Public buses are usually very large, heavy vehicles that can cause serious damage when involved in a crash. Often, many drivers and passengers are injured in public bus accidents, and damages might be incredibly high. If you are injured in such a crash, you should contact an attorney after getting emergency medical attention.
After a public bus accident, you or someone else at the crash should call 911. While waiting for help, try to document the scene through photos or videos if you are able. While the bus driver who caused the accident may be held responsible, you might also sue the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), which owns and operates the public bus system. Suing a governmental entity is not easy, and your attorney may need to work fast after the accident to get your claims into court.
Ask our Las Vegas, NV bus accident attorneys for a free initial case assessment by calling Mitchell Rogers Injury Law at (702) 702-2622.
What to Do Following an Accident with a Public Bus or TRS Transit Vehicle
After a bus accident, you may need to take immediate steps to protect yourself, both physically and legally.
First, you or someone else at the scene should call for emergency help. Call 911 and have emergency medical responders and the police sent to your location. Depending on how many people were on the bus, there may be quite a few injured victims.
If you can, document the scene and exchange information with the driver and others. Taking photos and recording videos of the crash scene may prove extremely helpful later, especially if the defendant disputes details about the accident.
After you get medical care, call a lawyer to discuss how to get financial compensation. Your injuries might be serious, and a lot of money might be on the line. An attorney can help you fight for justice.
Who is Responsible for Public Bus or RTS Transit Accidents in Nevada?
It is not always clear who is to blame for a bus accident. While the bus driver is often at the center of the case, other people or parties might also be involved.
The Bus Driver
In many accidents, the bus driver is directly responsible. While we might need to wait for the results of a formal investigation, our Nevada bus accident lawyers will likely include the bus driver in your accident in your lawsuit.
Many accidents occur because of a bus driver’s negligence. They might have been distracted, speeding, or even intoxicated on the job. Anything is possible, and we should thoroughly review the results of an investigation.
The RTC
A public bus accident in Nevada likely involves the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). The RTC is a governmental entity, and suing it may be different than suing a private bus company.
One major legal hurdle is the notice of your claim. Unlike when suing a private person or entity, suing a public or governmental entity requires that we submit to them a formal written notice of your claim. According to N.R.S. § 41.036(1), we have 2 years from the date of the accident to file our notice. If we do not, we cannot pursue a lawsuit.
Evaluating Your Injuries and Damages After a Public Bus Accident in Nevada
Before we file your lawsuit against the bus driver and possibly the RTC, we must evaluate your damages.
First, we can assess your economic losses. If you were driving your own car when the bus struck you, you may claim the cost of vehicle repairs. You may also claim the value of any destroyed property inside your car. Most importantly, you should claim the cost of your medical care, which may be extensive.
Next, we can assess your non-economic damages. These account for painful personal experiences, and they can be somewhat subjective. Your trauma, physical pain, psychological injuries, and distress should all be considered.
Can You Reach a Settlement After a Public Bus or RTC Transit Accident?
You may want to sue after a bus accident, but your case might not have to end with a full trial. Many cases end with private settlements. If you are open to a settlement, our attorneys can help you negotiate a good one.
Settlements often mean that plaintiffs receive compensation more quickly, but they are not guaranteed. The defendant might not be open to a settlement and insist on taking the case to court. They might instead offer a settlement that does not meet your needs, and we can reject it and submit a counteroffer for more.
Coordinating with Other Injured Victims After a Public Bus or TRC Accident in Nevada
A public bus accident may involve quite a number of people. Between passengers on the bus and injured drivers, there might be many injured victims, and they might all be taking legal action of their own.
Depending on the situation, your case might be combined with the cases of other plaintiffs. This does not necessarily mean that you will have to split compensation with others, but everyone’s case may be tried at the same time, which can simplify the process for all involved.
How Long You Can Wait After a Public Bus Accident Before Hiring a Lawyer
We should begin preparing your case as soon as possible because the statute of limitations might already be counting down on your time limit to file the case.
According to N.R.S. § 11.190(4)(e), we have only 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This may include the time we have to file a notice of your claim if we sue the RTC, as mentioned before.
If the statute of limitations closes and we have not filed the case, we might be unable to do so at all, barring special circumstances.
Contact Our Nevada Bus Accident Lawyers About Your Case Today
Ask our Enterprise, NV personal injury attorneys for a free initial case assessment by calling Mitchell Rogers Injury Law at (702) 702-2622.