Reno, NV Bus Accident Lawyer

Various types of buses operate on Reno roadways, including city buses, tourist buses, shuttle buses, and school buses. Generally, a bus is considered to be a safe, convenient, and cost-efficient form of transportation. However, due to the large size of these vehicles and the lack of safety protection they provide for passengers, accidents involving buses can result in devastating injuries.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), about 20 percent of collisions in the US involve either a truck or bus. If you are among this percentage, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. A Reno bus accident attorney from Richard Harris Law Firm can offer legal advice and help you maximize your claim to cover your accident-related expenses and more.

For over 40 years, the personal injury attorneys at our firm have racked up experience representing bus accident victims and their families, helping them recover fair compensation. Schedule a free case consultation with a member of our legal team today. We’re here for you day or night – call or text us 24/7 or start a live chat. 

Why Hire a Reno Bus Accident Attorney

Even a minor bus accident can take a devastating toll on a person’s life. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Reno bus accident, you may be coping with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial difficulties.

You clearly have enough to think about without the added stress of filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. So why not find a better way? Hiring a bus accident lawyer allows you to focus on yourself and your recovery, while your legal team works on maximizing your claim to compensation.

The following are some of the reasons its beneficial to have a lawyer on your side following a bus accident:

  1. You might not realize that more than one party is responsible for the accident. A Reno, NV personal injury lawyer, though, can identify all parties financially liable for the accident, maximizing your claim to compensation.
  2. Insurance companies may try to place some or all of the blame on you for causing the bus accident. This could result in your being unable to recover any compensation for your losses. Your lawyer, on the other hand, will anticipate this and ensure all evidence necessary to prove your side of the story is gathered and documented.
  3. Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators and are familiar with all the tactics that insurance companies use to avoid the payout of claims. They can also calculate the value of your claim and pursue all avenues of compensation, ensuring you receive the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
  4. An attorney can ensure you receive the medical care that you need and offer you support and peace of mind during this difficult time.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Reno, Nevada, bus accident, contact us today to schedule a free case consultation. As your lawyers, we’ll stand by you through every step of your claim and work tirelessly to help you get the money you deserve.

Types of Bus Accidents in Reno, Nevada

What type of bus caused you harm? The type of bus involved in the accident could impact how your personal injury case unfolds.

Tour bus collisions

Casino tours, Lake Tahoe tours, and sightseeing tours are just a few of the many bus tours available to tourists visiting Reno. While tour buses can be a fun and convenient form of transportation while you’re on vacation, they can also be dangerous.

Tour buses stop and go frequently, which can be hazardous on the congested roadways of Reno. In addition, some tour buses are double-decker, with some passengers sitting on top of the bus. In the event of an accident, these passengers who may not be wearing seatbelts could easily be ejected and seriously injured.

Causes of a tour bus accident may include:

  • Distracted driving: A driver of a bus may be required to speak to customers and answer questions during a tour which distracts from the task of driving.
    • Maintenance issues: Owners of commercial bus companies must ensure that all buses in their fleets are regularly maintained and safe for passengers. Failure to do so could have catastrophic results.
  • Drowsy driving: Bus drivers who work for tour companies may be fatigued from working long hours. A fatigued driver has reduced coordination, awareness, reaction time, and ability to control his or her vehicle.
  • Overcrowding: A bus company might allow too many people on a tour bus, putting profits ahead of safety.
  • Poorly trained drivers: Driving a bus is different and more complex than driving smaller vehicles. A bus operator must be properly trained before being allowed out on the open road with passengers.

Public bus collisions

Many people use RTC ride, the public transit bus system that services the Reno area, as their main means of transportation. Typically, public buses provide people with safe and reliable transport to their destinations. However, when crashes occur involving a city or regional bus, there is a potential for serious injury.

One factor that makes public bus accidents especially dangerous is that they typically aren’t equipped with seat belts or other safety features. In fact, riders may be standing and holding onto railings or fabric straps. A bus crash can throw people against the hard interior of the bus, cause them to collide with each other, or even eject them completely.

Due to their immense size, public buses pose a risk not only to riders – but to motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and everyone else who shares the road with them. When a bus hits a pedestrian or car, it can cause serious property damage and bodily injury.

Since government agencies often operate the public bus system, different laws may apply to legal claims and lawsuits involving them. The bus accident attorneys at our law firm are knowledgeable in the laws that govern and apply to these types of cases. If you have been involved in a public bus accident, our lawyers can review your case and help you determine whether you have a claim to compensation.

School bus collisions

There are close to 400 school buses in Washoe County that transport thousands of young students from home to school and back each day. A Reno school bus driver has a special responsibility to ensure that these children are safe. Drivers are required not only to obey traffic laws but also to follow specific safety protocols when picking up and dropping off students.

Tragically, school buses are sometimes involved in serious accidents. If your child was seriously harmed while riding a school bus, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.

