Buses are heavy vehicles which carry a large capacity of passengers and cargo. Although bus accidents are not very common in Nevada, they leave a trail of victims with serious injuries. There are many factors both from the bus and outside that could contribute to the occurrence of an accident. If you are injured in a bus accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. By filing a personal injury claim against the party at fault, you have a chance to get some benefits. Also, if you lose your loved one from such an accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit. When registering a compensation suit after an accident, you will require competent legal guidance. Attorneys from Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm will work diligently to ensure the best outcome for you.

Overview of Bus Accidents

Buses ferrying students or other commuters are a common sight in the towns across Nevada. Bus accidents result from a collision of the bus with other objects or hitting an obstacle. Also, a bus accident could occur when the bus hits pedestrians on the road or sidewalk. Bus accidents are not common in Nevada. However, due to the high capacity of passengers they ferry, these accidents leave a trail of victims. Injuries from bus accidents are often fatal. This is due to the massive impact applied by the bus on smaller vehicles.

If you get injured in a bus accident, you can seek compensation from the liable parties. Immediately after an accident, you should contact emergency responders as well as the police. Immediate medical attention is essential to ensure injuries from the accident and detected and treated on time. The police officers will assess the accident scene and write a report which could be used as evidence in your compensation lawsuit.

If you are not severely injured, it would be wise to collect as much information about the crash as possible. By taking pictures or a video of the scene, you can identify parties who could be potential witnesses. Also, you can use the information when determining liability for the bus accident.

Common Causes of Bus Collisions

Bus accidents are not common in Nevada. However, they are likely to cause death or severe bodily injury. The following are some causes of bus collisions:

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of bus accidents is distracted driving. A driver is considered to be distracted if their attention strays away from the road. A distraction could be anything physical that makes the driver take their hands off the steering including:

  • Eating while driving
  • Stretching to reach onto something
  • Texting while driving

Also, a driver could be distracted when their attention is off the road. Distracted drivers are likely to get out of their lanes and hit other vehicles. The bus could also collide with an obstacle causing a rollover. Buses are large vehicles, and when a driver is distracted, it can be challenging to get the car back to track.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Driving under the influence of drugs occurs when a driver’s conduct is influenced by the use of alcohol or other drugs. When a bus driver is intoxicated, likely, they will not follow traffic rules. They may also find it challenging to stick to their lanes and result in serious accidents. Driving while intoxicated causes quite several serious bus accidents in Nevada. If you are involved in a bus accident, ensure that the police arrive at the scene. In their report, the police will indicate whether the driver was intoxicated, and this will be used as evidence in your case. 

Over Speeding

Buses are heavy vehicles, and they do not break quickly. Driving over the speed limit can cause a bus to crash since there is no time to hold the brakes in case of an emergency. An over speeding coach that collides with smaller vehicles or hits a pedestrian will result in fatal injuries. Proving that an over speeding driver caused the accident could be complicated. Therefore, it is crucial to enlist competent legal guidance.

Unqualified Drivers

Some bus companies employ inexperienced drivers to save on costs. Buses require skills to operate due to the large capacity of passengers they ferry. A driver who lacks experience cannot make the right decision when energy occurs on the road. This increases the possibility of colliding with other vehicles and causing serious bus accidents.

Bus Part Malfunction

There are several ways through which a bus malfunction could result in a severe accident. Some common part malfunctions include brake failure. The brake system is an essential part of the vehicle since a driver may need to make sudden stops. When the brakes are faulty, the bus will lose control and get into a crash.

Tire defect is another faulty part of the vehicle which could contribute to an accident. Tires that have not been changed for a long time do not function properly, increasing the risk of an accident. Records for the bus maintenance will need to be checked to ascertain that the malfunction caused the accident.

Poor Roads

Poor road maintenance could lead to potholes and other obstacles on the road. When a bus hits a barrier on the road, the likelihood of getting into a collision is high. If poor road conditions caused a bus accident in which you were involved, you could file a claim against the relevant authorities. Finding evidence and filing a claim against government officials is difficult, and you would benefit from legal representation.

Unfavorable Weather Conditions

When it rains too much, the roads could get slippery. Also, when there is fog on the streets, the driver cannot see clearly. Thus they are likely to hit objects on the way.

