Mother Killed At South LA Bus Stop: Can Lawyers Reduce Accidents?

Mother Killed At South LA Bus Stop: Can Lawyers Reduce Accidents?

November 24, 2023: Imagine waiting for your South LA bus at the usual stop, expecting just another typical day several blocks south of Florence Avenue, just near each other east of Western Avenue. But then, a sudden, catastrophic event, like a car crash, changes everything. An alleged DUI accident involving multiple vehicles occurs nearby, and before you know it, innocent pedestrians are caught up in the chaos. 

That was the scene on a disastrous Thursday afternoon when a car crashed into two pedestrians, a woman and a young girl, in South Los Angeles, leading to tragic consequences. The woman at the South LA bus stop lost her life, and the young girl is currently fighting for hers in critical condition at a Los Angeles hospital trauma center.

These LA bus stop incidents are far more common than you might think. What can downtrodden passengers and authorities do about bus stops like the one in South LA and other crowded areas?

This article aims to unravel some obscure traffic laws the benefits of taking swift action against offenders, and the lawyers’ role in advocating for improved safety measures at South Los Angeles bus stops. 

  • Understanding the incident
  • Why safety at bus stops remains a serious concern
  • Role of lawyers pressing for safer rest areas.

Looking at the tragic incident in South Los Angeles, we see the need for safer bus stops, highlighting why all pedestrian zones should be safer.

In the South Los Angeles incident, a chain of unfortunate events claimed the life of a woman and seriously injured a young girl, both pedestrians. While it’s undeniable that unforeseen circumstances – like a car exiting private property and clashing with another vehicle – can lead to accidents, we must consider if the severity of the incident could have been mitigated with better safety measures at pedestrian zones, particularly at bus stops. Let’s explore this in more detail. 

Why Making Bus Stops Safer Is So Crucial 

Bus stops are among the most populated pedestrian areas in any city. Commuters, including children and seniors, spend significant time waiting for buses to arrive. The inherent vulnerability of these population segments makes it even more critical to ensure bus stops are equipped with safety features that can prevent, or at least minimize, the impact of such accidents. 

“The safety of citizens – whether they are inside a vehicle, or waiting on the sidewalks, should be the state’s topmost priority.”

https://regulations.justia.com/states/california/title-2/division-3/chapter-3/article-2/section-5025/

Selected California Bus Stop Regulations

2 CA Code of Regs 5025

Current through Register 2023 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 22, 2023

(a) No stopping zones when designated by painted curbs and signs shall be red and stenciled bus zones. No person shall park any vehicle at any time adjacent to a curb marked in red bus zones shall be red and stenciled bus zones.

(b) Short time parking zones when designated by painted curbs shall be green and stenciled with the time limit allowed for parking. No person shall park any vehicle adjacent to a curb marked in green for any period in excess of the posted time limit.

(c) Commercial loading zones when designated by painted curbs shall be yellow and stenciled loading only. No persons shall park any vehicle other than a commercial vehicle adjacent to any yellow curb nor any commercial vehicle adjacent to such curb for any greater length of time than is actually necessary for the loading or unloading of materials. A curb marked in yellow should indicate a loading zone for commercial vehicles only.

(d) Passenger loading zones when designated by painted curb shall be white and stenciled passenger loading zone only. No person shall park any vehicle other than a private passenger automobile adjacent to any white curb and shall not park any vehicle for any greater period of time than is actually necessary for the loading or unloading of passengers and personal baggage.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3965(c), Food and Agricultural Code. Reference: Section 21113, Vehicle Code.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1238 – School Bus Stops

(a) Designated Stops. School bus and SPAB stops made for receiving and discharging pupils shall be designated by the school district superintendent.

(b) Prohibited Stops. A school bus stop shall not be designated at the following locations:

(1) Within 200 ft of the nearest rail of any railroad crossing or grade, except at railroad stations or on highways that parallel the railroad tracks

(2) The left-hand side of any highway

(3) On a divided or multiple-lane highway where pupils must cross the highway to board or after exiting the bus, unless traffic is controlled by a traffic officer or official traffic control signal. For the purposes of this subsection, a multiple-lane highway is defined as any highway having two or more lanes of travel in each direction.

(c) CHP Approval. Unless approved by the department, a school bus stop shall not be designated at the following locations:

(1) Upon the main traveled portion of a highway where there is not a clear view of the stop from 500 ft in each direction along the highway and the speed limit is more than 25 mph.

