Multiple People Injured At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) After Shuttle Bus Driver Crashed Into Pole
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (July 21, 2022) – At least 9 people were injured in a Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) shuttle bus accident near the ramps to Sky Way.
Los Angeles County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:45 p.m. on Thursday. A shuttle bus was carrying about 23 people when the driver lost control while navigating a turn and hit a pillar.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision at LAX in order to help all of the victims. A total of nine people were injured and two people were taken to the hospital with critical injuries.
A full investigation into the LAX shuttle bus crash remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Los Angeles International Airport Shuttle Bus Accidents
Buses tend to be one of the safest forms of transportation for passengers. According to the Journalists Resource, “For bus passengers and drivers, there is relatively more safety when accidents happen: “During 2009, the bus occupant fatality rate was 45 deaths per 100,000 accidents compared with 251 deaths per 100,000 accidents for passenger car occupants.”” There are a number of factors that can increase the potential severity of an accident.
- Young, novice drivers were more likely to be involved in severe collisions.
- Accidents severity also increase when drivers are over 55 years of age.
- Driver fatigue is also positively correlated with accident severity.
Bus drivers are considered “common carriers” in California and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must operate with the highest degree of vigilance necessary for the safety of their passengers. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than what would be safe and prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. Buses are naturally difficult to control and bus drivers are more likely to crash at higher speeds. If a bus driver takes a turn too fast and loses control, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
The company that a bus driver worked for could also potentially be liable for a collision. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful acts of their employees who are working within the scope of their job duties. The company responsible for maintaining a bus could also potentially be liable for any accident. A large number of bus accidents are do to improper maintenance of the brakes or other component parts. Victims of bus accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
The FMCSA requires buses capable of carrying 16 passengers or more to have at least $5,000,000 worth of liability coverage. Any person that is injured in a bus accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A bus accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Los Angeles International Airport Shuttle Bus Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the victims injured in this LAX shuttle bus accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that safety measures are put in place to prevent similar collisions at this location.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a LAX shuttle bus accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
