Las Vegas Bus Accident Attorney
Fighting For Bus Accident Victims in Nevada
In Nevada, the bus companies are classified as “common carriers,” and under the law, they owe a heightened duty of care to passengers. Unfortunately, the negligent, careless actions of bus drivers and other drivers on the road lead to many serious injuries every year. If you’ve been hurt in a bus accident, you have a right to seek fair compensation for the losses you’ve incurred.
The Las Vegas bus accident lawyers at Burris & Thomas, LLC are dedicated to the rights of injury victims, and have advocated on their behalf for more than four decades. When you retain the firm, you can expect the dedicated, unwavering legal support you need during this trying time.
Ready to get started? Contact us at (702) 529-3101 today for experienced counsel from our bus accident lawyer in Las Vegas.
Common Bus Accident Negligence
Many forms of negligence can lead to bus accidents, and drivers who work under the effects of prescribed narcotics or anxiety medication present a growing safety risk.
Sometimes, bus company HR departments send injured drivers back to work, even when they know that the company’s workers’ compensation doctor has prescribed pain medications that could affect the driver during work hours.
Common sorts of negligence by the bus companies would include the following:
- Inadequate maintenance of buses, especially brakes and tires
- Right turns that “squeeze” vehicles on the right side of the bus
- Speeding
- Closing the door on someone still in the door well
- Stopping or starting suddenly before boarding passengers are seated
- Jumping curbs before passengers are seated
- Failing to secure wheelchairs properly
- Hiring drivers with poor driving records or unsafe health conditions
Buses in the Las Vegas region carry thousands of passengers every day. When a driver or company puts safety aside, the risk of serious harm increases. Inadequate driver training or pressure to keep tight schedules can lead to error. Buses frequently travel crowded tourist corridors and operate during large events, so even a minor lapse in attention can have major consequences. Local and state regulations set strict maintenance and operating standards, but some companies still cut corners, which puts passengers at greater risk.
Fighting For Your Fair Compensation
There are a number of potential liable parties in a bus accident, and claims against government agencies can often be far more complex. A fault free passenger may assert joint liability against both the bus company, and another automobile, if both the bus driver and auto driver were at fault. For these reasons, and many more, it is crucial to retain counsel from a skilled Las Vegas personal injury attorney.
When you need effective, highly experienced counsel, turn to Burris & Thomas, LLC. For more than 45 years, their attorneys have fought tirelessly on behalf of injury victims and their families, working to recover fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and so much more.
Common Injuries & Risks Associated With Bus Accidents
Passengers and bystanders can suffer a wide range of injuries in bus accidents, from fractures and traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage and internal trauma. The lack of seat belts on most buses increases the chance that someone could be thrown from their seat during a collision or sudden stop. First responders in Las Vegas regularly report head, neck, and back injuries in bus crash cases, especially when high speeds or multiple vehicles are involved.
Buses operating along busy roads like Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard often stop frequently, raising the risk of falls—particularly for those standing or with mobility challenges. Injuries may also result from slip-and-fall incidents when the flooring is wet or uneven, or when drivers move before all passengers are seated. Local hospitals treat many injuries linked to preventable bus hazards, highlighting the need for thorough safety checks and awareness on the part of drivers and companies.
Steps To Take After a Bus Accident
Acting quickly after a bus accident can protect your health and future claims. If you’re involved in a crash, move to a safe place and get medical care, even for injuries that seem minor. Report the incident to the bus operator or local police and record key details, including the bus number, time, location, and any other vehicles involved. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responds to many bus accident scenes, and their reports often play a central role in insurance and legal claims.
Save all medical records, receipts, and correspondence related to your accident and recovery. If you can, get contact details for witnesses or fellow passengers who observed the incident. Nevada sets strict deadlines for both personal injury claims and those filed against government agencies—missing them can limit your options for recovery. Speaking with an attorney who handles bus accident claims in Clark County can help you avoid errors and protect your rights at each step.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in Nevada?
