25 Injured in Downtown Los Angeles Tour Bus Crash

At least 25 people were injured in a Los Angeles bus accident after a tour bus carrying 32 passengers collided with a barrier and tipped over on the 10 Freeway early morning on July 14. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, 25 passengers were transported to area hospitals. Four were said to be in serious condition, five in fair condition and 16 in good condition. The bus accident occurred on the 10 West near the 110 Freeway interchange with the bus striking impact buffers before ending up on its side.

Ongoing Accident Investigation

The driver, 53-year-old Dack M. Lew, was transporting people from the Pala Casino in San Diego County to Koreatown. Lew was questioned by CHP, but not arrested. The bus crashed head on into the sand-filled buffers and then crashed into a concrete bridge and abutment before ending up on its side. Officials don’t believe based on a preliminary investigation that alcohol or drugs were factors, but are looking into whether the driver and passengers were using seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The 2000 Van Hool bus was operated by Rosemead-based QH Express, the Times reports. The newspaper also looked at federal safety records and found that the bus company had two vehicle-related violations during 12 inspections. CHP officials are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them at 213-744-2331. The investigation is ongoing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this bus accident. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Compensation for Injured Victims

Based on this news report, it appears that the bus driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the barrier causing the bus to tip over. Although officials don’t believe the driver was under the influence, we trust they are looking into whether driver fatigue played a role in this collision.

Under a new California law that went into effect on July 1, 2018, drivers are required to tell their passengers to wear seatbelts. They face a $20 fine for the first violation and $50 for every subsequent violation. Parents will be responsible under the law for making sure children under age 16 are buckled up and will be allowed to hold children under 2 on their lap.

Injured victims of bus accidents may be able to seek compensation for the injuries, damages and losses they suffer. Victims may seek damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitative treatment, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced Los Angeles tour bus accident lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-bus-crash-20180714-story.html