SUV Driver Arrested Following Deadly Los Angeles Metro Bus Accident

Driver of Ford Expedition Arrested on Suspicion of DUI After LA Car Accident That Killed Two Bus Passengers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 16, 2026) – At least two people have died and six others were injured in a Los Angeles Metro bus collision by Nordhoff Street and De Soto Ave.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the collision took place around 11:00 AM on Tuesday. A 36-year-old woman was heading down the road in a 2004 Ford Expedition SUV when she hit the side of the LA Metro bus. The force of the impact left severe damage to the side of the bus and pushed it toward the curb.

First responders were called to the scene of the collision to help all of the victims. Six people were taken to local area hospitals to receive treatment. Another two people were so severely injured that they ended up dying.

Police suspect that drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the crash. The driver involved has been charged with numerous crimes, including murder and DUI.

This crash happened just a few hours before three people were killed in a Chatsworth helicopter accident. A full investigation into both incidents remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for LA Metro Bus Collisions

It is illegal to operate any motor vehicle in the state of California while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” There are many ways that even small amounts of alcohol can impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

• Alcohol can substantially impair a person’s ability to maintain their vehicle in a single lane.
• Alcohol can dramatically decrease a person’s ability to react to events in a timely manner.
• Alcohol can cause blurred vision, thereby making it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead of them.
• Alcohol can impair a person’s ability to maintain a consistent, safe speed.

Depending on the unique facts of any case, there could be several liable parties for any motor vehicle collision involving a bus. Buses are considered common carriers and expected to operate their vehicles with a great deal of caution to avoid collisions. Consider, for example, Acosta v. Southern California Rapid Transit District. In that case, the passenger of a Southern California Rapid Transit District bus was injured when the bus driver made a sudden stop. The court held that there was sufficient evidence for a jury to find that the bus driver acted negligently.

How An Attorney Can Help After a Los Angeles Bus Accident

Buses are typically very safe for their passengers. But they are particularly susceptible to rolling over and side-impact collisions. According to one study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 213 buses involved in fatal collisions across the United States in 2022 alone. This included 74 transit buses. There are many different ways that an attorney can help after any bus accident in Los Angeles.

• An attorney can help ensure that all of the evidence related to the collision is properly collected and preserved.
• An attorney can work to identify all liable parties.
• An attorney can ensure that you are fairly compensated for all of the injuries and losses that you sustain.
• An attorney can handle all negotiations with insurance providers and the defendant.

There’s a tremendous peace of mind that can come with having an experienced attorney handle your case. There is also no upfront cost associated with hiring an attorney. Instead, they get paid entirely on a contingency fee basis, if they are able to successfully resolve your claim. Victims of bus accidents are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Getting Legal Help After A Los Angeles Bus Accident

We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the two people who died in this LA bus accident. This was a highly preventable tragedy that should have never occurred. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the authorities. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened.

Have you or a loved one been injured due to the negligent actions of a drugged driver in Los Angeles? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of highly experienced bus accident attorneys is here to help you. We are committed to helping people understand their rights and protecting those rights through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique facts of any case, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.