In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Claims against a government agency, such as a city-operated bus service, require a formal notice within a much shorter time frame. Failing to act within these deadlines may prevent you from recovering damages.
Who can be held responsible for a bus accident?
Liability for bus accidents may rest with the bus driver, the company operating the bus, other motorists involved, or even bus and parts manufacturers in cases of mechanical failure. Each claim requires careful review of the specific facts to determine all responsible parties.
What should I do if I were injured as a tourist riding a bus?
If you were injured while visiting Las Vegas, seek medical care first and report the incident to local authorities. Collect as much documentation as possible before returning home, and consider speaking with an attorney who has experience handling bus injury claims for out-of-state visitors.
Contact Our Bus Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, don’t delay getting the legal help you need. Our Las Vegas bus accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. We know how overwhelming these cases can be, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get justice and start rebuilding your life.
Not sure if you have a case? Contact our Las Vegas bus accident lawyer today at (702) 529-3101 for your free case evaluation.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 702-529-3101 today!
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that go into evaluating the settlement value of a personal injury case. It is not a simple matter of applying a formula. Typically, everyone thinks that their case is “simple” and “clear-cut”. Everyone tends to think that the amount of money they are seeking is “fair and reasonable”. That is human nature. However, the reality is that, in the end, a personal injury case is worth what a jury says it is worth. The job of the victim’s personal injury lawyer is to come up with a settlement that reflects the risk of going to trial (odds of winning vs. odds of losing), together with the range of what value a jury might actually return on the case.
In deciding settlement values, we need to consider the following:
- Is fault clear, or contested?
- Are the injuries severe or mild?
- Is there an issue with insurance coverage?
- Is the client a good communicator?
- Is the defendant/wrongdoer likable or unlikable?
Normally, I am able to give a very general estimate range of settlement value and odds soon after taking on a case, with the understanding that these are just estimates and not guarantees. The longer the case goes on, the more definite I can be about the settlement value range.
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Do I have a personal injury case?
It is often times said by attorneys that in order for there to be a viable personal injury case, there must be “three legs on the stool.” These legs are: liability (or fault); damages (or injury); and collectability (insurance). If any one of the “legs” is missing, then there is not a viable case.
- Liability - A clear example of liability would be someone running through a red light. That person would be at fault. On the other hand, let us say that somebody is hit by a meteorite falling from the sky, and seriously hurt. In that case, although there is injury, there is no earthly entity at fault.
- Damages - An example of damages would be someone getting hit in the nose by an airbag, which breaks their nose. That person has an injury caused by the collision. On the other hand, what if that same person is almost hit by a car running a red light, but by the grace of God is able to avoid the collision? That person might say “I was almost killed, but I didn’t get a scratch.” In that case, the person was not injured and there is no case.
- Collectability - To give an example of collectability, imagine that a drunk driver runs through a red light, and the driver is Donald Trump. In that case, if Donald Trump hit and injured someone when he ran the red light, the victim will be able to collect upon any judgment that they receive. Imagine, on the other hand, that the drunk driver is someone who just got out of prison, and has no insurance and no property. Although that person will probably go to jail, there is no practical way to collect money from him, as he is a “scofflaw” living outside responsibilities of society.
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What Is the Nevada Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
When it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to pay attention to the statute of limitations for the state you're filing in. A statute of limitations is the time limit that a state puts on how long after your accident you are allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit. Statutes vary from state to state.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e) (2016) states that individuals wishing to file a personal injury lawsuit must do so within 2 years of the date of their accident. However, there are certain exceptions that can be made depending on your circumstances. For example, if you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, you generally only have 1 year to file your lawsuit after the date of your injury (Nevada Revised Statutes section 41A.097).
Statute of limitations can be complex, and if you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted amount of time your case will most likely be dismissed. Don't put your compensation on the line! Contact our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and determine what your next steps should be.
