At the time of news reports, authorities were not certain of the identities of the elderly man and woman. According to Sgt. Shawn Freeman, spokesman for the LA Dept. of Transportation which operates the bus involved in the accident, all that was known was that the couple was walking together when the incident occurred. It was not known at the time if the couple was married.

A CBS news report said that the bus was making a left-hand turn in the 1700 block of S. Catalina Avenue when the couple was struck as they crossed the street at about 6:30 p.m. Both were pinned under the bus, although police were not certain of whether the couple attempted to cross after the bus entered the intersection to make the turn, or were already crossing when the bus made the turn. The two were the only ones who were struck by the bus and sustained injuries, according to the report.

Authorities did confirm that drugs or alcohol were not factors in the crash. Some residents of the area believe that the corner where the accident occurs needs the attention of the mayor and others, as accidents have occurred on several occasions at the intersection during daylight hours.

It is impossible to know at this point whether the couple, because of their age, did not realize that they were crossing in front of the bus, or whether the bus began making the turn when the couple was already in the intersection prior to the bus making the turn.

Regardless of whether the accident was the fault of the bus driver or the elderly couple, it is a tragic outcome. If the accident was the fault of the bus driver, surviving family members of the deceased man may want to consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of compensation can replace a loved one or eliminate the grief and sadness family members experience, it can help survivors with related expenses including funeral/burial, lost income, emotional distress, and other costs. The financial impact of losing a loved one can be much greater than anyone could imagine; without the worry of how these costs will be taken care of, families can move through the grieving process and go forward with their lives.

Although it has already been determined that drugs or alcohol were not factors in the deadly bus accident, in many cases distracted driving or inattention may be to blame. Bus drivers may be distracted any number of ways, or may simply ignore traffic lights or signs. There are countless circumstances which could result in a deadly accident, or one resulting in the injury of many innocent individuals, including passengers on a bus.

Whose fault the accident was had not been determined at the time of news reports. Regardless, anyone who has been injured in an accident involving a bus may be eligible for compensation of costs including medical expenses, lost wages, future income, pain and suffering, and more. If you are the victim of negligence or have lost a family member in an accident caused by negligence, do not hesitate before contacting an experienced and dedicated Los Angeles personal injury attorney, who will work vigorously to collect the full damages you deserve and hold those who were negligent accountable for their actions.

Crews were dispatched to the scene at Pine Avenue between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. on Friday, according to the Chino Police Dept. The vehicles involved included a 2013 Honda Accord, a 2002 Honda Civic, and a 2000 extended cab Chevy truck; authorities reported that two of the vehicles were engulfed in flames.

The speed limit in the area is 25 mph. News reports indicate that the roadway in the area where the accident occurred is rough, narrow, and extremely busy. Police stated that there were four men in the Chevy truck, and that it crashed into the k-rail before catching fire and causing a chain reaction with the other two vehicles.

Considering the speed limit and road conditions, it would be very dangerous for a sizeable truck to speed in what appears to be “tight” driving conditions. Although news reports do not indicate the cause of the accident or why the Chevy crashed into the k-rail, motorists must be extremely cautious and aware when driving in conditions such as those around the Mill Creek Avenue and Chino Corona Road area.

It was mentioned that one of the people involved sustained only minor injuries. Depending on who was at fault in the accident, surviving family members may decide to file a wrongful death claim. For instance, if the driver of the Chevrolet extended cab pickup was to blame, families of the passengers in his vehicle, along with any others who lost their lives in the other vehicles, may wish to pursue monetary damages.

No amount of money can make up for the loss of life; however, it is important to keep in mind that when a family member dies who may have been the sole or primary income provider for the family, financial issues can cause further stress and anxiety on top of the grief you are experiencing.

At The Justice Firm, our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys are compassionate and dedicated to helping you get your life back on track after tragedy strikes. If someone else’s negligence has resulted in the loss of a loved one, give us a call today.