When you have suffered injuries in a bus crash or have concerns about whether you will be expected to cover the costs, you need a top-rated bus accident lawyer in Las Vegas. They can help you navigate the complexities of these cases and determine who is at fault so you can get justice and recover your losses. With the help of a lawyer, you do not have to worry.
With an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from H&P Law working on your case, the liable party will be compelled to fully compensate you for your damages. Do not get stuck paying for these expenses when another party’s negligence is the cause of your injuries. With over 30 years of combined experience, our firm can make them pay.
Why Bus Accidents Can Be So Dangerous
Buses are everywhere in Las Vegas, and most of the time they are a reliable way to get around. However, when something goes wrong, it’s an entirely different story. The size, weight, and design of a bus can turn even a minor crash into something serious, especially when you consider things like:
- Longer stopping distances
- Higher risk of tipping over
- Passengers riding without seatbelts
- People standing during the ride
- Limited visibility for the driver
- Sharp turns in heavy traffic
- Frequent stops near busy intersections
- Crowded aisles and entryways
- Narrow escape paths in an emergency
- Heavy impact on smaller vehicles
These factors can exacerbate injuries and complicate the recovery process. They also make it more challenging to determine what caused the crash and who should be held responsible. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer from our team will know what to look for, who to talk to, and how to help you move forward when it feels like everything has been knocked off track.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents
Buses are large and don’t have the ability to stop quickly or maneuver, which makes it harder for them to avoid hazards and prevent accidents. Their higher center of gravity can also make them more top-heavy and prone to tipping over under certain conditions. In addition to these factors, buses are highly regulated, and violations of these rules can contribute to an accident.
For example, bus drivers must follow hours of service (HOS) regulations like truck drivers. These laws stipulate how many hours and days a driver may work consecutively and how many hours of rest or days off they must take in between. If drivers fail to follow these regulations or bus companies don’t enforce them, then drivers may suffer from fatigue that slows their ability to react.
Other factors that contribute to bus accidents include speeding and reckless driving, impairment, distractions, mechanical issues, defective parts, road and weather conditions, and blind spots. These and other conditions can have serious ramifications for negligent parties and bus passengers alike. Buses can also cause immense damage to smaller vehicles.
Circumstances That Make Bus Accident Cases Legally Different
Bus accident claims are not handled the same way as other car accident cases. That is because buses fall under a different legal category with higher standards and different responsibilities. These details can affect how your claim is handled and what you need to demonstrate if you were hurt in a crash.
When your bus accident attorney in Las Vegas takes on your injury claim, they look at every angle, including passenger safety, outside impact, and the choices that were made before the crash ever happened. You deserve a team that knows what to look for and how to make it count, and H&P Law is there for you to make sure that your voice and needs aren’t drowned out by the bus companies.
The reasons behind the accident matter just as much as the accident itself, and our team makes sure that we thoroughly investigate the accident and gather valuable evidence to show that the bus driver or other party didn’t uphold their legal responsibilities. These cases are multifaceted and require an experienced and skillful approach to navigate the various nuances.
The Duty of Care for Common Carriers
Buses are considered common carriers in Nevada, just like trains and airplanes. That means they are required to provide safe transportation to the public and are held to a higher standard of care than private drivers. While a regular motorist is expected to drive safely, a bus driver is expected to take even greater care to avoid harming passengers. This higher legal standard makes a difference in liability.
If you were injured as a passenger, you may not need to show that the driver was reckless. It may be sufficient to demonstrate that they did not act with the level of care required under standard carrier rules. These laws can work in your favor, especially when serious injuries are involved. Your Las Vegas bus accident attorney will be familiar with these rules and how to apply them to your case.
Misconceptions About Bus Safety
It is easy to assume that buses are safer just because they are bigger. In some ways, that is true. Passengers riding in buses are often protected simply by the size and height of the vehicle. They are farther from the point of impact and are less likely to be seriously hurt when the bus is hit by a smaller car.
But that same protection does not extend to everyone else on the road. A collision with a bus can be devastating for other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. That is why these cases are treated differently from other types of accidents.
Common Types of Bus Accident Cases in Las Vegas
Buses are used for a variety of purposes, come in a variety of styles, and have different company structures that can impact liability. Lawyers consider these factors when handling bus accident claims, as they may shift the way they approach your case. Some common types of buses used throughout Las Vegas include:
- Public transit buses: In Las Vegas, residents and tourists have a few options for getting around the city and nearby areas. These include The Deuce, SDX, and RTC buses. Establishing liability can be challenging since these buses are owned and governed by local government entities.
