At least 55 people were injured when a Los Angeles Metro Rail train and a University of Southern California (USC) bus collided on Tuesday (as reported by ABC News). Officials reported that 18 people were transported to a local hospital. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the incident occurred on Watt Way and Exposition Boulevard around noon, when the shuttle bus crossed onto the path of a Metro E Line train traveling southbound.
Additional Details About the Accident
Firefighters and paramedics arrived quickly at the scene of the accident. As of Tuesday afternoon, two individuals were hospitalized in critical condition and 16 others were transported in fair condition. According to officials, at least 37 people were treated and released at the scene. The LAFD reported that 14 individuals transported to the hospital were on the train and two were on board the USC bus.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority expressed its sympathies to those injured in the accident.
What to Do If In an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault
Public transit is generally safe, but accidents happen in a city as large as Los Angeles. When they do, the next steps are crucial. You have legal rights, and getting immediate medical and legal assistance helps protect these rights, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault. In this type of situation, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Remain Calm and Get to Safety: If you’re on a train or bus, follow instructions. Exit the vehicle if possible and move to a safe location. Signal someone for help if you’re badly injured and cooperate with whoever assists you. If you’re in a car or other vehicle involved in the accident, stay inside and keep your seatbelt on until first responders get to you.
- Call 911: If possible, contact emergency services to report the accident. Tell the dispatcher your location, the nature of the accident, and that people are injured (and how severely they’re hurt). Prompt reporting helps law enforcement and medical personnel respond quickly and follow the appropriate procedures.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Police and emergency responders may provide instructions when they arrive. They may ask you to stay in place and provide information. Identify witnesses and supply any evidence you may have, such as videos or photos. If injured, follow the instructions of medical personnel and allow them to evaluate your condition.
- Accept Medical Assistance Even If Your Injuries Seem Minor: The scope of an injury isn’t always immediately apparent. Common injuries in transportation accidents include cuts and bruises; if someone is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound with a bandage or clean cloth and elevate the injured area. Sprains, fractures, burns, and head and neck injuries are also common; as badly as you want to help, it’s best to let medical professionals administer treatment when they arrive.
- Gather As Much Information As You Can: The more details you gather, the stronger the evidence you’ll have to hold the responsible party accountable. In addition to using your cell phone to take photos and videos (of the accident scene and any injuries), write everything you recall before you forget, obtain details on the bus driver/train conductor, information about the company, and witness statements (including their names, contact information, and what they saw). If you find vehicle parts or road debris, do not tamper with it.
- Set Up a Legal Consultation: Following a bus crash or train accident, seek a personal injury attorney with experience in this area. They’ll protect your rights and, if necessary, represent you in legal proceedings. An attorney can also pursue compensation to cover your expenses and losses.
- Visit a Doctor or Other Medical Provider: Delaying or avoiding medical care after a vehicular accident can have severe consequences. Symptoms of a major injury may not manifest for hours or days. You may not know right away if you have a concussion, organ damage, or internal bleeding. Timely treatment prevents complications and can speed the healing process. It also provides important documentation for a personal injury claim.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: If you’ve been in a train or bus accident, notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. It will conduct an investigation. The information you provide will help process your claim. This may include police reports, medical records, and repair bills. Hold on to all communications with your insurer.
What Not to Do After a Bus Accident
An accident scene is a chaotic environment. Knowing what not to do helps you act appropriately and avoid common mistakes. If you’ve been in an accident involving public transit:
- Never Leave the Scene: Wait for emergency personnel to arrive and evaluate your injuries. If you have a serious injury, any movement can cause more harm. There may be people who want to help, but don’t accept a ride to the hospital from anyone other than emergency responders.
- Don’t Discuss the Accident: Don’t speak about the accident with anyone involved or others on the scene. Only provide details to law enforcement, your attorney, and your insurance company.
- Avoid Providing Recorded Statements: Don’t comply with anyone who offers to take a recorded statement from you. It can be used against you and you may be pressured into providing inaccurate information.
Sympathies Aren’t Enough – Call Jacob
After an accident like the one involving the Metro Rail train and USC bus, local agencies are quick to make public statements in support of the victims. However, sympathies don’t compensate for costly medical bills and pain and suffering. The Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani are here to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
We’ve recovered millions of dollars in damages for clients over the years. Whether it requires working with a transportation company, government agency, or insurance provider, our team builds your claim and negotiates a settlement on your behalf. We’ll even take the case to trial if necessary. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us. Call (888) 952-2952 for your free case evaluation.