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Los Angeles, California – A deadly crash in Los Angeles early Sunday morning left one person dead and dozens more injured after a tour bus slammed into a disabled SUV on the highway.
The collision occurred around 5 a.m. in Hacienda Heights, where authorities arrived to find a Nissan Pathfinder engulfed in flames and a tour bus with severe front-end damage and a shattered windshield.
Firefighters and emergency crews were unable to save the SUV driver, who was trapped inside the burning vehicle. Two individuals aboard the bus sustained critical injuries, while approximately 30 others were transported to local hospitals. Another 31 passengers, reportedly returning to Koreatown from a casino trip in the Coachella Valley, were unharmed.
Initial reports from investigators indicate that the SUV had stalled on the road before being rear-ended by the oncoming bus. The force of the impact pushed the bus across lanes and into a highway guardrail.
Passenger Joe Runnel, who was on board the bus at the time, described a terrifying scene to KTLA-TV. “I was thrown several rows forward,” he said. “There was broken glass everywhere, people were screaming and pleading.”
Another driver who witnessed the aftermath on State Route 60 said the crash unfolded in an instant. “Everything happened so fast—suddenly, brake lights and chaos,” the driver told local reporters. “It’s heartbreaking, especially on Mother’s Day.”
California Highway Patrol officials confirmed the bus originated in the Indio area near Palm Springs, headed for Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood. Earlier reports mistakenly identified the departure point as Morongo. The highway was fully reopened later that morning.
The identity of the deceased SUV driver has not yet been released. Authorities say the investigation into the exact cause of the crash is ongoing.
“Our officers spoke with multiple passengers and are continuing to gather evidence to determine what led up to this tragic incident,” said CHP Officer Zachary Salazar.
Source: Yahoo! News
Who is Liable in an Accident With a Stopped or Disabled Vehicle?
When an accident involves a stopped or disabled vehicle, determining who is liable can be complex. In many cases, the driver who crashes into the stopped vehicle is presumed to be at fault, especially if they were distracted, speeding, or failed to maintain a safe distance. Drivers are legally required to stay alert and drive with caution, which means they must be able to avoid visible road hazards. If they don’t, they could be held responsible for the crash. Victims of these types of accidents can consult with experienced California car accident lawyers to understand their rights and explore options for compensation.
However, the driver of the stopped vehicle isn’t automatically off the hook. If their vehicle was left in a dangerous location, they failed to use hazard lights, or didn’t attempt to move to safety, they could also be found partially or fully liable for the accident. In states like California, where comparative fault laws apply, both parties may share responsibility, and damages are allocated based on the percentage of fault assigned to each driver.
When these accidents involve larger vehicles such as semi-trucks or buses, the consequences can be even more severe. In such cases, working with California truck accident attorneys is critical to navigating the legal process, especially when dealing with commercial insurance carriers or corporate defendants. And if the collision results in a fatality, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim with the help of skilled wrongful death attorneys, who can help recover damages for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Understanding liability in these types of crashes requires a thorough investigation of the scene, vehicle data, and witness statements. Whether you were injured as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, legal guidance from attorneys experienced in vehicle-related cases can make all the difference.If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer near me in California call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. We offer free consultation and 24/7 availability. Hablamos Español.