- Charter buses: These buses are rented for private travel by groups for events or tourist travel. Because they are privately held, bus companies can be held liable for accidents that occur.
- Tour buses: As a popular tourist destination, tour buses can be found driving throughout Las Vegas on pre-determined routes to highlight various sites and events. Similar to charter buses, bus companies may be at fault and liable for accidents.
- Shuttle buses: Las Vegas has numerous shuttle buses that transport guests between casinos and hotels to make their stay more pleasant and accessible. Liable parties may vary, so it can be beneficial to consult a lawyer in these situations in particular.
Buses are often a convenient way to travel between destinations without having to worry about navigating an unfamiliar city. However, with the various types of buses throughout the city, it can be difficult to keep track of ownership and potentially liable parties. However, local lawyers are familiar with each type of bus and the requirements and strategies that are involved in resolving each accident case.
Parties Who Can Be Held Liable in a Las Vegas Bus Accident
Determining who is responsible after a bus accident can be a complex process. There may be more than one party involved, and the cause is not always immediately apparent. Our job is to examine the entire picture and determine who should be held accountable for what happened to you. Below is a closer look at what parties may contribute to bus accidents in Las Vegas.
Private Bus Companies and Negligent Drivers
Private buses, including charter services, shuttles, and tour buses, are often operated by companies that have a legal duty to train drivers and maintain their fleet. If the driver was distracted, speeding, or under the influence, such behavior could indicate negligence. In some cases, the issue stems from poor maintenance or mechanical failure. A driver’s employer may still be liable under vicarious liability.
If the company failed to screen the driver correctly, skipped safety inspections, or ignored known problems, they can be held accountable for putting you at risk. A Las Vegas bus accident attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to establish those connections and build a claim that reflects the full scope of your losses, impacting your case results.
Public Transit and Government-Operated Buses
Public agencies, such as the Regional Transportation Commission, operate some bus services. These cases are more complex because government agencies are protected under sovereign immunity laws. Under NRS § 41, that protection is limited, but it still creates extra steps and shorter filing deadlines that you need to meet to move forward.
That does not mean you are out of options. It simply means that your claim must be built and filed correctly and promptly. Government claims require specific paperwork and often have a shorter timeframe for action. Our team understands how to handle these claims, and we will ensure your case is dealt with the right way from the start.
Other Third Parties Who May Be Responsible
Liability does not always stop with the driver or the company. In some cases, other businesses involved with the bus may have played a role in what happened. That could include third-party maintenance crews, parts manufacturers, or even the team responsible for loading the bus. If someone failed to perform their job duties and their actions contributed to the crash, they may be held legally responsible.
We thoroughly examine every piece of evidence in the case to ensure nothing is overlooked. This includes reviewing service records, investigating equipment defects, and examining contracts between multiple companies involved in the route or vehicle maintenance. When you are hurt in a bus accident, your focus should be on healing. Our focus is on making sure the right parties are held accountable.
Understanding the Legal Process for Bus Accident Claims
When recovering from a bus accident, it is helpful to understand the legal process from the outset. Most claims follow a similar general path, but each step requires meticulous attention to detail. We are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help keep things moving forward.
We begin gathering as much information as possible about the accident right away. That includes reviewing police reports, medical records, photos, and video footage. We may speak with witnesses, collect bus maintenance logs, and request internal documents from every company involved. We may also work with outside professionals, like accident reconstruction experts or medical consultants.
Throughout the process, you will never be left wondering what is going on. We keep in touch, update you regularly, and explain each step in plain language. This is your case, and you should always feel informed and involved in the process. We also ensure that evidence is preserved early, so nothing important gets lost or overlooked as the case develops.
Litigation and Trial Considerations
While most bus accident claims are settled before trial, we treat every case as if it might proceed to court. That means we begin preparing for litigation from the outset, even as we work to resolve issues through negotiation. If the case moves forward, we handle everything from filing legal documents to participating in discovery and depositions.
This is where both sides exchange evidence, take sworn testimony, and evaluate the strength of each argument. Our goal is to build your case in a way that earns respect across the table. When the other side knows we are ready for trial, it often changes how they approach a settlement. That leverage matters, especially when you are up against a big company or insurance carrier.
What to Do After a Las Vegas Bus Accident
Bus accidents can be frightening and overwhelming, especially if you are in pain and/or aren’t familiar with the area. To the best of your ability, taking a few steps afterward can protect your health, your claim, and your future well-being. Whether you were in another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, follow these simple directions for what to do after a Nevada bus accident:
- Get to a position of safety, and if possible, help others do the same. Call 9-1-1 and your Las Vegas bus accident lawyer if there are injuries – do not count on anyone else to call.