Parties who may be liable in a school bus accident include:

  • A school bus driver could be liable if he or she were speeding, driving negligently, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • The school district may be held accountable for failing to provide the driver with proper training or check their credentials
  • A school bus or parts manufacturer could be held responsible if a faulty part was the cause of the accident
  • A mechanic could be found liable for being hired to repair or maintain the bus but failing to do so properly
  • Another driver may have disobeyed traffic laws and caused the crash

If your child has been harmed in a school bus accident, then contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers can investigate the cause of the bus accident, work to establish liability, and fight for your right to compensation.

Private bus company collisions

Greyhound, Amador Stage Lines, airport shuttles, and party buses, are a few examples of the many different private bus companies that offer tourists and residents an affordable way to travel in and around Reno, NV. These bus companies have a responsibility to hire qualified and responsible drivers to transport riders.

Unfortunately, some bus agencies fail to complete background checks on their drivers and their qualifications. When a company hires unqualified drivers or fails to properly monitor their driving, the risk of an accident increases.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a private bus company, contact an attorney with our law firm today. Various parties may be liable in bus crashes involving private bus companies. We can investigate the accident and help you determine whether you have a solid potential claim to compensation.

Determining Fault and Liability for Reno, Nevada Bus Accidents

A key part of any personal injury case is determining liability and proving fault. At the same time, liability in bus crashes is not always immediately clear. The experienced bus accident lawyers at Richard Harris Law Firm, though, know what to do. We are able to work with accident reconstructionists and other experts to determine the cause of the crash, what role the bus driver played, and how other parties were involved.

Parties that could be held liable in bus accident claims include:

  • Bus drivers
  • Bus companies
  • Pedestrians
  • Drivers of other vehicles
  • Bus manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies

Common Reno, Nevada Bus Accident Injuries

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, our Reno personal injury lawyers can help you secure the compensation you need for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

We have helped injured victims and their families secure compensation for:

Frequently Asked Questions: Reno, NV Bus Accidents

What should I do following a Reno bus accident?

The most important step to take following any auto crash is to seek medical attention. If you’re able to take photos of the accident scene, document anything that could help determine negligence and liability. This could include pictures of maintenance issues, your injuries, debris in the street, property damage, and surrounding conditions.

It could also be beneficial to gather contact information from fellow passengers and other witnesses to the accident. It’s recommended to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

What is the statute of limitations for bus accidents in Reno?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for all personal injury claims, including bus crashes, is 2 years. This means that if victims don’t settle the claim nor file a lawsuit within 2 years of the date of the accident, they will have missed out on your opportunity to be compensated for their injuries. But just because two years seems like plenty of time, don’t wait until the end to act. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

What if the Reno bus driver was intoxicated when the accident occurred?

Bus operators in Nevada are not legally allowed to drive if their blood alcohol level (BAC) is .04% or higher. If you were harmed in a bus crash where the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, both the employee and his or her employer may be held liable for any physical or emotional harm you have faced.

How long will it take to receive a financial recovery?

Each person and situation is unique. During your consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys, our team members will listen patiently as you explain the details of the accident and your medical injuries. From there, they will be able to give you an approximate time frame of how long your case may take to negotiate or litigate.

We know that lost wages and medical expenses can take a serious financial toll on families. Our lawyers work hard to get our clients’ claims settled as soon as possible, so they can receive the money that they need to get their lives back on track.

How much does it cost to hire a Reno, Nevada bus accident lawyer?

At Richard Harris Law Firm, we believe that all victims of accidents deserve skilled legal representation regardless of their current financial situation. We will never charge you anything for your initial consultation with us.

After taking on a personal injury case, we represent our valued clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t owe us a dime unless we are successful at recovering a settlement for you.

Should I speak to the bus company’s insurance provider?

You may be surprised how quickly after an accident you receive a call from the bus company’s insurance provider. The goal of the insurance adjuster is to attempt to get information from you that might limit the amount the company has to pay out for your injuries. When speaking with the insurer, be cautious as to what you say and refrain from giving an official recorded statement without first speaking to a lawyer.

What types of damages are recoverable?

As your bus accident lawyers, we will fight to maximize your financial recovery. Throughout the process, we will aggressively pursue monetary damages on your behalf. Losses that you may be eligible to receive could include reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Depending on the extent of your injuries, we could also pursue compensation for pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment, and other damages.

Contact Our Reno Bus Accident Lawyers for Assistance

An unforeseen injury from a bus accident can present a wide range of challenges for you and your family. If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in an accident, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer advocating for your legal rights. Richard Harris Law Firm provides quality representation to injured individuals in Reno, Sparks, and throughout the State of Nevada.

We have years of experience in handling cases involving different types of motor vehicles – including buses. As part of our dedication and commitment to our clients, we take the time to get to know you and analyze every detail of your case. Altogether, we will do everything possible to help you and your family get your lives back on track.

If you were harmed in a Reno bus crash, contact Richard Harris Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation. We can meet you at a time and location convenient to you. Call or text us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or start a live chat. 

 

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