Like most cities, Las Vegas offers numerous options for public transportation that make it easier to get around. The options include monorails, shuttle buses, and city buses. While public transportation is generally safe across America, and statistics show that this is true, it does not mean that accidents never happen.
Typical Public Transportation Accident Injuries
While the type of vehicle may differ — whether it is a bus, monorail, shuttle or other public transportation that was involved in a Las Vegas accident — the types of injuries that result from a crash are common. These include:
- Broken bones;
- Sprained ligaments;
- Whiplash;
- Bruising; and
- concussions
When it comes to public transportation, injuries can be quite serious in the event of an accident. This is because public transit rarely has restraints or seatbelts and, since you have to hold onto your belongings, an impact could cause them to become projectiles and cause even further harm.
Factors to Consider
When you suffer from injuries in an accident involving public transportation, the insurance policy for the driver who caused the crash typically is used to pay any claims for damages. The process can become complicated because there may be a third party involved, such as the municipality or bus company. Sometimes, a bus company may be completely immune from a claim for liability. This is because public transportation vehicles may be owned and operated by a government entity (city or state), making the filing of a claim more difficult and the awards offered often capped at a certain dollar amount.
Suing a Governmental Entity
Under Nevada law, a person who was injured in a public transportation accident has the ability to seek monetary compensation in court. Someone who is injured by an officer, agent, or employee of the government who was carrying out his or her regular job duties can seek compensation. That being said, an injured party would need to prove negligence on the part of the government employee in order to succeed.
Filing in Nevada
Keep in mind that there are particular rules when it comes to filing a personal injury claim against a governmental agency. This is also true when filing suit in Nevada. Requirements include completing specific forms, which will likely need to be reviewed multiple times by different agencies for approval. Under Nevada law, a personal injury claim against a government entity, whether state or local, must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. Moreover, damages in a personal injury case against the government are limited to $100,000.00 per claim under NRS 41.035 (2020).
We Can Help
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a Nevada accident and public transportation was involved, contact the Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Matt Pfau Law Group today. You can schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys to learn more about your rights and obligations under applicable law.
