Eight people were injured the morning of July 30, 2010 in a Los Angeles train accident after a Blue Line commuter train collided with a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus in downtown Los Angeles. According to an Associated Press news report, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Broadway and Washington Boulevard. Six people riding the MTA bus were injured and two people riding the Blue line train were hurt in this train versus bus collision. Four of the victims were hospitalized. An investigation is ongoing.


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I am relieved to hear that none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and full recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis (FRAOSA), there were 99 train accidents in California in 2009. In 2008, the FRAOSA reported that 25 people lost their lives in 118 California train accidents. About 1,300 people are injured in California bus accidents each year.

Causes and Liability Issues

It is unclear from this report whether the MTA bus or the train caused this particular accident. Transportation companies – whether they are public or private carriers -- can be held liable for the injuries suffered in crashes involving their vehicles. California law charges transit companies with the "utmost duty of care" to passengers. This essentially means that these transit companies bear the ultimate responsibility for the safe transport of their passengers.

In this particular case, there are still several questions unanswered. It appears that the accident occurred at a crossing. Did one of the vehicles fail to yield right-of-way? Did one of the drivers run a red light? Was either one of the drivers impaired, distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision? The driver who was at fault and their employer could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused here. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options.

Do you feel safe taking public transport in your city?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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