Las Vegas Bus Accident Attorney
Bus Accidents in Nevada
In Nevada, the bus companies are classified as “common carriers,” and under the law 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 The Law Offices of Steven A. Burris 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.
Bus Accident Negligence
There are many potential forms of negligence which can lead to a serious bus accident, and the issue of bus drivers who drive while under the effects of (prescribed) narcotics or anxiety medications is a growing safety menace.
Sometimes, bus company HR departments will order injured drivers back to work, even though they are aware that the bus company’s workman’s compensation doctor has prescribed narcotic pain pills to the driver in an amount that will affect him during work hours.
Common sorts of negligence by the bus companies would include the following:
- Inadequate maintenance of bus, particularly brakes and tires
- Right turns that ‘squeeze’ vehicles to the right of the bus
- Speeding
- Closing door on person who is still in the door well
- Sudden stops or starts before boarding passengers are seated
- Jumping curbs before passengers are seated
- Not securing wheelchairs properly
- Hiring drivers with bad driving records or dangerous health issues
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.
Not sure if you have a case? Contact the firm 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.
