A bus accident in Las Vegas can change everything in a split second. Whether you live here or you’re visiting, these accidents often mean serious injuries, piling medical bills, and time off work. Dealing with insurance companies and figuring out who’s responsible can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover.
That’s why we’re here. As experienced Las Vegas bus accident attorneys, we know how to handle these tough cases. We’ll stand up for your rights and work hard to get you the money you deserve. While we take care of the legal stuff, you can focus on getting better.
Coming up, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about bus accidents in Las Vegas. We’ll cover the steps to take after an accident and how to pick the right lawyer for you. Our aim is clear: we want to help you understand your options and get your life back on track.
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Visit our Las Vegas bus accident lawyers near you for a free consultation
Injured in a bus accident in Las Vegas? Visit Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers at 400 S 7th St, Ste 490, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Can’t make it? We’ll come to you! Call (702) 867-8900 now, or contact us through our website, to schedule your free case evaluation. Whether it’s a public transit, school bus, or tour bus accident, our experienced legal team serves bus accident victims throughout Nevada. Don’t wait, call us now.
What to do if you’re in a bus accident in Las Vegas
A bus accident in Las Vegas can be a disorienting experience, but taking the right steps afterward is crucial for your safety and potential legal case. Here’s a detailed plan to protect yourself and your rights:
Get to safety
After a bus accident in Las Vegas, your first priority is to ensure your safety. If possible, move at least 100 feet away from the accident scene to avoid potential hazards like fuel leaks or oncoming traffic. However, if you’re unable to move, stay in your seat and wait for emergency responders to arrive. Pedestrians involved in the accident should move to the nearest sidewalk or safe area. Remember, your safety comes first in the chaotic aftermath of a bus collision.
Call the police
Contacting law enforcement is a critical step after a Las Vegas bus accident. Dial 911 for emergencies or the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s non-emergency number (311) for less severe situations. Request that a traffic division officer respond, as they have specialized training in accident investigation. At the scene, ask for a copy of the police report number – you’ll need this for your records and potential legal proceedings. In Nevada, if the bus driver doesn’t report the accident, you’re legally required to do so if there are injuries or significant property damage.
Seek medical attention
Even if you feel unharmed after a bus accident in Las Vegas, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Request a full body scan or MRI to detect any hidden injuries. Keep all medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and bills, as they’ll be essential for any future legal action. Follow up with your primary care physician within 72 hours of the accident to ensure all injuries are documented and treated properly.
Document the accident
Thorough documentation is vital after a Las Vegas bus accident. Use your smartphone to take photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of damages and wide shots of the entire scene. Note down the bus number, route, and any visible company information. Record weather conditions, road signs, and traffic signals, as these details can be crucial in determining liability. Write a detailed account of the events, including what you were doing before the accident. If possible, try to obtain a copy of the bus’s onboard camera footage, as most Las Vegas buses are equipped with them.
Be cautious with communication
After a bus accident in Las Vegas, be mindful of what you say and to whom. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as these statements can be used against you later. Refrain from posting about the accident on social media, as insurance companies often monitor these platforms for information that could weaken your claim. It’s also wise to politely decline giving a recorded statement to any insurance company until you’ve consulted with a legal professional.
Gather witness information
Witnesses can play a crucial role in your Las Vegas bus accident case. Ask any bystanders or fellow passengers for their contact information and if they’re willing to provide written statements. With their consent, you can even record their testimonies on your phone. Don’t overlook the importance of other bus passengers – they’re often key witnesses. Additionally, look for potential video evidence from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, as this can provide invaluable support for your case.
Preserve Evidence
Preserving evidence is crucial for building a strong bus accident case in Las Vegas. Keep the clothes you were wearing during the accident unwashed, as they may contain important evidence. Save all receipts related to the accident, including transportation costs to medical appointments. Start a daily journal documenting your pain levels and how the injury impacts your daily life. This detailed record can be invaluable in demonstrating the full extent of your damages.
Why hire our las vegas bus accident injury lawyers?