(2) On a highway, pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 22504(c).

https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/13-CCR-1238

CA Veh Code § 22112 (2022)

22112. (a) On approach to a schoolbus stop where pupils are loading or unloading from a schoolbus, the schoolbus driver shall activate an approved amber warning light system, if the schoolbus is so equipped, beginning 200 feet before the schoolbus stop. The schoolbus driver shall deactivate the amber warning light system after reaching the schoolbus stop. The schoolbus driver shall operate the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm, as required on the schoolbus, at all times when the schoolbus is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils. The flashing red light signal system, amber warning lights system, and stop signal arm shall not be operated at any place where traffic is controlled by a traffic officer or at any location identified in subdivision (e) of this section. The schoolbus flashing red light signal system, amber warning lights system, and stop signal arm shall not be operated at any other time.

(b) The schoolbus driver shall stop to load or unload pupils only at a schoolbus stop designated for pupils by the school district superintendent or the head or principal of a private school, or authorized by any of those individuals for school activity trips.

(c) When a schoolbus is stopped on a highway or private road for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils, at a location where traffic is not controlled by a traffic officer, the driver shall, before opening the door, ensure that the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm are activated, and that it is safe to enter or exit the schoolbus.

(d) When a schoolbus is stopped on a highway or private road for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils, at a location where traffic is not controlled by a traffic officer or official traffic control signal, the schoolbus driver shall do all of the following:

(1) Escort all pupils in prekindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 8, inclusive, who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the schoolbus is stopped. The driver shall use an approved hand-held “STOP” sign while escorting all pupils.

(2) Require all pupils who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the schoolbus is stopped to walk in front of the bus as they cross.

(3) Ensure that all pupils who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the schoolbus is stopped have crossed safely, and that all other pupils and pedestrians are a safe distance from the schoolbus before setting the schoolbus in motion.

(e) Except at a location where pupils are loading or unloading from a schoolbus and must cross a highway or private road upon which the schoolbus is stopped, the schoolbus driver may not activate the amber warning light system, the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm at any of the following locations:

(1) Schoolbus loading zones on or adjacent to school grounds or during an activity trip, if the schoolbus is lawfully stopped or parked.

(2) Where the schoolbus is disabled due to mechanical breakdown. The driver of a relief bus that arrives at the scene to transport pupils from the disabled schoolbus shall not activate the amber warning light system, the flashing red light system, and stop signal arm.

(3) Where a pupil requires physical assistance from the driver or authorized attendant to board or leave the schoolbus and providing the assistance extends the length of time the schoolbus is stopped beyond the time required to load or unload a pupil that does not require physical assistance.

(4) Where the roadway surface on which the bus is stopped is partially or completely covered by snow or ice and requiring traffic to stop would pose a safety hazard as determined by the schoolbus motor carrier.

(5) On a state highway with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour or higher where the schoolbus is completely off the main traveled portion of the highway.

(6) Any location determined by a school district or a private school, with the approval of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, to present a traffic or safety hazard.

(f) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, the Department of the California Highway Patrol may require the activation of an approved flashing amber warning light system, if the schoolbus is so equipped, or the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm, as required on the schoolbus, at any location where the department determines that the activation is necessary for the safety of school pupils loading or unloading from a schoolbus.

https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2022/code-veh/division-11/chapter-6/section-22112/

California Code, Vehicle Code – CVC § 21458

(a) Whenever local authorities enact local parking regulations and indicate them by the use of paint upon curbs, the following colors only shall be used, and the colors indicate as follows:

(1) Red indicates no stopping, standing, or parking, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended, except that a bus may stop in a red zone marked or signposted as a bus loading zone.

(2) Yellow indicates stopping only for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or freight for the time as may be specified by local ordinance.

(3) White indicates stopping for either of the following purposes:

(A) Loading or unloading of passengers for the time as may be specified by local ordinance.

(B) Depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox.

(4) Green indicates time limit parking specified by local ordinance.

(5) Blue indicates parking limited exclusively to the vehicles of disabled persons and disabled veterans.

(b) Regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be effective on days and during hours or times as prescribed by local ordinances.

https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-21458/

10.36.010 – Loading zones—Establishment and marking authorized.

A. The city traffic engineer is authorized to determine and to mark loading zones and passenger loading zones as follows:

1. At any place in the central traffic district or any business district;

2. Elsewhere in front of the entrance to any place of business or in front of any hall or place used for the purpose of public assembly.

