The numbers continue to rise as firefighters continue to use ladders to board the massive tour bus in hopes of pulling bodies from the mangled metals, smoke, and debris from this massive collision. The palm springs hospital which contains the only trauma center in the valley is flooded with injured victims in desperate need of medical attention. Currently there are 5 people in critical condition, 3 in serious condition, and 6 with minor injuries. Victims of the tour bus crash have also been transported to all three (3) valley hospital Desert Regional Medical Center, Eisenhower Medical Center and JFK Memorial Hospital. A long time physician at the only trauma center in the valley said that in his 6 years working at the hospital, this was the largest number of victims he has seen from a single crash.

Rights of the Injured and Loved Ones of the Perished

If you or your loved one was a passenger on a tour that crashed into the rear end of a tractor trailer truck on the 10 west this morning, then you will need the expertise of one of our highly experienced tour bus accident lawyers. Our lawyers are here to answer any questions, and address any concerns you may have with respect to the pursuit of your personal injury claim. If you or a loved one was a passenger on the tour bus that rear-ended a massive tractor trailer on the 10-West this morning, then it is imperative that you contact one of our highly experienced tour bus and truck accident lawyers today.

Wrongful Death Claim: As the death toll continues to rise, and the injuries of the victims aboard the tour bus are being discovered, it may be difficult to think that you need legal representation to protect you and your family. Our team of highly experienced tour bus accident attorneys are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will travel to your location to make sure that you are receiving the proper care that you deserve. If you are a family member of a loved one that was a passenger on the tour bus, then YOU have what is called a “wrongful death” claim. You and your family will be able to receive compensation for the loss you have suffered. Our attorneys will make sure that funeral arrangements are made, and all costs are taken care of.

FREE CONSULTATION: We understand that this is a horrific and tragic time in your life, but we cannot stress enough the importance of immediately seeking the advice of a lawyer before deciding to pursue your claim on your own. Our consultations are always free and you will never pay a dime if we don’twin your case. We have a NO WIN NO FEE GUARANTEE and our lawyers will fight to make you justice is served.

At least 51 people were injured after a serious collision between a Metrolink train and a truck early Tuesday morning in Oxnard, California.  Oxnard is a town just 75 miles west of Los Angeles.  Exact details of the fiery crash are still unknown, but the accident occurred near the crossing at 5th Street and Rice  Avenue on the Ventura County Line at approximately 5:40 a.m.  The driver of the vehicle has been been arrested on suspicion of a felony hit and run.

The conductor of the Metrolink train spotted the truck stationed on the tracks from a far distance away, but was unable to stop in time, even though he used the train’s emergency braking system.  It is reported that the train was traveling roughly 80 miles per hour before he attempted to hit the brakes.

The driver of the truck fled the scene, but was later found by local police officials several miles away.  It is not immediately apparent why the driver stopped his truck on the tracks in front of the moving train or whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of his arrest.

Dozens passengers, including the conductor were aboard the train, and while no fatalities have been reported, injuries ranged from head trauma and brain injuries as well as back and neck damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. Four of the injured passengers are reportedly in critical condition.

This accident is the first since Metrolink introduced new safety standards and protocol following a deadly crash on September 12, 2008 between two trains, resulting in 25 deaths.  The February 24, 2015 crash was perhaps minimized by a crash energy management system put in place.

Recovery Available for Victims: Individuals who have suffered serious injuries due to the negligent or wrongful conduct of others are entitled to compensation for all damages suffered. Specific types of damages compensable in personal injury cases include the following…

1. All current medical and health related expenses.
2. All future medical and rehabilitation care.
3. Lost wages and future loss of income.
4. Non Economic damages – including pain and suffering, emotional trauma and loss of consortium.

No Cost Legal Consultation Available: Our attorneys are currently investigating lawsuits relating to the injuries resulting from the Metrolink train accident.  If you or a loved one has been hurt, please feel free to contact our personal injury attorneys and speak directly to a lawyer regarding your case.

Tour Bus Liability for the Injuries and Deaths Resulting from the Accident

Tour bus companies are considered common carriers. Common carriers owe the passengers the highest duty of care. Additionally, passengers are considered negligent free . Negligent free passengers are not responsible or in any way held accountable for the injuries sustained by the negligence of the bus operator. In this particular case the insurance company for the tour bus company, El Paso Los Angeles Limousine Express Inc., will argue that it was the steel pipes left on the highway from the semi truck that are responsible for the accident. While, this is in-part accurate, it does not completely absolve them of liability. In fact the tour bus operator should have kept a safe distance so as to avoid contact/impact with any objects on the highway.

However, it is likely that a percentage of fault will be attributed to the semi truck and a portion to the tour bus operator. Although, since this investigation is still ongoing it is difficult to determine or substantiate these facts.