Personalized attention and care for Nevada bus accident victims
At Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers, we focus on helping people hurt in bus accidents across Nevada. We know bus crashes can cause serious injuries, high medical costs, and a lot of worry. Whether you’re a Las Vegas resident or just visiting, our team is here to help after any type of bus accident. We work hard to understand each client’s needs and use our experience with Nevada’s transportation laws to fight for fair compensation. If you’ve been in a bus accident, you need lawyers who truly care about your recovery and your case. Choose attorneys who put bus accident victims first.
Call our bus crash lawyers near you in Las Vegas
(702) 867-8900Common causes of Bus accidents in Las Vegas
Bus accidents in Las Vegas can have devastating consequences due to the number of passengers involved and the vehicle’s size. Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and legal action.
Driver fatigue
Extended shifts on Las Vegas’s round-the-clock routes can lead to exhausted bus drivers with impaired judgment.
Inadequate driver training
Insufficient training on bus-specific handling, especially for tourist-heavy routes, can result in accidents.
Passenger distraction
Rowdy or disruptive passengers can divert the driver’s attention from the road.
Improper bus maintenance
Neglecting regular maintenance, particularly in harsh desert conditions, can lead to mechanical failures.
Sudden stops or starts
Abrupt braking or acceleration can cause passenger injuries, even without a collision.
Blind spot errors
The large size of buses creates significant blind spots, leading to lane change accidents.
Types of bus-related accident cases we handle in Nevada
Bus accidents in Las Vegas present unique challenges due to the city’s 24/7 tourism industry and diverse public transportation system. Understanding the specific type of accident you’ve been involved in is crucial for building a strong case. Here are the main categories of bus-related accidents we handle, with insights particular to Las Vegas:
Passengers injured in bus crashes or rollovers
Las Vegas’s busy streets and high tourist traffic increase the risk of bus accidents. Accidents involving these airport shuttles, tour buses, and city transit buses can be complicated because buses are considered “common carriers”. This means the buses’ operators require a higher duty of care.
Additionally, Nevada’s modified comparative negligence law can affect compensation if a passenger or second-driver is found partially at fault. Our Las Vegas bus accident lawyers are well-versed in these injury claims.
Injuries from bus equipment malfunctions
Las Vegas’s extreme heat can accelerate wear and tear on bus equipment, leading to more frequent malfunctions. We’ve handled cases involving sudden door closures due to sensor failures in high temperatures, air conditioning breakdowns leading to heat-related injuries, and wheelchair lift
failures exacerbated by sand and dust accumulation. These cases often require expert testimony to prove negligence in maintenance or manufacturing. Our team works with specialized engineers familiar with desert climate impacts on bus equipment to build strong cases for our clients.
Assaults or crimes on buses
While Las Vegas is generally safe for tourists, its 24-hour activity can increase security risks on buses, especially late at night. When handling these these cases, we consider the adequacy of lighting at bus stops in high-crime areas, the presence or absence of security cameras on buses and at transit
centers, and the response times of security personnel in different parts of the city. Our attorneys are familiar with Las Vegas Metro Police Department crime statistics and can use this data to support claims of inadequate security measures.
Did a bus hit your car?
Las Vegas’s grid system and wide boulevards create unique traffic patterns that can contribute to bus accidents. In these cases, we analyze the impact of dedicated bus lanes on traffic flow and accident rates. We also consider how casino-area congestion affects bus maneuverability
and the role of distracted driving, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Our Las Vegas bus accident attorneys understand how these local factors can influence liability in collision cases.
Bus hit pedestrian or cyclist accidents
Las Vegas has been working to become more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, but challenges remain. In these cases, we consider the effectiveness of recent infrastructure improvements, such as pedestrian bridges on the Strip. We also examine how bus routes intersect with popular tourist
walking paths and the impact of ride-share services on pedestrian behavior around bus stops. Our team stays informed about Las Vegas’s evolving urban planning to better advocate for accident victims.