B. In no event shall more than one-half of the total curb length in any block be reserved for loading zone purposes.

C. Loading zones shall be indicated by yellow paint upon the top of all curbs within such zones.

D. Passenger loading zones shall be indicated by white paint upon the top of all curbs in such zones. (Prior code § 3230)

https://library.municode.com/ca/carpinteria/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10VETR_CH10.36LOZORE

How Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Can Influence Changes 

It might surprise you that lawyers can play a pivotal role in compelling the state to enhance safety at bus stops. They represent victims in court. The best lawyer will seek justice and highlight the negligence, if any, by state or local entities for failing to provide adequate safety measures. Lawmakers can be motivated to amend safety laws at bus stops, implementing necessary enhancements and upgrades through this coaxing. 

Lawyers can raise public awareness about safety loopholes. They can advocate for closure after an injury and improvements in public safety standards. This helps ensure similar incidents don’t happen again in the future. 

We can’t eliminate accidents. But we can make our bus stops and other pedestrian zones safer. Lawyers can play a role in creating a safer environment for pedestrians. These South Los Angeles fatalities remind us all of the work that needs to be done.

Deep Dive

Let’s dig a bit deeper into why the role of legal professionals is crucial in ensuring safer bus stops. Take, for example, the unfortunate incident in South Los Angeles. Now imagine if a savvy lawyer were to take this case. Such a professional could scrutinize the circumstances, looking for a failure of duty of care by those responsible for the safety of that intersection.

If negligence were established, it would not only lead to fair compensation for the affected parties but also inevitably force the authorities to rectify any safety flaws. 

  • The Scene Investigation: In the aftermath of a bus stop accident, an experienced lawyer can initiate a thorough investigation. This may often reveal overlooked information. It could also pinpoint details revealing responsibility over any carelessness.
  • Erring on Safety: When the legal spotlight is focused on specific accident locations, it invariably compels the local authorities and lawmakers to prioritize safety improvements to prevent further tragedies.
  • Effecting Change: A successful lawsuit provides justice for the victims and can act as a catalyst for change. It may lead to new laws or amendments to existing ones to improve safety provisions in public spaces.

To a layperson, a bus stop or an intersection, like the one on 83rd Street and Western Avenue, might seem like another part of the cityscape. But a sharper legal perspective can expose any latent hazards and present an opportunity to force changes that can help protect us. Accidents are often preventable, especially with the correct pressure applied in the right places. 

So, let’s all play our part in ensuring safer bus stops because your journey should be about reaching your destination, not dodging danger.

1. What are the current safety measures in place at bus stops?

Current safety measures at bus stops vary depending on the location and jurisdiction. However, some standard safety measures include the plated bus stop signs or markers, indicating that l buses should stop to pick up and drop off passengers. These signs often include information about the bus route and schedule.

Current safety measures at bus stops vary depending on the location and jurisdiction. However, some standard safety measures include the plated bus stop signs or markers, indicating that l buses should stop to pick up and drop off passengers. These signs often include information about the bus route and schedule.

Additionally, many bus stops are equipped with shelters or benches to provide passengers with a comfortable waiting area and protection from the elements. Another safety measure commonly implemented at bus stops is the presence of crosswalks or pedestrian signals to facilitate safe crossing of the street. These features help pedestrians safely navigate the bus stop area and cross the street without traffic hazards. In some cases, bus stops may also have designated pedestrian islands or refuge areas to provide additional safety for pedestrians waiting to cross the street.

Furthermore, bus stops are often equipped with lighting to enhance visibility during nighttime hours. Adequate lighting is crucial for passengers waiting at bus stops. It also helps drivers see pedestrians approaching or leaving the bus stop. Additionally, some bus stops may have surveillance cameras installed. They’re supposed to deter criminal activity. They can also make passengers feel protected. It is important to note that safety measures at bus stops can vary significantly depending on the resources and priorities of the governing authority responsible for their maintenance.

Some bus stops have comprehensive safety features. Others may not, posing risks to some pedestrians and passengers. Evaluating and improving the safety of bus stops is an ongoing process. Making bus stops safer requires collaboration. Transportation authorities, city planners, and community stakeholders must team up.

2. Leading Causes of Bus Stop Accidents?

Bus stop accidents can occur due to a variety of factors. One of the leading causes is driver negligence or error. This can include distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield to pedestrians at bus stops. Bus passengers and pedestrians risk accidents and injuries when drivers fail to exercise caution. Another common cause of bus stop accidents is inadequate infrastructure and design. Bus stops that are poorly located or lack proper signage and markings can contribute to accidents.

