will be able to review the facts of your case and give you an honest opinion as to your potential compensation.

How a Bus Accident Attorney can Help 

If you would like to pursue compensation for an accident with Metro or any other public transportation entity, you need an attorney who has expertise in handling public transportation accident cases. A California bus accident attorney is essential in helping guide victims and maximizing their compensation. Other reasons for having an experienced attorney include: 1) a personal injury attorney with experience in bus accidents, and with the help of medical providers, understands the specifics of how injuries and damages in this type of crash differ from other types of crashes, 2) a bus accident attorney knows the intricacies of California law and can help secure and preserve your claims against the city, and 3) an attorney can help shoulder the emotional and financial burden of your legal case so that you can focus on what is most important – your recovery.

Your lawyer will also handle all communication and negotiation with the public entity representatives and opposing attorneys during your case. They understand what your case is worth and will not settle for anything less than the full and fair value of your case. If necessary, our lawyers will take your case to trial and advocate for your injury compensation.

Talk to Our Office Today

If you are injured in a public transportation accident on a Metro bus or any other public transportation, it is important to know that you are not alone. Call the office or contact us today at GP Law Group to speak with a highly qualified and experienced California personal injury attorney about your case. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options for compensation against those responsible for your injuries.