Visit our Las Vegas bus accident attorneys near you
Plan your route
Common bus accident injuries in Las Vegas
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from bus accidents can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage. Victims may experience memory loss, cognitive difficulties, personality changes, speech problems, balance issues, and sensory disturbances. Long-term effects can include chronic headaches, sleep disorders, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Our team collaborates with top neurologists to fully document these injuries and their future impact on our clients’ lives.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries resulting from bus accidents in Las Vegas can be particularly devastating. These injuries may lead to incomplete or complete loss of function, potentially resulting in quadriplegia or paraplegia. Many victims require lifelong medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications. At Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers, we consult with spinal specialists to accurately project long-term care needs and costs for our clients.
Fractures and orthopedic injuries
Fractures and orthopedic injuries are common in bus accidents and often require surgical intervention. Victims may suffer complex fractures, crush injuries, joint dislocations, ligament tears, and even facial or skull fractures. These injuries frequently result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and the need for multiple surgeries. Our attorneys work closely with orthopedic experts to fully assess the long-term impact on our clients’ quality of life and ability to work.
Soft tissue injuries
While often underestimated, soft tissue injuries from bus accidents can cause significant, lasting pain. Whiplash, severe sprains and strains, torn rotator cuffs, and inflammatory conditions like bursitis can result in ongoing pain management needs and potential disability. At Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers, we ensure these “invisible” injuries are properly documented and compensated.
Internal injuries
The impact of a Las Vegas bus accident can also cause severe internal trauma, including organ damage, internal bleeding, punctured lungs, and abdominal injuries. These injuries often require emergency surgery and can lead to long-term health complications. Our team works with medical experts to project future healthcare needs related to these internal injuries.
Psychological trauma
Psychological trauma from bus accidents can be as severe as physical injuries. Many victims experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, transportation-related phobias, and sleep disorders. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, ability to work, and relationships. We collaborate with mental health professionals to ensure these emotional injuries are properly evaluated and compensated.
Read our complete list of bus accident injuries and their impact on bus accident claims.
Bus accident lawyer Las Vegas
Whether you have lost wages, outrageous medical bills, life-altering injuries, or a combination of these problems, we will fight tooth and nail to make you whole. Do not fall prey to the Nevada insurance companies and insurance adjusters who are only out for themselves. Contact Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation today.
schedule a free consultationFrequently asked questions for Las Vegas bus accident lawyers
What is a Las Vegas bus accident lawyer?
A Las Vegas bus accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing victims of bus accidents in the Las Vegas area. These attorneys have expertise in Nevada traffic laws, personal injury claims, and the unique aspects of cases involving public transportation or commercial bus companies. They help clients navigate the complex legal process of seeking compensation for injuries and damages resulting from bus accidents.
What are some things that a Las Vegas bus accident lawyer can do for you?
A Las Vegas bus accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Identify all liable parties (e.g., bus driver, bus company, manufacturers)
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future costs
- Negotiate settlements on your behalf
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
- Ensure you meet all legal deadlines and file proper documentation
What are the steps to file a bus accident lawsuit?
The steps to file a bus accident lawsuit in Las Vegas are:
- Seek medical attention and document injuries
- Consult with a bus accident attorney
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- File a claim with relevant insurance companies
- Attempt to negotiate a settlement
- If settlement fails, file a lawsuit in court
- Engage in the discovery process
- Attend mediation or arbitration (if required)
- Go to trial if a settlement isn’t reached
- Collect your compensation if you win your case
How are bus accidents different from other car accidents?
Bus accidents differ from other car accidents in several ways:
- Buses are considered “common carriers” and held to a higher standard of care
- Multiple parties may be liable, including government entities
- There are often many injured victims, complicating claims
- Buses lack safety features like seatbelts, potentially causing more severe injuries
- Special laws and shorter claim filing deadlines may apply, especially for public buses
- The size and weight of buses can lead to more catastrophic accidents
- Investigations are often more complex due to the involvement of commercial or government entities
