Tour Bus Crash Leaves One Dead, 32 Injured: Know Your Legal Rights

Buses are a popular and efficient way to travel across California, offering comfort and convenience to both residents and tourists. But when these large vehicles are involved in traffic accidents, the consequences can be devastating. That’s exactly what happened in Hacienda Heights, where a tour bus accident on the 60 Freeway left one person dead and over thirty others injured after a collision with an SUV.

After such a traumatic event, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and full of questions. Many victims wonder who is legally responsible, whether they’re eligible for financial compensation, and how to begin the legal process. This is where having an experienced injury attorney from Adamson Ahdoot can make a critical difference. They provide clear answers, expert support, and a strong path to justice and recovery.

Call (800) 310-1606 today or submit your free case evaluation online to speak with our legal team. At Adamson Ahdoot, we’ve helped countless bus accident victims throughout California get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today!

One Dead and 32 Injured in Hacienda Heights

In early May, a devastating accident occurred on the 60 Freeway in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County, involving a tour bus carrying 63 passengers. Tragically, one person lost their life and at least 32 others suffered injuries.

The crash happened during the early morning hours when a Nissan Pathfinder SUV became disabled in the number one lane of the freeway for unknown reasons. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the tour bus collided with the stationary SUV from behind at high speed.

The force of the impact caused the bus to veer uncontrollably across several lanes before crashing into a guardrail. Meanwhile, the SUV caught fire upon impact, tragically trapping and killing its sole driver.

First responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and CHP arrived quickly at the scene but were unable to save the driver. Of the 63 passengers aboard the bus, two were critically injured and transported to local hospitals, three suffered moderate injuries requiring emergency treatment, and at least 26 sustained minor injuries.

Legal Aspects of a Bus Accident in California

Buses are essential to the mobility of our communities. They connect cities and regions, transporting millions of people every day. In the United States, especially in California, where long distances and dense populations make public transportation indispensable, buses play a critical role.

However, despite their size and the perception of safety, buses are not immune to traffic accidents. In fact, some bus crashes can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, as tragically demonstrated by the recent tour bus accident in Hacienda Heights.

According to the most recent statistics, California’s numbers reveal a troubling trend. While Texas topped the list of states with the highest number of bus accidents in 2024, California was not far behind, ranking in the top five with 802 reported incidents and at least 390 injuries. Alarmingly, this high accident rate has been consistent in recent years. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that in 2021, California recorded 447 fatalities from crashes involving buses and large trucks.

After a bus accident, victims and their families are often overwhelmed with questions: What steps should be taken? What rights do victims have? Who is legally responsible? Can compensation be claimed for personal injury?

In the sections below, we’ll take a closer look at legal responsibility in bus accidents in California and outline the options available to victims seeking justice and fair compensation.

Liability in Bus Accident Cases: Who’s Responsible?

Bus accidents differ significantly from typical car collisions. They often involve multiple parties and complex circumstances, which makes determining who is at fault more challenging. Establishing liability is one of the most important—and complicated—steps in pursuing justice and compensation.

In general, responsibility for a bus accident may fall on one or more of the following parties:

• The Bus Driver: If distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, or other forms of negligence contributed to the crash.
• The Company that Owns or Operates the Bus: If it failed to properly maintain the vehicle, hired unqualified drivers, or imposed schedules that led to driver fatigue.
• Other Drivers: If their behavior on the road caused or contributed to the collision.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure caused by a defective component played a role.
• Government Entities: If hazardous road conditions, poor maintenance, or lack of proper signage were contributing factors.

In the Hacienda Heights tour bus crash, investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the collision. A key detail is that the Nissan Pathfinder SUV was reportedly stopped on the shoulder prior to the impact. This raises serious concerns about the actions of the bus driver and the potential liability of the bus company.

Authorities are now examining whether negligence, such as driver error, fatigue, or poor vehicle maintenance, played a role.

Ultimately, identifying all responsible parties is essential. This ensures accountability and enables victims to seek the maximum compensation to which they may be entitled under California law.

What Legal Options Do Victims of Traffic Accidents Have?

When a bus accident occurs in California, such as the tragic Hacienda Heights crash, victims often have the right to seek compensation for their damages. This compensation can cover both economic losses and non-economic harms like emotional distress.

Beyond the physical and psychological trauma, victims and their families face significant challenges. Whether through a personal injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit, they can recover damages for:

• Current and future medical expenses.
• Rehabilitation and ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Property damage.
• Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases).

Because bus accident lawsuits are complex, having an experienced legal team is essential. A skilled injury lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case. At Adamson Ahdoot, we understand the pain and uncertainty that these accidents cause. That’s why our dedicated team will support you every step of the way: from investigating the incident and filing your claim to negotiating fair compensation on your behalf.

Talk to an Adamson Ahdoot Expert Today

Did you suffer injuries in a tour or public bus accident in California? Don’t face this stressful time alone. At Adamson Ahdoot, we’re here to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide you with an effective, personalized legal strategy.

Our attorneys have successfully represented numerous victims and recovered millions of dollars in compensation. We know how to stand up to bus companies and insurers to protect your rights. Recently, we secured $350,000 for a passenger injured in a bus accident.

Call us today at (800) 310-1606, or submit a free inquiry through our website. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case.