Chatsworth Bus and Helicopter Crash: Understanding Legal Rights After a Serious California Accident

On September 15th, three people suffered a fatal accident when an NBC4 news helicopter crashed. This accident occurred in Chatsworth and was near another accident where an SUV collided with a Metro bus, trapping individuals inside and killing two. This tragedy has left many in a state of fear and shock about the necessary steps to take to recover. This article will discuss the dangers of a serious accident as well as the importance of understanding your legal rights if one occurs. 

The Importance of Understanding Liability 

Bus accidents can present more complicated legal questions than collisions involving only privately owned vehicles. When a public transit vehicle is involved, an investigation may examine the conduct of multiple individuals and parties.

Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following. 

• Traffic-camera footage
• Vehicle data
• Witness statements
• Photographs
• Medical records
• Maintenance records
• Information regarding the actions of the drivers immediately before the accident 
• Police reports 

It may also be important to understand if negligent behaviors were involved. Negligence usually involves determining whether a person or entity owed a duty of reasonable care, whether that duty was breached, and whether the breach caused injuries or other losses.

When a Collision Involved Public Transportation 

When a collision involves a government-operated bus or another public entity, additional procedural requirements may apply. California law usually sets specific requirements and deadlines for claims against governmental entities. These deadlines may be much shorter than the time limits that apply to some ordinary personal injury lawsuits. The circumstances of each accident are different. Liability could potentially involve the following individuals or parties.

• Private driver 
• Employer 
• Vehicle owner
• Public transportation agency 
• Contractor 
• Manufacturer
• Another party depending on the evidence developed during the investigation 

Legal Concerns 

Following a helicopter crash, investigators may examine the following. 

• The aircraft itself
• Maintenance history
• Flight records 
• Weather conditions
• Pilot actions 
• Mechanical components
• Communications 
• Other available evidence 

Until investigators reach their findings, conclusions about mechanical failure, pilot error, maintenance issues, or other possible causes should not be treated as facts. Depending on the eventual findings, a civil aviation matter could potentially involve an aircraft operator, maintenance provider, manufacturer, employer, property owner, or other responsible party. Whether any specific individual or party is responsible often depends on the facts and applicable law.

Legal Rights of People Injured in Serious Accidents

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include but are not limited to the following. 

• Medical expenses 
• Future medical care 
• Lost income 
• Reduced earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering 
• Other losses recognized under California law 

Families who lose a loved one may also have potential wrongful-death or related claims. The persons entitled to bring such claims and the damages potentially available depend on California law and the individual circumstances.

What to Do After a Serious Transportation Accident

After an accident, medical needs should come first. Injuries may not always be fully obvious immediately after a collision. When possible, injured individuals may also want to preserve documents and evidence related to the incident. This can include, but is not limited to, the following. 

• Photographs and videos 
• Witness contact information 
• Medical records 
• Correspondence with insurance companies 
• Employment records documenting missed work
• Copies of available accident reports 

Preserving documents and evidence is crucial as it can help investigators understand how the accident happened. In addition, it may also be important to avoid discarding damaged personal property or other evidence that could later become relevant. Since evidence can disappear, and legal deadlines may apply, obtaining information about applicable rights and deadlines early can help an injured person make informed decisions.

Legal Guidance After a California Bus or Transportation Accident

Seeking legal assistance after suffering injuries from a bus or helicopter accident may be important in getting back on the road to recovery. Oftentimes, these types of accidents may present serious legal or insurance challenges. That is why the proper legal counsel may be important moving forward. 

The Legal Team at KAASS LAW 

Our qualified personal injury attorneys may be able to review the specific facts of your case, preserve important pieces of evidence, and assist throughout the legal process. In addition, an attorney reviewing an accident may investigate available evidence, identify potentially responsible parties, determine applicable filing requirements, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, as well as explain the legal options available based on the circumstances. These may be crucial components of the recovery process and for the future of your personal injury claims. If you have suffered injuries from an accident, don’t wait. Call KAASS LAW today for a confidential consultation and to learn more about your rights moving forward in the claims process.