Las Vegas Bus Accident Attorney

Compensation After Bus Accident Injuries in Nevada

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are approximately 67,000 bus crashes annually. That equates to an average of 183 bus accidents every day. 

Motor vehicle accidents involving large buses cause untold property damage and significant injuries. If you are in an accident involving a bus, you may be entitled to compensation for accident-related losses, including your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Las Vegas bus accident attorney Chasen Cohan understands the unique legal issues that arise in accidents involving school buses, charter buses, and buses operated by government entities. He knows how to get his clients the compensation they deserve and is not intimidated by large insurance companies who only care about profit. At Cohan PLLC, we are well-versed in the complex regulations governing different types of bus operators, which can significantly influence the strategy and success of your claim. If you were in a bus accident, please do not wait to call our firm to learn how we can help you. 

Ready to start discussing your bus accident case? Contact us online or call (702) 623-3579 today for a free consultation.

What Makes Bus Accidents Different? 

Bus accidents are unlike typical car accidents due to several key factors:

• The Severity of Victims' Injuries: Buses often lack important safety features that help protect passengers in the event of a crash. Things like seatbelts and airbags are not common on most buses, meaning passengers are more likely to suffer serious injuries when accidents occur. 
• Complex Liability: Because bus drivers are “on the clock” when operating these vehicles, their employers may be liable after an accident. However, other factors could affect liability, including whether other parties, such as another driver or a manufacturer, were negligent. 
• Complicated Insurance Coverage: Filing a claim with the liable party's insurance provider after a bus accident can be complicated, especially if the liable party is the bus driver's employer, a government agency, or if there are multiple parties to blame. 
• Potential City Government Involvement: When city buses or even school buses belonging to public school districts are involved in accidents, special legal rules regarding notices of intent to file and filing deadlines may apply. 

These are just some of the factors that can make bus accident cases far more complex and challenging than other types of motor vehicle accident claims. It's important to work with a lawyer who understands these issues and has experience successfully navigating bus accident claims on behalf of injured victims and their families. 

What You Need to Know About Filing a Bus Accident Claim in Las Vegas 

In Nevada, state laws require bus companies to adhere to certain safety regulations. Failure to do so can form the basis of a legal claim, as it can be a form of negligence. For example, if a bus driver falsified driver logs to hide hours-of-service violations, or if a charter bus company failed to adequately train drivers, you could have a claim for negligence. 

Nevada Statute of Limitations on Bus Accident Claims

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Nevada is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have just two years to sue the liable party for damages. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover compensation. However, certain factors, such as being in an accident with a city-owned bus, could mean shorter deadlines and different filing requirements. The sooner you talk to a bus accident lawyer in Las Vegas, the better. 

How Comparative Negligence Works in Nevada

Nevada follows the modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially at fault. For example, if you were injured after being hit by a bus while driving your own car, but you are found to be 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 30%. So, if you are seeking $100,000 in damages, you could only recover 70% of that amount, or $70,000. What's more, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.