Bus stops are part of everyday life for thousands of Las Vegas residents. People rely on buses to get to work, school, or social events. For many, waiting at a bus stop is safe. But accidents do happen, and sometimes the people hurt are not even on board the bus. If you are injured at a bus stop, you might be entitled to compensation. Determining who is responsible can be complicated because multiple parties could share liability. This guide explains the causes, legal responsibilities, and steps you can take if a bus stop accident happens in Las Vegas.
How Bus Stop Injuries Happen
Bus stop injuries can occur in many ways. A bus or another vehicle might strike a pedestrian, or someone might fall because the bus stopped suddenly. Bus stops are often located along busy streets or at intersections, increasing the chance of accidents.
Common causes include buses jumping the curb, mechanical failures like brake or steering problems, distracted or impaired drivers, and poorly designed bus stops. Hazardous designs can include stops too close to traffic, lacking protective barriers, or located in areas with low visibility. Other drivers who try to avoid buses can accidentally crash into the stop, causing injuries.
Weather and road conditions also play a role. Heavy rain, ice, or even extreme heat that affects tires can lead to crashes. In crowded areas like the Las Vegas Strip, narrow sidewalks and high-speed traffic make bus stop injuries even more likely.
Common Injuries at Bus Stops
People injured at bus stops can suffer serious or permanent injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding are common. Victims may also experience severe cuts, amputations, crush injuries, and emotional trauma like PTSD. These injuries often require emergency care, surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. Many survivors face permanent disabilities that affect daily life.
Who Could Be Liable for Bus Stop Injuries
Liability in bus stop accidents can involve multiple parties. The responsible party depends on what caused the accident.
The Bus Driver
If the driver was distracted, speeding, impaired, or otherwise negligent, they may be held responsible. Even a mistake like pulling up to the curb incorrectly or accelerating suddenly can cause serious injury. Bus drivers for public agencies, like RTC Transit, are considered government employees, which affects how claims are filed and the deadlines that apply.
The Public Transportation Authority
RTC Transit operates buses throughout the Las Vegas Valley. If a bus stop accident involves an RTC bus or an RTC-maintained stop, the agency could be liable. Liability may occur if the driver was poorly trained, if maintenance was neglected, or if unsafe policies contributed to the accident. Claims against government entities in Nevada often require submitting a formal notice of claim before filing a lawsuit.
Private Bus Companies
Some buses are run by private companies, including tour buses, hotel shuttles, and charter services. These companies can be responsible for their drivers’ actions and maintenance failures. Federal regulations under the FMCSA apply to these companies, and violations may strengthen an injury claim.
Other Drivers
A crash may be caused by another motorist rather than the bus driver. For example, a driver may lose control, run a red light, or swerve to avoid a bus, striking someone at the stop. Insurance disputes are common in these cases, and liability may be shared among multiple drivers.
Local Government
Bus stops that are poorly designed, lack protective barriers, or have insufficient signage may make the city or county liable. Examples include stops placed too close to fast-moving traffic, poorly lit areas, or locations known for traffic hazards. Claims involving government-maintained infrastructure often rely on premises liability or public nuisance theories.
Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers
Mechanical failures, such as brake or steering problems, can make manufacturers or maintenance companies liable. Investigations may include reviewing maintenance logs, inspection records, or part recalls. These cases often fall under product liability or negligent maintenance claims.
Legal Definitions and Nevada Laws
In Nevada, a bus stop accident covers incidents that happen while boarding, alighting, or waiting at a bus stop. Bus companies, including RTC Transit and private operators, are considered common carriers. This means they have a heightened responsibility to protect passengers and pedestrians.
School bus laws also apply. Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms. On non-divided highways, vehicles must stop in both directions. On divided highways, drivers can only pass a stopped bus if traveling in the opposite direction and a median separates the lanes. Failing to follow these laws can result in fines, demerit points, or license suspension.
Bus stop accidents are a real concern in Las Vegas. Between 2015 and 2019, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada reported 2,355 bus-related crashes. Many occurred on the Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas. Fatal and serious injuries can result, which makes understanding legal responsibility important.
Steps to Take After a Bus Stop Injury
If you are injured at a bus stop, your first priority is safety. Call 911 if medical help is needed. Secure the accident scene without blocking traffic. Document as much as possible by taking photos, noting the bus number, and recording witness information. Obtain a copy of the police report, even if your injuries seem minor.
Seeking medical attention immediately is important. Some injuries are not obvious at first. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you consult a personal injury attorney. Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and ensures evidence is preserved.
Proving Fault in Bus Stop Accidents
Evidence is critical when establishing liability. Police reports provide an official account. Bus operator records, including driver logs and maintenance records, show whether the bus was properly maintained. Many buses and transit centers have CCTV cameras, which can provide valuable footage. Witness statements, photos, and videos strengthen a case. In some situations, accident reconstruction experts are used to show how an accident happened and who is at fault.
Multiple parties may share responsibility, so careful evidence collection is necessary. Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce payouts. Thorough documentation can make a difference in receiving fair compensation.
Common Causes of Bus Stop Accidents
Distracted driving, aggressive behavior, and failure to yield are frequent contributors. Poorly designed stops, especially at busy intersections, create additional risks. Weather conditions, like rain, snow, ice, or extreme heat, can cause buses to lose control or create unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Impaired driving, including alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs, also increases the risk. Understanding these causes helps determine who is liable and highlights the need for proper bus stop design and driver care.
Types of Compensation
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, ambulance rides, surgery, rehabilitation, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. In extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish reckless or negligent behavior. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of injuries and the degree of fault.
Comparative Negligence
Nevada uses a comparative negligence system. This means your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20 percent at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20 percent. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you may not recover damages at all. Multiple parties can share liability, which can make claims more complex but does not prevent victims from seeking compensation if fault is shared.
Why Legal Help Matters
Bus stop accidents can be complicated. Multiple parties, government procedures, and insurance policies make these cases challenging. An experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, identify all responsible parties, and file claims correctly. Legal guidance increases the likelihood of fair compensation and ensures you do not miss critical deadlines.
Need Help After an Injury?
If you are hurt while waiting at a bus stop in Las Vegas, you do not have to handle the process alone. Acting quickly, documenting everything, and seeking experienced legal help gives you the best chance to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Contact a trusted Las Vegas personal injury lawyer to handle your claim, protect your rights, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Call (702) 970-4222 today to discuss your case and see what compensation you may be able to recover.
