Buses provide a safe, economical, and convenient way to transport groups of people. Still, the size and weight of the vehicles make them dangerous if they collide with a person, bicycle, motorcycle, or another car or truck. Passengers on buses could also suffer injuries in an accident.
Anyone injured in a bus crash should enlist the help of a seasoned auto collision attorney immediately. You could file a claim against the bus company and other potentially responsible parties, but you must act swiftly to preserve your rights.
A Summerlin bus accident lawyer at Shook & Stone represents residents against bus companies, negligent drivers, local governments, and others who might be responsible for paying compensation to anyone injured in a crash or other mishap involving a bus.
Buses Must Meet a High Safety Standard
Whenever someone tries to collect compensation for injuries suffered in a vehicle accident, they must prove that someone else’s negligence was directly responsible for their injuries. Negligence means failing to be reasonably careful, given the circumstances.
Buses are considered common carriers because they carry passengers for a fee. Common carriers must meet a higher standard of care than others on the roads. Bus operators must use the utmost care to prevent injury to their passengers and others.
Buses also must comply with federal and state operating guidelines that govern issues like driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and driver scheduling. A proactive Summerlin bus accident attorney could investigate to determine whether the bus driver violated any laws or the bus company failed to adhere to applicable regulations. If so, the bus company could be forced to compensate anyone who suffered injuries because of its failure.
Filing a Claim for Bus Crash Injuries
Bus accident claims are far more complex than standard car accident claims. Bus owners and operators work hard to minimize their liability for a wreck, and might not treat injured people fairly or negotiate in good faith. Another complication arises because sometimes multiple people, companies, and governments share responsibility for an accident.
When a bus driver’s negligence contributed to the crash, their employer is responsible for their actions if the driver is an employee. If the driver is an independent contractor, the bus company might assert it has no responsibility for the driver’s carelessness. A skilled bus collision lawyer in Summerlin could investigate whether the company engaged in negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or failed to adhere to working hours rules. If so, the company could be responsible for compensating anyone hurt in the accident.
The bus owner, maintenance company, and vehicle manufacturer could be liable if a mechanical problem or defective component contributed to the crash. The local government could be responsible if the bus is a city transit vehicle or a school bus.
Strict Time Limits Apply to Common Carrier Crash Claims
Laws called statutes of limitation specify how must time someone has to file a lawsuit. Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190 allows an injured person two years to bring a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries.
The two-year period also applies if an injured person has a claim against the state or a local government. When the accident involved a transit bus or school bus, an injured person will usually have a claim against a government agency. They also might have a claim if road design or maintenance or defective traffic control devices contributed to the accident. When the government is a potential defendant in an injury claim, a legal professional must file a notice of claim with the appropriate agency before filing a lawsuit.
People sometimes prefer to handle a claim themselves. Doing so in a bus accident case is extremely unwise. Bus companies have commercial insurance policies, which means large sums are at stake. They defend claims aggressively with teams of experienced lawyers who do not hesitate to exploit an injured person. Working with a Summerlin bus crash attorney levels the playing field and helps ensure an injured person receives fair treatment.
Contact a Summerlin Attorney to Pursue a Bus Accident Claim
Getting fair compensation after a common carrier collision requires a thorough investigation, a deep knowledge of the applicable law, and excellent negotiating skills.
A Summerlin bus accident lawyer at Shook & Stone is dedicated to achieving the best result possible so you can move forward after a crash. Call today to speak to a compassionate personal injury attorney about your rights.