For example, if a bus stop is located in a blind spot or near a busy intersection without proper visibility, it increases the chances of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, bus stop accidents can be caused by the actiopedestrians’ actions who disregard traffic signals, cross the street without looking, or fail to use designated crosswalks, putting themselves in danger. Such reckless behavior can cause accidents. This is because these machines cannot stop in time to avoid a collision. Weather conditions can increase bus stop accidents.

Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and bad weather make navigating around bus stops dangerous, especially if drivers fail to adjust their driving behavior.

3. How Lawyers Can Enforce Safer Bus Stops?

Lawyers can help enforce safer bus stops by advocating for stronger regulations and policies. Lawyers can research and analyze existing laws. They can cull bus stop regulations and identify gaps. Lawyers can identify and address weaknesses. Lawyers can develop strategies for improvements in bus stop safety standards.

Lawyers can also hold responsible parties accountable for causing accidents at bus stops. The best lawyers can represent victims and their families in legal proceedings. Their goal is to seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and other damage to make victims whole. Litigating helps create a deterrent effect. By pursuing legal action, lawyers can incentivize bus stop operators and government agencies. In this way, we hope they will prioritize future safety measures. In addition, lawyers can collaborate with advocacy groups. They can also work with community organizations to raise safer bus stop awareness.

Advocates can also participate in public hearings. This and engaging in media campaigns, helps them lobby for legislative changes. By leveraging their legal expertise and influence, lawyers can mobilize public support. Their work can pressure state authorities to improve bus stop safety. Furthermore, lawyers can assist in conducting investigations into bus stop accidents to uncover any negligence or wrongdoing.

Lawyers also know how to gather evidence, and interview witnesses. They use this information when they consult experts to build stronger cases. Lawyers can contribute to developing adequate safety measures and policies and be powerful advocates for safer bus stops. By utilizing their legal knowledge and skills to push for regulatory changes, lawyers can seek justice for victims. If you are a lawyer and want to raise awareness and contribute to accident prevention efforts contact us today.

4. State’s Legal Responsibilities for Bus Stop Safety?

The legal responsibilities of the state in ensuring bus stop safety can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific laws in place. However, in general, the state must take reasonable measures. California must make bus stops safe and protect pedestrians and passengers. This duty may include implementing and enforcing regulations. Caltrans must also conduct regular inspections and maintain safe bus stop conditions.

The state and local governments must establish and enforce traffic regulations. These private and commercial codes govern the operation of vehicles near bus stops. 

These traffic laws include:

  • Speed limits
  • Designated no-parking zones
  • Traffic control locations. 

These may be static stop signs or animated traffic signals to help ensure safe vehicle movement near bus stops. In addition to traffic regulations, the state may also have a duty to maintain the physical infrastructure of bus stops.

Regulators appropriately design, construct, and maintain bus stops. Their job is to provide a safe environment for pedestrians and passengers. This duty may include providing adequate lighting and clear signage. Other steps could be building accessible pathways and shelter from inclement weather. Furthermore, the state or local government must conduct assessments of bus stops. They must identify any potential hazards and deficiencies.

If any issues are identified, government employees should address them promptly and effectively by repairing damaged infrastructure, removing obstacles or hazards, and implementing improvements.

5. Existing Bus Stop Safety Laws or Regulations Lawyers Can Leverage

Yes, there are existing laws and regulations regarding bus stop safety that lawyers can leverage. One crucial law that applies is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires accessible bus stops for disabled individuals. 

This includes: 

  • Ramps
  • Curb cuts and other accommodations.

 People with mobility impairments must be able to access and use bus stops safely safely. Lawyers can use the ADA to advocate for improvements to bus stops that do not currently comply with these accessibility requirements.

Additionally, state and local laws or regulations specifically address bus stop safety. These bus stop laws could include better signage, lighting, and other bus stop safety features. Lawyers can research and analyze these laws for violations, too. They can advocate for safer bus stops, arguing these laws if there is an accident.

Furthermore, bus accident lawyers can leverage negligence law to hold responsible parties accountable. For example, if a supposed stop is located in a dangerous area, the law. In that case,  we can argue that the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care in selecting the location of the bus stop. By demonstrating a responsible party’s negligence, lawyers can obtain compensation for injured clients. This financial incentive could push the government to make safety changes.

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