Semi Truck Liability for the Accident

According to reports a semi truck had over-turned on the highway spilling debris, steel pipes, which the tour bus ultimately made contact with or tried to avoid making contact with that resulted in the accident. In such cases it is possible to pursue the insurance policy of the semi truck company in order to achieve maximum results. However, it will first need to be determined whether the steel pipes were improperly fastened or whether the jack knifed semi truck was negligent in any way.

Finally, as a side point it is possible to pursue a claim against the manufacturer or owner of the steel pipes. If it can be substantiated that they in any way failed to properly secure or transport the product.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A wrongful death lawsuit can be pursued if your loved one was killed in the following accident. To pursue a wrongful death cause of action you must first file a lawsuit against the proper entities for your loss. Keep in mind that only immediate family, spouses and children can pursue a claim for injuries.

Wrongful death lawsuits are brought on by the families of the deceased. In order to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you must file your case within 2 years from the date of the accident. If a case is not filed within 2 years from the date of the accident, you will be barred from pursuing a claim for damages.

FedEx $5 Million Dollar Insurance Policy from Protective Insurance Co.

Protective Insurance is the company that is responsible for providing insurance coverage to FedEx. In this particular case they have provided a $5,000,000 single policy or aggregate policy. What this means is that the total amount of liability available is $5 million dollars. Therefore, this amount will need to be divided between all injured parties. As a result the actual amount will be limited. However, those who have been injured can pursue an independent case against Federal Express. Since Federal Express has the necessary assets to justify or warrant an independent lawsuit. However, this is not information that will be readily provided by Protective Insurance. In fact insurance companies will routinely attempt to settle the case in order to avoid potential litigation.

Why a Lawsuit Should Be Pursued

A lawsuit should be pursued for a number of reasons. First, because of the nature of this accident and the degree of the tragedy a lawsuit must be filed in order to hold those responsible accountable. Second, you have an issue where there are many unknown facts. It is unclear at this point what caused the accident or how it occurred. As a result an investigation needs to take place in order to identify the actual cause and take steps to ensure future safety protocols are put into place. Third, in order to get to the bottom of what really caused this accident this accident.

All of these cases are being handled on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that unless there is a recovery, there are no fees owed to our office. We will handle every step of the case and cover the costs to ensure justice is served. Should you be interested in seeking legal action contact our office for a free case evaluation.

Compensation Available for Victims of the Tragic FedEx Charter Bus Accident

Victims of auto accidents are entitled to receive compensation for all harms suffered. They types of harms which are compensable in personal injury lawsuits include the following

1. All medical costs associated with the harm suffered including hospitalization expenses and rehabilitation costs.

2. Pain and suffering evidenced via depression, anxiety, PSTSD.

3. Economic harm – loss of work compensation and loss of future income due to disability.

4. Punitive Damages – punitive damages are awarded when an at fault party acted with wither the intent to cause substantial harm or death or acted with reckless or wanton disregard for the life of others.

Speaking With an Attorney: If you have any further legal questions regarding the right to seek compensation for the tragic death of a loved one or injuries sustained in the recent accident involving the FedEx truck in Oralnd California feel free to contact our law offices. All legal consultations are provided by our attorneys free of charge.

At least 10 people were killed and several more were injured in a violent truck crash between a FedEx truck and a bus carry future college students in Northern California, about 100 miles north of Sacramento.  The accident occurred on Thursday, April 11, 2014, as 3 buses carrying prospective college students from Los Angeles and Fresno were being transported to Humboldt State University in Arcata for a campus visit.  A FedEx driver crossed over a median and collided head-on to one of the buses.  Both drivers were immediately killed, and at least 5 students were also killed, as well as two chaperons on the bus.

The fiery crash led to a cloud of smoke that could be seen for miles, which occurred on the California I-5 Freeway.  According to witness statements, the FedEx truck sideswiped another vehicle before crashing into the bus.

Although the victims have not yet been identified, the students were from various high schools throughout California, including: City of Angels School, Diego Rivera Learning Complex, Middle College, San Fernando, Robert F. Kennedy, Manual Arts, Banning, Carson Chatsworth Charter, Dorsey, and John C. Fremont.

The bus carrying the students was owned and operated by Silverado Stages, one of the largest bus companies in California.  While FedEx is one of the world’s largest shipping companies, records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicate they have been involved in 171 accidents in California alone, five of which have led to fatalities.

The National Transportation Safety Board notified victims that they are sending an investigative team to learn more about this tragedy.  According to an official, “…we’re going to be investigating the human, the machine and the environment, and what’s critical for us especially in highway accidents…”  The agency’s main prerogative is to make sure accidents like this can be avoided in the future.

Unfortunately, however, the damage has already been done for these victims and their families.