- Listen to the bus driver and follow their directions. If you are in a vehicle that was in an accident with a bus, get off the road and out of the way of other automobiles.
- If possible, collect the names and contact information of any witnesses to the bus accident. Start with the witnesses outside the bus, as they will be the first to leave and are likely to be the hardest to locate.
- Take photographs of the scene from as many angles as possible. Be safe as you do this.
- Provide your statement to the police and obtain the officer’s name, department, and badge number. Make sure they incorporate your statement into the report.
- See a doctor. Even if you are not transported by ambulance and even if you don’t think you’re injured. It is better to be safe than sorry.
- Do not talk to any insurance adjusters or the defense without your Las Vegas bus accident lawyer present.
- Call H&P Law immediately. We can meet you at the accident scene, in your hospital room, or through a virtual consultation to get started as soon as possible.
Bus accident cases can be stressful, but taking these steps and hiring a Las Vegas bus accident attorney can help give you more confidence about the outcome and how your case is being handled. These steps also prepare you for the claim process and help minimize pushback from insurance and bus companies who want to avoid paying you if they can.
Compensation a Bus Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Can Help You Recover After a Bus Crash
When you are dealing with injuries from a serious crash, it is not just about the immediate bills. There are ripple effects that touch every part of your life, and you deserve to be compensated for all of them.
Depending on how the crash affected you, your claim may include several different types of damages.
Our team carefully documents each of your losses, especially in cases involving lasting injuries or permanent changes to your life. If you are working with a legal advocate, these details are essential to making sure your claim truly reflects what you have been through.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most visible. These include medical bills, hospital visits, therapy appointments, and the paychecks you missed while recovering. You can also claim costs for future care, transportation to appointments, and any modifications to your home or work setup resulting from the injury. If you can’t return to the same job or have to cut back hours, that may be part of your claim, too.
Non-economic damages cover the more complex aspects that are difficult to quantify. Things like pain that does not go away, anxiety that makes it difficult to sleep, or the emotional toll of not being able to do what you love. These losses are real, and they matter.
Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Claims
Bus accidents have the potential to cause life-altering harm. We have seen cases where someone went in for a normal ride and left with injuries that changed their entire future. In the most heartbreaking cases, families are left grieving a loved one who never made it home. When that happens, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, lost support, and emotional suffering.
These claims also pertain to long-term care. If someone survives with serious injuries that require ongoing medical care, we ensure that their needs aren’t overlooked. That includes the cost of in-home care, wheelchairs, rehab, and the future income they won’t be able to earn. Whether you lost someone or are adjusting to a new normal, a Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer from our firm fights for your family.
How Pain and Suffering Is Established in a Bus Accident Case
Bus accidents are often deeply traumatic and can cause more than financial losses. These additional losses are covered by non-economic damages when filing a claim. They can include the pain and suffering you experience because of your physical injuries, emotional trauma, PTSD symptoms, and a diminished quality of life.
Because these losses aren’t as tangible as monetary losses, they can be more challenging to recover. As such, it is essential to document your pain and suffering as best you can. You should keep a journal to record your pain levels, inability to participate in favored activities, psychological challenges, and more. You can also use statements from family and friends, mental health professionals, and doctors.
Your bus accident lawyer in Las Vegas will review these forms of evidence when they take your case, and help you gather additional evidence if needed. They can also help you calculate the potential value of your case using either the multiplier method or the per diem method. These methods involve estimating the severity or duration of your suffering and multiplying it by a set formula.
How Bus Accident Claims Are Negotiated and Settled
Most bus accident cases are resolved through settlement, but that does not mean it’s easy. The insurance company may offer something quickly, but it usually falls short of what your case is worth. We begin gathering all necessary materials to support your claim, including medical records, documentation of lost income, and expert opinions as needed.
From there, we calculate the value of your case and push back on any offer that doesn’t accurately reflect your experience. Being trial-ready matters during this process. When the opposition knows we’re prepared for court, they treat negotiations more seriously. Our team guides you through every offer, helps you determine when to settle, and ensures your voice is always part of the conversation.
Get Help from a Bus Accident Attorney in Las Vegas, NV, Today
A dedicated Las Vegas bus accident lawyer at H&P Law will get a police report for you and pursue your case at no cost to you. There is no reason you should have to deal with the ramifications of someone else’s negligence while they get away with it.
Find out how to move forward with your claim when you contact our office to request a 100% free consultation through our convenient contact form or by phone.