Injuries Common to Bus Accidents

Buses are heavy vehicles and an impact on these vehicles results in severe accidents. Although these accidents are not common, once they occur a large number of victims with catastrophic injuries will be left. The severity of the injuries will depend on the nature and severity of the crash. Injuries common to bus accidents include:

  1. Spinal Cord Damage

The spine is a crucial part of your body. An injury to this part can completely change your life and leave you feeling devastated. Buses are heavy vehicles and a collision with smaller cars or hitting a pedestrian could be fatal. If you survive such an accident, you are likely to suffer injury to your back and spine.

Spinal cord injury will range from dislocation of bones and ligaments of the back to complete severing of the spine. Damage to this part of the body could either be a result of blunt injury or penetration by sharp objects. Immediate medical attention is crucial after the accident for early identification and treatment.

Injuries to the spine will take a long time to heal, and you may spend quite a fortune in medical bills. Also, these injuries make it difficult for you to resume regular duties. Fortunately, you can file a compensation lawsuit against liable parties.

  1. Chest injuries

Different hard objects are likely to cause trauma to your chest area during a bus accident. An injury to the test could be in the form of broken bones internal bleeding or damage of the lungs. The chest holds some of the most vital organs of the body and an injury could be fatal.

Some of the symptoms of chest injuries could be severe pain, difficulty breathing or a physical wound. If you suffer chest injuries from a bus accident, you are entitled to compensation.

  1. Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injury is any damage to the brain that affects the normal function. The massive impact of bus accidents is likely to cause trauma to your head. When the force is too much, it could result in an injury to the skull. Also, sharp objects could penetrate the skull and cause extensive damage.

The brain controls several vital functions of your system. An injury to this part of the body will change your life forever. Head and brain injury could be in the form of:

  • Concussions caused by head trauma
  • Internal bleeding
  • Skull fractures
  • Lacerations

Most brain injuries are not easily detected and can get worse with time. Therefore, seeking medical attention is one of the things you need to do immediately after the accident. Also, you should look out for the following signs which could be of possible brain injury:

  • Disorientation and confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of memory
  • Severe headaches
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

  1. Amputations

Losing a part of your body could be devastating. This is what happens during an amputating where your limbs are cut off. Amputations could either be medical or traumatic. A medical amputation occurs in the hospital where bones of the limb are extensively damaged, and doctors see it necessary to amputate.

On the other hand, a traumatic amputation is one that occurs at the accident scene. Bus accidents are often catastrophic. When sharp metals or glass from the crash comes in contact with your limb, the limb will likely be cut off. It is devastating to lose a part of the body even when it is a finger. Amputations will affect your daily life. Also, the physical and psychological pain associated with this type of injury is devastating.

If you or your loved one suffer an injury that leads to amputation, you are entitled to compensation. With the help of  

  1. Severe Burns

When a bus crash occurs, the accident could result in a fire. Buses ferry a large number of passengers, and with only a few exits in the vehicle, a fire could be detrimental. Your skin is the largest organ of the body, which regulates heat and humidity. Suffering from severe burns could be fatal. If you survive the injuries, you will be in so much physical pain.

Also, burns, especially those that occur in the face, could cause disfigurement. This will result in psychological pain and suffering. Burn injuries from a bus accident can completely change your life. Therefore, it is crucial to identify parties who are liable for the accident so they can be held responsible for your injuries.

Liable parties in Bus Accidents

If you or your loved one suffers injuries in a bus accident, you will want to get compensation for the damages. By filing a compensation lawsuit, you will have a chance to recover some compensation benefits. However, you will be required to prove liability for the accident. In Nevada, responsibility for a bus accident is based on ion negligence. The following are crucial elements of negligence that you need to prove in your lawsuit:

  • Duty of care. The burden of care is a responsibility every road user has to ensure they do not put other people in harm’s way. Before you receive compensation for your injuries, you need to show that the defendant owed you a duty of care.
  • A defendant breaches their duty of care towards you by acting in a way that puts you in danger. Some of the actions that portray breach of duty are driving while intoxicated, distracted driving or failure to follow traffic rules.
  • Cause of your injuries. Breaching a duty of care towards you is not enough to show that a defendant caused your injuries. The breach of duty must be a contributing factor to your injuries. Although the actions of the defendant do not have to be the only factor, it should be the main contributor.
  • When filing a personal injury claim, you will be required to show the damages you suffer as a result of the accident. Some of the costs that arise from a bus accident from which you will need compensation include medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity as well as psychological pain and suffering.

