School Bus Crash

What began as an exciting trip to the Los Angeles Brea Tar pits on Sunday, January 11, 2009, ended in an emergency triage scene when two school buses collided on the northbound 405 Interstate. The injured students, from Lennox Middle School, were treated at the scene and taken to local hospitals. New reports indicated about 50 paramedics and firefighters and 11 ambulances covered the scene and treated injured students. The rear-end collision occurred at about 9:40am near Palms Boulevard, where roadwork was conducted. Students reported feeling the bus “stop super hard” and being knocked off their seat. Students complained of immediate hip and back pain as a result of the sudden impact. The first bus driven by Carmen Gutierrez came to an abrupt stop due to slow traffic ahead, while the second bus driver, Ulises Torres crashed into it. Both buses are operated by Durham School Services and were traveling at approximately 50-55 mph. The buses were then escorted off the freeway and parked in a lot to address injured parties. Some students did not sustain any injuries, but watched as some of their classmates were taken in protective neck collars and body boards.

Lederer & Nojima LLP has represented numerous individuals injured while aboard a bus. The injured party is an innocent bystander, injured as a result of the negligence for the bus driver or outside party causing the accident. Please contact our experienced attorneys for a free evaluation.

Downtown Fatal Accident

In the fast paced city of Los Angeles, thousands of individuals rely on public transportation on a daily basis. Many travel to work while others enjoy the ease and comfort of avoiding the hassles associated with driving. This past Wednesday, on a clear and pleasant early morning, a pedestrian was tragically struck by a DASH bus, operated by the city of Los Angeles. Police are currently investigating the crash that occurred at approximately 6:30 am, on 5th Street and Flower Street, in Downtown Los Angeles. According to media reports, the bus was making a left turn from westbound 5th Street to southbound Flower when it struck the victim. The victim has been reported to have been in a crosswalk when she was struck. The victim has been identified as Gwendolyn Coleman from Burbank, CA. Gwendolyn, a 58 year old mother and grandmother, will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Our hearts go out to the Ms. Coleman’s family and friends, along with others who have tragically lost a loved one.

Fatal accidents such as the one mentioned above must be evaluated by an experienced attorney. Lederer & Nojima LLP has handled many cases against the city of Los Angeles and the public transportation agency such as the MTA, DASH and Foothill Transit. The sooner our lawyers become involved in a bus accident investigation, the more likely it is that we will be successful in obtaining the maximum available recovery of monetary compensation for victims. Please contact our office for a free consultation.