What to Do if You’re Injured in a City Bus Accident

Any time you enter a motor vehicle, you are risking an accident. When you get behind the wheel of your own car, you have some control over your own safety, and if you are injured by someone else’s negligence, auto insurance protects you, or you can file a claim in court. When you step into a city bus, though, you are taking the risk with no control over safety measures. In fact, most buses do not even have seatbelts! If you are injured on a city bus, because the bus was in an accident, do you have any legal recourse?

City Bus Accident Claims in Las Vegas

Of course, buses are relatively safe, and bus drivers are professionals. Still, bus accidents do happen, and they are more likely in a big city like Las Vegas, where city buses transport thousands of residents and tourists each day. While few of these accidents result in fatalities, nearly half of them cause injuries. If you are injured in a bus accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take to protect them.

The first question is that of liability. Who is held responsible when a city bus is in an accident? If the bus driver was at fault, having violated a traffic law or driven recklessly, he or she might be responsible. Sometimes, the bus driver was being careful, but a third party driver caused the accident, in which case, that person could be liable. There are times when the bus and another driver are both responsible. If the bus is privately owned, the bus company may be liable, particularly if the bus company hired someone known to be reckless or did not train the driver. In some cases, a malfunction in the bus itself causes an accident, and the bus manufacturer can be held liable.  If a government entity owns the bus (for example, school buses), there are liability laws that must be followed. In Las Vegas, the city buses are operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), and because the RTC is a government entity, there are specific rules involved, and claim procedures that are different than when you are dealing with a privately owned vehicle. It is important, then, to find legal representation, with attorneys who understand the laws surrounding public bus injury claims.

Steps to Take After a Bus Accident

If you’ve been in a city bus accident, following these steps can help you build a strong case and protect your rights:

• First, seek medical attention. Even if you do not think you have been seriously injured, it is vital that you be examined by a medical professional. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, and you may not be able to file a claim if you do not see a doctor quickly. It is important to rule out serious injury, but it is also crucial to have documentation of any injuries you do sustain.
• Report the accident. You won’t need to do this if the bus driver has reported it. However, if the driver has not done so, call 911. The police need documentation of the accident, and they will want to gather witness statements and other evidence, and file an official accident report. Make sure you get a copy of this report.
• Collect evidence of your own. Take photos or videos of the scene, capturing the bus, any other vehicles involved, traffic signals, street signs, weather conditions, and anything else you feel may be relevant. Collect the contact information of the bus driver and anyone else who was involved in the accident, including other bus passengers and witnesses. Note: if you are unable to gather evidence due to the extend of your injuries, it’s alright. The police will document everything. The benefit of having your own evidence is that you don’t have to rely on others, but your health and safety are the top priorities.
• Consult an attorney. Bus accident claims can be complicated, but an experienced attorney will understand the specifics laws, as well as how bus insurance works. It is vital that you have someone knowledgeable on your side, to protect your rights.

Help With Public Bus Injury Claims

How can an attorney help you with city bus accident claims? An experienced lawyer can help you determine liability, gathering evidence to help establish fault and determine fair compensation. This evidence includes not only the police report, eyewitness statements, and photographic proof, but also medical records and bills, and proof of lost wages. Your attorney may also secure expert witness testimony to help further your case. In many cases, a fair settlement can be negotiated without going to court, even if the other party initially gives you an unfairly low offer. Having someone on your team who knows the law and is a skilled negotiator can make all the difference in ensuring that you receive the compensation you are owed. If it is not possible to reach a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit, in order to recover both economic and noneconomic damages, including:

• Medical bills, both past and future.
• Lost income.
• Loss of earning ability.
• Household services compensation.
• Physical pain.
• Mental distress.
• Reduced quality of life.
• Loss of consortium.
• Lost enjoyment of life.

For Expert Bus Accident Legal Advice, Trust Carvalho & Associates

If you have been injured in a city bus accident, Carvalho & Associates Attorneys at Law can help. We are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes when someone else is at fault for their accident or injury. Offering world-class excellence in legal representation, we provide expert legal support so that you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone is representing your best interests. Our attorneys work tirelessly to develop a compelling case that secures your financial future, while also showing you compassion, courage, and the determination to hold the at-fault party legally responsible. When you need expert legal counsel, call or contact us through our website.