Buses are a resource that some of us could not live without. For drivers and non-drivers alike, buses are a convenient and cheap method of transportation, especially in a location like Las Vegas, with lots of tourists on the road. Without easy access to public transportation, the chances are that inexperienced visiting drivers would cause more accidents on our roads.
That said, buses aren’t entirely safe from traffic accidents. According to the most recent statistical data, around 283 people are killed on buses each year, with an astounding 24,000 additional passengers sustaining injuries. These numbers seem surprisingly high until you consider that there are approximately 30,000 commercial buses on America’s roads, transporting nearly 360 million people annually.
Despite the risks of a public transportation injury, few people know what to do after a bus accident. We’re far more likely to understand the importance of hiring an accident attorney in Las Vegas for a car accident than we are of taking the correct steps after a bus accident. And yet, the complex legal issues involved in public transportation cases makes knowledge even more important.
Understanding Bus Accident Cases
To understand the necessary steps to take after a public bus accident, you must first understand the legal issues surrounding these cases. While there are similar steps you would take following a car or motorcycle accident, there are also significant differences. As with any traffic accident, you’ll first need to prove negligence. Unlike car or motorcycle accidents, though, the blame may not solely rest on the bus driver. Sometimes the bus companies and even other third-party drivers can have responsibility. Either way, an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to investigate all responsible parties.
Bus accident claims, like all personal injury claims,must be presented within a certain time or you will lose your legal rights. These time periods for settling claims, or filing a lawsuit, are called Statutes of Limitations. In the state of Nevada, the Statute of Limitations is 2 years from the date of accident, making it important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The Blame Game
As mentioned above, establishing who is responsible in a bus accident is perhaps the most important and complex issue that your lawyer is liable to face. Establishing liability is crucial to ensure that you win your case.
During the liability investigation, your lawyer will take everything into consideration including eyewitness testimony, statements of the parties and any evidence gathered at the scene by the investigating police officers. Blame may rest with various parties, including the bus driver, the bus company and the third-party driver. Establishing liability in these cases can take time, but getting this right is the single most important thing your lawyer can do to help you win your case.
Who Should Fight In Your Corner?
Choosing the best bus accident lawyer in Las Vegas is vital for increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation. To have the best chance at success, you need someone with years of experience in cases like these. They’ll be able to navigate through the complications mentioned above, and hopefully achieve the results you’re looking for.
Ed Bernstein & Associates is a personal injury law firm in Las Vegas with over 40 years of experience dealing with bus insurance companies. We can help get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. By contacting the office immediately after a crash, we can start our investigation to make sure your legal rights are protected. In addition, we will handle all aspects of your bus accident claim so that you can focus on your recovery.
Conclusion
We all want to feel safe on public transportation, but the sad reality is that bus accidents often happen on our busy Las Vegas roads. With the lack of seatbelts and the size of buses, injuries from these accidents can have a drastic impact on the lives of those who suffer from them. There’s no need to suffer in silence.
With the best possible lawyers fighting your case, you can hold those to blame by forcing them to pay fair compensation for your injuries. Call Ed Bernstein and Associates at 702-329-2102 today to get our team of lawyers fighting on your case.