(Gardena, CA) A 182nd Street bus crash resulted in the death of Dwayne Crowder Jr., 33, when a Metro bus ran over him late Tuesday night in Gardena.
On Tuesday, September 2, at 11:00 p.m., the 182nd Street bus crash occurred. According to authorities, it happened at 731 West 182nd Street, just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway.
Upon investigating, authorities learned Dwayne Crowder Jr. lay in the roadway when the Metro bus approached. As the bus continued driving, passengers alerted the driver that he had struck Crowder. The driver stopped immediately after hearing the warning. Emergency personnel arrived shortly after and assessed the Crowder’s condition. By the time paramedics arrived, they determined Dwayne Crowder Jr. sustained fatal injuries and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Detectives began reviewing the events leading to the 182nd Street bus crash. They will determine whether any contributing factors, such as driver error, roadway conditions, or pedestrian visibility, played a role in the tragedy.
Legal Opinion on the 182nd Street Bus Crash
The 182nd Street bus crash raises difficult legal questions about liability and responsibility. A Metro bus struck and killed Dwayne Crowder who reportedly lay in the roadway. Even with that fact, California law still requires drivers, including bus operators, to exercise reasonable care at all times.
California Vehicle Code 21954 addresses pedestrians outside crosswalks. It requires pedestrians to yield to vehicles when crossing outside marked areas. However, the law also requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians, even those in unexpected places. This means the bus driver still carried a duty of caution. If investigators determine that lighting or visibility played a role, California Vehicle Code 22350 may also apply. The Basic Speed Law requires drivers to operate at speeds safe for conditions, regardless of posted limits. A bus operator must reduce speed when visibility is poor or when hazards may exist in the roadway. Because he stopped and reported the 182nd Street bus crash, criminal liability may not apply. However, civil liability remains possible.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Dwayne Crowder may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This law allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses, emotional loss, and the financial support their loved one provided. A wrongful death attorney can investigate whether Metro bears liability. The attorney may review the bus’s onboard cameras, interview passengers, and examine roadway lighting. They can also check whether the driver acted within safety training standards.
Even though Crowder reportedly lay in the roadway, that fact does not automatically absolve Metro or the driver of responsibility. The law often recognizes shared fault. If evidence shows the driver could have avoided the collision, liability may exist. The family should act quickly. Early legal action helps preserve surveillance footage and witness statements. Taking these steps will give the family the best chance at securing justice, accountability, and financial recovery during this painful time.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
