Two children were injured in a Los Angeles school bus accident after the vehicle suddenly caught fire on the Hollywood Freeway the morning of May 19, 2010. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the 24 third graders from Flory Academy in Moorpark were headed to the California Science Center when their bus came to a sudden stop on the freeway near Universal City. Soon smoke started filling up the bus. Parent volunteers and teachers got all the students off the bus. The group then managed to safely cross the traffic lanes and seek refuge in a business on Cahuenga Boulevard. One child and one adult suffered smoke inhalation officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. But, officials said they suspect it was caused by a mechanical malfunction.

I'm glad to hear that no one was seriously injured in this bus accident. I commend the parents and teachers for getting the children out of the bus in a timely manner, before the flames spread.

Traffic Accidents in Los Angeles

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 268 fatalities and 25,588 injuries involving traffic accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of traffic accidents during the same year.

Smoke Inhalation

Smoke inhalation can result in serious personal injuries. Smoke inhalation occurs when you breathe in smoke from a fire. Breathing in a large amount of smoke can be dangerous because it can burn your throat and airways. Sometimes, smoke from a fire has poisonous gases in it which can cause breathing problems as well. Some of the most common symptoms of smoke inhalation include upset stomach, vomiting, headache, inability to speak or sore throat, drowsiness, headache and confusion.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that there was some type of malfunction in the bus. Was there a vehicle defect that triggered the malfunction? Was the malfunction the result of poor vehicle maintenance? If this accident was caused by a vehicle defect, the bus manufacturer can be held liable for the injuries and/or damages caused. If the crash was the result of poor vehicle maintenance, the bus company or the contracting firm responsible for maintaining the vehicle could also be held liable. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help victims understand their legal rights and options in such cases.

What steps do you believe need to be taken to enhance school bus safety?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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