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.

When the truck jackknifed, its load of steel pipes scattered across the highway in an area that is not adequately lit. According to California Highway Patrol Lt. Cmdr. Gustavo Guzman, the driver of the truck was driving on a section of highway where the speed limit is 70 mph when he attempted to pass vehicles that were moving at a slower speed. He lost control when his truck drifted onto the dirt.

A bus traveling from El Paso, Texas to Los Angeles carrying 33 passengers struck a load of the steel pipes, which caused it to overturn after sliding down an embankment. Four passengers of the bus were killed; at least seven others were seriously injured, according to news reports. The steel pipes were scattered across all east and west bound lanes. Two other vehicles struck the pipes, however there were no injuries reported in those incidents. The driver of the truck was not identified; neither he nor the driver of the bus was injured.

Is the driver of the truck to blame in this tragedy, or even the trucking company? While CHP did report that there is no lighting on the stretch of highway and that it was a half moon that evening, victims’ families have endured the absolute worst thing families should ever have to endure – the senseless loss of a loved one. Seven people were seriously injured as well, and now face medical expenses.

Under California law, victims and surviving families of those killed in an accident have the right to file civil actions against any individual or party who is determined to be responsible. Victims who were injured may recover damages that include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Families who lose a loved one in a tragic accident may be able to recover compensation of funeral/burial costs, lost income, loss of companionship or consortium, and other costs.

No amount of money will provide comfort when a loved one is lost, however compensation can help defray the costs and avoid serious financial issues. If you have been injured in a truck or bus accident or have lost a loved one, contact a compassionate and skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney at once.