Some of the parties that could be held liable for your injuries include:

The Bus Driver

Most bus accidents are as a result of driver error. A bus driver could be held responsible for an accident under the following circumstances:

  • They were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident
  • The bus driver was driving with a speed that exceeded the legal 
  • Distracted driving. This could be engaging in any activity that takes away concentration from the road physically and mentally
  • Failure to follow traffic rules. If you can prove that the driver was swerving or overtaking carelessly, they could be held liable for the bus accident.

Bus Manufacturers

Bus part malfunction is one of the leading causes of bus accidents in Nevada. A part could be faulty as a result of poor manufacturing techniques or expiry. A manufacturer could be held liable for a bus accident as a result of the following:

  • Seat belt failure
  • Brake failure
  • Tire malfunction

Sometimes manufacturers will sell products that are not in good condition to avoid making losses. Also, products that expire before a sale could be sold as new. With the help of a personal injury claim, you can prove that the bus accident was a direct result of a part malfunction.

Bus Owners

A bus owner could contribute to a bus accident if they do not maintain the vehicle in good condition. Bus parts such as tires and brakes should be checked and serviced regularly. Failure to do this can increase the chances of malfunction while on the road. Also, bus owners and companies have a responsibility to ensure that the drivers to which they entrust the vehicles are qualified.

It is essential to understand that multiple parties could be held liable for an accident. If an unskilled driver caused the accident, both the driver and the bus owner could be responsible for your injuries. 

Other Road Users

Most people assume that bus-related factors always cause accidents. However, this is not the case. A bus accident could be a result of reckless driving from other road users. Also, pedestrians crossing the road may be in the way of the bus and result in a collision. When filing a personal injury claim, you need to understand the cause of the accident so you can identify the liable party.

Type of Evidence in Bus Crashes

If you are injured in a bus accident, it is common that you will want compensation for these injuries. By filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you will have an opportunity to get compensation benefits. However, you will be required to show how the defendant caused the accident and your subsequent injuries. Also, it should be clear that you suffered particular damages from the accident. Types of evidence you can present in a bus accident lawsuit include:

  • Your medical records. After involvement in a bus accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is because injuries resulting from such an accident are often severe. Also, ensure that all your injuries are documented, and records are kept safely. Your medical records will be an essential piece of evidence in your claim. Showing the amount you spent to treat your injuries will aid compensation.
  • Witness testimony. At the bus accident scene, it would be wise to identify any witnesses who may have seen the accident unfold. You can locate the witnesses and request them to give a testimony in your case. Also, accident reconstruction experts may be called to the scene, and at your hearing, they can provide an account of what they think happened.

Present the weather reports at the time of the accident. Sometimes fault parties may try to blame weather conditions for the accident. This is in an attempt to escape responsibility for your injuries. If you can prove that the climatic conditions were favorable, you have a chance at getting compensation from liable parties.

Show video and photographs of the accident. Bus accidents can be devastating, and you may be left in a state of shock and severe physical pain. However, if you are in a position to assess the scene, it would be wise to take photos or a video of the accident scene. This will help give a visual picture of how the accident occurred. Also, these photos will be used as evidence when proving liability for the accident. If you are not in a position to collect the evidence, it would be wise to contact a personal injury attorney to help you.

  • Police report. If you are involved in a bus accident, you need to call the police to the scene. The police will assess the nature of the accident and write a report. The condition of vehicles will be checked and included in the police report. Also, they will question all involved parties and witnesses of the accident. A police report can be used as evidence of how the accident happened and help in identifying liable parties.
  • Bus maintenance records. Sometimes a bus accident will result from poor maintenance and safety measures on the bus. If you get injured in a bus accident, you can request the records of bus maintenance. This can be used to show how poor safety and maintenance practices resulted in the accident.

Collecting and presenting evidence relevant to a bus accident claim can be complicated due to the nature of these accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to navigate this process with competent legal guidance.

Find a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Near Me

Bus drivers and operators have a huge responsibility to ensure the safety of the high number of passengers who travel on these vehicles. Involvement in a bus accident could be devastating. This is because injuries resulting from these accidents are often very severe. Fortunately, victims of a bus accident are entitled to compensation for the damages. If you suffer injuries from a bus accident, it may be challenging to understand the violations that led to the accident. Therefore, it is crucial to seek competent legal guidance. If you are in Las Vegas, Nevada, you will require advice from Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm. Contact us today at 702-996-1224 and discuss more details of your case.