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Experienced Las Vegas Bus Accident Attorney Near You
Public and private buses are an economical and environmentally friendly way to get around the Las Vegas area and beyond.
However, due to reckless, negligent, or intentional actions, bus accidents can occur, resulting in serious injuries and damages to the unsuspecting passengers.
While the aftermath of a bus accident may seem demoralizing, there is hope for bus accident victims. By contacting an experienced Las Vegas bus accident lawyer, a path to final compensation can be formed.
With over 20 years of experience, our personal injury law firm has some of the most experienced Las Vegas bus accident lawyers who can vow to obtain the maximum settlement you are entitled to.
Schedule a free initial consultation with a Las Vegas bus accident lawyer today by calling (702) 566-3600.
About Founding Attorney Rodney Okano
Attorney Rodney Okano is a skilled Nevada personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of experience in Nevada and personal injury law. With his expertise, he has helped thousands of people injured in accidents obtain the financial settlement they're entitled to.
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How to Sue a Bus Company in Nevada?
If a bus company is responsible for your injuries and damages, you must understand how to correctly sue the bus company to avoid any complications with your personal injury claim.
Identify the Bus Company Type (Public or Private)
Before filing a bus accident injury claim, you must learn whether the bus company you plan to file against is publicly or privately owned, as your claim process will differ based on that factor.
Common bus company types include:
- Private Bus companies (Greyhound, Megabus)
- Public Bus Groups (Las Vegas RTC)
- Public School District Buses (CCSD buses)
- Bus Maintenance Companies (Typically a private third party)
Gather Evidence
To build a strong case, you'll need to gather substantial evidence, especially if you have a complex bus accident case.
Key evidence you should prioritize includes:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- In bus security camera footage
- Witness statements
Las Vegas bus accident attorneys can help you gather and organize evidence, which is a good option to consider if you are worried about evidence collection.
File a Notice of Claim (Only for Public Bus Accidents)
If your bus was operated by the Las Vegas RTC or any other public transportation group, you must file a formal notice of claim as stated under NRS 41.036.
This formal notice of claim must be filed with the Nevada Attorney General within 2 years after the bus accident.
Prove Negligence
To win your personal injury claim, you must prove that the bus driver, company, or manufacturer was negligent in their actions.
Common forms of negligence in Nevada bus accident cases include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Bus maintenance failures
- Speeding
File the Lawsuit Against the Bus Company
Once negligence has been established and your damages calculated, your Las Vegas bus accident attorney will file a lawsuit against the bus company with the Nevada courts' civil division.
After a lawsuit is filed, your case can be settled through negotiations or a court trial.
Who Is Liable in a School Bus Accident?
In Nevada, the school district, typically CCSD, is liable for injuries and damages resulting from a school bus accident.
However, if a private third-party company operated the school bus, that private bus company could be held liable instead.
To learn who may be liable in your child's school bus accident, contact a Las Vegas bus accident lawyer by calling (702) 566-3600.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Las Vegas
Similar to other types of motor vehicle accidents, bus accidents occur for various reasons, all of which are important to understand to prevent further crashes.
Common causes of bus accidents in Las Vegas include:
- Bus Driver Negligence or Error: Distracted driving, speeding, fatigued driving, or failing to yield could be considered forms of bus driver negligence.
- Inadequate Driving Training: Nevada law requires bus drivers to undergo specific training and obtain a CDL passenger endorsement license to avoid issues with undertrained bus operators.
- Bus Malfunctions: Bus malfunctions in the brakes, steering, or tires could create dangerous situations.
- Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, like rain or snow, can increase a bus's braking distance and reduce visibility.
- Improper Loading: Overloading or improperly loading a bus can create weight distribution issues that affect the vehicle's stability.
- Other Drivers: Not all bus crashes result from negligent bus drivers, as some crashes are caused by other drivers acting recklessly.
Who Do I Sue If the Bus Is Government-Owned
If you were injured on a public transit bus, such as one operated by RTC or a Nevada school district, you'll need to sue the correct government entity.
Government entities you may sue after an accident on a city government-owned bus include:
- RTC of Southern Nevada
- Clark County School District
However, suing a government entity significantly differs from suing a private one, so it's important to enlist the help of an experienced bus accident lawyer.
Who Can Be Liable for My Bus Accident Injuries and Damages
Nevada's modified comparative fault law allows multiple parties to share fault in your Las Vegas bus accident claim.
Understanding the potentially liable parties is a necessary first step to determining and proving liability.
Bus Driver
While technically, bus drivers are typically not held personally liable for a bus accident due to the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, they can still be named a liable party in a lawsuit if their actions were negligent.
However, if a bus driver was doing actions outside the scope of their employment during the accident, they may not be protected by vicarious liability and may be held personally responsible for the crash.
Bus Company or Agency
Public or private bus companies can be held responsible for the injuries and damages that occur in their buses.
Commonly, bus companies are held liable due to:
- The negligent actions of their driver
- Failure to maintain buses
- Not meeting proper safety regulations
Another Driver
If another driver, other than the bus driver, partially or fully caused the bus accident, they could be liable.
In the case that another driver is at fault, you'll have to bring a personal injury lawsuit against them and their insurance company.
Bus Manufacturer or Maintenance Personnel
If a defective part or poor maintenance caused the bus accident, the bus manufacturer or maintenance could be held liable and face responsibility.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Bus Accident Claim
When you seek compensation following a bus accident, you could recover a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical Expenses (Past and future)
- Lost Wages (Past and future)
- Pain and Suffering (Physical pain and emotional distress suffered because of your injuries)
- Property Damage
- Wrongful Death Damages (If a loved one died in the accident)
- Punitive Damages (Only awarded if the court finds the defendant's actions to be extremely negligent)
To maximize the damages you recover from your bus accident claim, contact the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers from The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm by calling (702) 566-3600.
How Much Is My Bus Accident Claim Worth
Determining the value of your claim can be difficult as its worth is based on factors such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and insurance policy limits.
The best way to learn how much your bus accident claim is worth for free is to contact our team of legal professionals and schedule a free case review.
What Steps Should I Take After a Las Vegas Bus Crash
Knowing what to do after a bus accident is crucial to protecting your legal claim and health.
Recommended steps you should take following a bus crash in Las Vegas, NV are:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Document the accident scene
- Immediately seek medical attention
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies alone
- Schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney
Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Accidents
Can You Get Whiplash from a Bus?
Yes, you can suffer whiplash as a bus passenger.
This is because whiplash occurs when the neck is violently jolted back and forth, which can easily occur in a bus accident, especially due to the lack of seat belts.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims in Nevada
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for a bus accident claim is two years from the date of the crash.
Attempting to file outside of the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed and your right to compensation lost.
What Are the Types of Buses in Las Vegas
Las Vegas sees numerous different types of buses, including:
- RTC bus
- School bus
- Tour bus
- Party bus
- Hotel bus
- Private bus
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