Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney

Common carriers generally refers to modes of transportation that you ride for hire. Examples include taxis, limousines, trains, buses, subways, and airplanes. Millions of passengers safely use common carriers everyday without a problem. However, when there is an accident involving a bus, subway, or train, the consequences can be devastating. Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with news stories involving train and Metrolink disasters. They seem to happen at an alarmingly high rate and are almost always caused by operator error.

Usually the driver of a car is held to the standard of reasonable care, meaning that she must use reasonable care while driving a car. But a common carrier in California must use "utmost care." In other words, a bus driver has to be much more careful than an ordinary car driver. The same goes for a train engineer or airplane pilot, they must use "utmost care" for the safety of their passengers. This heightened standard of care makes it easier for injured passengers to recover compensation for their injuries in the event of an accident.

At the Law Offices of Mann & Elias, most of our common carrier cases involve public entities. The owner of the bus, subway, or train is usually a city or public transportation agency such as Metrolink. Cases against governmental entities are different from cases against private insurance companies. Even the statue of limitation (the time in which you must file a lawsuit) is different when just one of the defendants is a governmental entity. This is why it is so important to hire a lawyer who has successful experience in dealing with common carrier cases.

Although common carrier accidents may result in minor injuries, train and subway accidents are often catastrophic. If you or someone you know has been involved in any common carrier accident which caused injury, whether major or minor, call Scott Mann at the Law Offices of Mann and Elias at 323-857-9500 for a free consultation. Or click here to be re-directed to a free case evaluation form.

Current Litigation:

Estate of Amari v. Union Pacific, Metrolink, et al, RIC512012

The Law Offices of Mann & Elias is currently representing the family of Ms. Amari, who was tragically killed by a Union Pacific train in Riverside on Halloween night. Throughout the litigation of this case, we are again reminded how hard the defense will fight in order to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. Trial is currently scheduled to begin in January, 2012.