Public transportation injuries can happen in an instant. Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, the accident can leave you facing lifelong injuries and thousands in medical bills. 

If you’ve been involved in a public transportation accident, understanding how liability works is essential to pursuing compensation for your injuries. In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to do after an accident. 

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    What To Do After A Public Transportation Accident In Las Vegas

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    Step one involves addressing your immediate health and safety concerns. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries may not be obvious immediately, and adrenaline can mask your pain. 

    You should also report the accident if the public transit operator hasn’t already done so. Anyone involved in a traffic crash is legally obligated to report it, according to NRS 484E.40

    If you are able to do so, document the scene by taking photos with your smartphone. Photograph the condition of the vehicles involved and your injuries. If any witnesses are present, gather their contact information. 

    After the dust has settled and you’ve tended to your medical needs, you should seek an experienced public transportation accident lawyer. 

    Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, offers free consultations to anyone who has suffered public transportation injuries in Vegas. Before your appointment, make sure to obtain a copy of the crash report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department so we can review relevant facts.  

    Call (702) 382-0000 For a Free Consultation

    Common Causes Of Public Transportation Injuries In Downtown Las Vegas

    Public transportation injuries in Las Vegas can result from several situations.

    Driver Error

    People make mistakes, especially when driving around a busy city like Las Vegas. The roads are filled with distractions that can lead to driver error. Other driver-related errors can include speeding, fatigue, or reckless driving. Any of these issues can lead to severe accidents. 

    Mechanical Failure

    Poor maintenance or defective parts can lead to sudden vehicle malfunctions. If you are on board a bus when it suffers a severe mechanical issue, you could face serious danger. Malfunctions are especially dangerous if they occur on major highways or while the vehicle is traveling at high speeds. 

    Poor Weather Conditions

    Rain, fog, and other adverse weather events can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Bad weather can be especially dangerous for individuals operating large commercial vehicles, such as buses. 

    Distracted Driving

    Texting or being inattentive while driving public transportation is a huge risk factor. You also need to do your part to avoid distractions while operating your car or walking around town. Being attentive may help you reduce your risk of public transportation injuries. 

    Road Conditions

    Potholes or uneven surfaces can cause accidents or contribute to a driver losing control. Bad road conditions can be exacerbated by distracted driving or poor weather. 

    Pay close attention to the roads you drive every day. If you know that a particular stretch of your commute involves traversing uneven surfaces or bumpy roads, make sure to adjust your driving habits based on weather conditions. For example, if you are driving down a road with numerous potholes and it is raining, slow down. 

    Understanding Public Transportation Accident Law In Las Vegas

    Public transportation accident laws govern your legal rights and responsibilities if you get hurt in a mass transit event. In Las Vegas, these laws are designed to protect you if you are injured while riding in public vehicles like buses and trains. 

    Mass transit personal injury claims can provide a means of seeking compensation following a public transportation accident. The transportation company has a high duty of care. They must take all reasonable steps to protect you from harm. Failing to do so could make them liable for your injuries 

    Liability Issues In Public Transportation Accidents 

    NRS 41 outlines liability issues, including those involving public transportation accidents. The state statute addresses several important legal concepts, including:

    • Negligence: It must be shown that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care. 
    • Duty of care: Public transportation providers owe you a duty of care, meaning they are responsible for ensuring safety. 
    • Breach of duty: Public transportation providers can be held liable if they fail to meet their duty of care.
    • Causation: Your injury must be directly caused or exacerbated by the breach.
    • Damages: Damages include the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injuries. 

    How does your attorney link these important concepts and establish that the other party’s breach of duty caused your damages? Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, performs thorough investigations to build a strong case on your behalf. 

    Our team will review police reports, examine photographs of the incident scene, and interview witnesses. We may also enlist the services of expert witnesses to further support your claim.

    Our Approach To Public Transportation Injury Cases

    Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, perform a comprehensive review of your case to identify the short and long-term repercussions of the incident. We will consider several factors when establishing liability and seeking fair compensation.

    Medical Expenses

    Medical expenses represent one of the biggest financial burdens of the public transportation industries. You could be facing thousands in medical bills after your initial ER visit. If you need rehab, surgeries, or ongoing treatment, your medical expenses could easily exceed $100,000. 

    Our legal team will request all relevant records to obtain an accurate accounting of all of your medical costs. 

    Lost Wages

    You may also be eligible to receive compensation for income lost due to your inability to work. Our team will calculate all lost income, including projected losses, based on your medical records.

    For example, if you’ve already missed three weeks of work and are projected to miss an additional five weeks, we would account for eight weeks in the estimated losses related to the accident. 

    Pain And Suffering

    In Nevada, you can also seek compensation for non-economic damages based on the physical and emotional toll of the accident. Our legal team will work to present your story in a way that showcases the short and long-term impacts of the incident so you can obtain fair compensation.

    Property Damage

    If any of your personal property was damaged in the incident, you may also be able to seek compensation for those losses. For example, if you were operating your personal vehicle and a public bus hit you, you could request funds to repair or replace your car. 

    Our legal team investigates the circumstances of the accident and familiarizes ourselves with your story. We thoroughly gather evidence to account for all the financial and emotional hardships you experienced as a result of the incident. 

    FAQ

    What Do I Do If I Am Involved In A Public Transportation Accident?

    If you get hurt while using public transportation, seek medical help right away. Report the accident to law enforcement and the transportation provider. Document the scene and gather witness information. Consult with a public transportation accident lawyer to understand your legal options. 

    Who Will Pay Compensation For My Injuries?

    Liability for public transportation accidents can fall on multiple parties, including the transportation company, driver, vehicle manufacturer, or insurance company. 

    Your attorney will identify which parties played a role in your injuries and develop a strong case to seek compensation. Once the fault has been established, your attorney can seek compensation from the responsible parties. 

    How Do I Choose A Lawyer For My Public Transportation Accident Lawsuit?

    Look for an attorney experienced in handling public transportation accident cases. Review their track record of success and ensure they are familiar with mass transit cases, as these types of claims involve additional complexities compared to traditional car accidents. 

    Contact Adam S. Kutner Today For Legal Support 

    The aftermath of a public transportation accident can involve severe financial repercussions, medical care, and lost wages. It’s vital that you seek legal representation to hold the at-fault parties accountable for your pain and suffering, expenses, and loss of quality of life. 

    Call (702) 382-0000 For a Free Consultation

    Nevada Revised Statutes 41.
    Nevada Revised Statutes 484E.040.
    Requesting Report Copies With LVMPD. (2024).

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      Adam s. Kutner - las vegas car accident lawyer
      Adam S. Kutner
      PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

      With more than 34 years of experience fighting for victims of personal injury in the Las Vegas Valley, attorney Adam S. Kutner knows his way around the Nevada court system and how to get clients their settlement promptly and trouble-free.