Penney & Associates secured a $14 million settlement for a fast-food worker injured in a catastrophic California bus crash. This complex case spanned years of litigation, with multiple defendants disputing liability under comparative negligence law. By investing in accident reconstructions, expert testimony, and a nighttime visibility study, the firm demonstrated its trial readiness, extensive resources, and commitment to client-focused representation.
Inside a Complex California Bus Accident Case
When a public transportation bus collided with a stopped tractor-trailer on a dark desert highway outside Los Angeles, the consequences were devastating. Eight passengers suffered catastrophic injuries, including fractures, amputations, and wrongful death. The case raised complex legal issues of comparative negligence, multiple defendants, and conflicting accounts of liability.
In May 2022, after years of litigation and preparation for trial, Penney & Associates achieved a $14 million settlement for one of their clients, a fast-food cook seriously injured in the crash. The result showcases the firm’s experience as leading California bus accident attorneys, their willingness to invest in complex litigation, and their commitment to clear, compassionate client representation.
The Case at a Glance
- Accident location: A pre-dawn crash on federal land along a desert highway outside Los Angeles.
- Vehicles involved: A public transportation bus and a stopped tractor-trailer rig.
- Victims: Eight bus passengers sustained severe injuries. Penney & Associates represented seven of them, while separate counsel represented the eighth in a wrongful death case.
- Outcome: A 40-year-old fast food cook, described as humble and kind, secured a $14 million settlement — the largest recovery in the case and one that ensures his financial security for life. The other passengers represented by the firm also obtained substantial settlements, though their amounts were not disclosed.
Other attorneys representing some of the passengers specifically requested that the Penney & Associates litigation team handle the trial, underscoring the firm’s reputation for trial readiness and results.
Understanding Comparative Negligence
The core challenge in this case lay in California’s comparative negligence system. Under this legal standard, fault can be divided among multiple parties, and damages are reduced according to each party’s share of responsibility.
For example, if a jury found a plaintiff’s damages to be worth $10 million but determined the bus company was 60% responsible and the truck operator 40% responsible, the costs would be divided between the defendants accordingly. This creates powerful incentives for each defendant to blame the others and minimize their share of liability.
In this case, defendants included the bus company, the tractor-trailer operators, and other associated parties. Each argued that others bore the greater responsibility, leading to years of cross-claims and pre-trial disputes over apportionment of fault.
A Litigation Effort Spanning Years
Penney & Associates committed extraordinary resources to uncover the truth and prepare for trial. The litigation team, led by California personal injury attorneys Kevin Elder and Garrett Penney, with support from Kent M. Luckey and Seth Madden, undertook:
- 72 depositions of witnesses, medical providers, and company representatives.
- More than 20 retained experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and economists.
- Two accident reconstructions, designed to recreate the events leading up to the collision.
- A nighttime driver visibility study, which used a bus, cameras, and computer modeling to replicate the low-light conditions at the accident site.
The visibility study was particularly notable, with lawyers and experts from multiple sides present at the crash location to assess what the bus driver could realistically see in the moments before impact.
These efforts came at significant cost. Litigation expenses exceeded $400,000, most of it invested in evaluating causation and damages. By advancing these costs, Penney & Associates demonstrated a willingness to shoulder financial risk to ensure their clients received the strongest possible representation.
Evidence that Shaped the Case
Through expert analysis and discovery, Penney & Associates uncovered critical facts:
- The bus driver suffered from diabetic retinopathy, a condition impairing night vision and directly relevant to the pre-dawn crash.
- Conflicting testimony existed over whether traffic cones or warnings had been placed near the stopped tractor-trailer.
- Evidence suggested that tractor-trailers had frequently parked in the same location overnight prior to the crash, creating a known hazard.
These findings provided a compelling basis to challenge the defendants’ attempts to deflect blame and reinforced the plaintiffs’ claims for damages.
Settlement Achieved on the Eve of Trial
The case was fully prepared for trial in federal court (United States District Court, Central District of California, Case #5:15-CV-00703-JGB). With experts lined up to testify and accident reconstructions ready to present, Penney & Associates showed they were prepared to argue the case before a jury.
It was only at this late stage, the day before trial, that the defendants agreed to settle. Judicial approval was required because of the multiple cross-claims and parties involved.
The fast-food cook client secured a $14 million settlement while other passengers represented by Penney & Associates also reached substantial settlements.
Compassionate and Communicative Representation
Results of this scale demonstrate legal skill, but Penney & Associates’ reputation is built on more than numbers. Clients often emphasize the firm’s clear communication and compassionate approach.
This case lasted years, with countless hearings, depositions, and motions. Throughout, the firm prioritized keeping clients informed, answering questions, and ensuring families understood the progress of litigation. For victims recovering from catastrophic injuries, this communication provided reassurance that their voices were heard and their cases were in capable hands.
Renowned California personal injury attorney Frederick W. Penney has noted that in addition to courtroom success, clients increasingly look for attorneys who listen and explain — not just litigate. This balance of trial strength and compassionate representation sets Penney & Associates apart among California bus accident attorneys, making it one of the best personal injury law firms in the state.
What This Case Demonstrates
This settlement highlights several defining strengths of Penney & Associates:
- Trial Readiness: By preparing every detail for trial, the firm created the leverage necessary to secure a settlement on the eve of jury selection.
- Resource Commitment: Advancing hundreds of thousands of dollars in expert costs showed a willingness to fight complex cases no matter the financial burden.
- Litigation Expertise: Managing multi-defendant disputes under California’s comparative negligence rules required strategic precision and persistence.
- Client Dedication: Behind every legal filing were injured individuals and families. Penney & Associates never lost sight of the human side of the case.
Moving Forward After a Bus or Truck Accident
The $14 million settlement secured for a fast-food cook injured in this bus and truck accident case in California reflects both the complexity of comparative negligence lawsuits and the value of experienced, client-centered legal representation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus crash, truck accident, or other catastrophic collision, Penney & Associates is here to help. Our attorneys have the trial experience, resources, and compassion to fight for justice and ensure you are supported at every step. With over $500 million recovered for accident victims, we have a proven record of helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact Penney & Associates today for a free consultation.
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