What Are Mass Transit Personal Injury Claims?

At J. Cogburn Law, we understand that it is highly possible for you to get injured just about anywhere in the city of Las Vegas. Even using mass transit to commute for work or traveling as a tourist using public transportation. Clark County has an endless list of transit options and its citizens should feel safe when using them, especially from pick up to drop off. When unsafe conditions and negligence or even collisions cause injuries, J. Cogburn Law can provide the solutions for holding the person or entity responsible for our client’s financial recovery. So if you’ve been involved in a public transportation accident, can you sue?

Causes of Mass Transit Accidents in Nevada

The most important factor in the majority of mass transit accidents is negligence. This negligence can be committed by the driver, the owner, the operator, or a government entity. Mass transit accidents may happen for a range of different reasons including:

• Driver negligence: fatigue, inexperience, speeding, drugs or alcohol, distraction, and failing to watch for traffic signals
• Faulty or defective vehicles or vehicle parts
• Lack of vehicle maintenance
• Defectively designed or poorly maintained rails or roads
• Incorrect dispatching
• Inadequate security, lighting, or safety measures
• Lack of training and supervision

There are more factors that can be involved in a mass transit accident. Passengers may not have been protected by wearing seatbelts, faulty airbags, or other safety features. These factors can turn a public transportation accident into a catastrophe. 

Another important factor is the speed at which mass transit vehicles operate. Operating at a high speed and also lacking from safety features can result in very severe and life-changing injuries for bus passengers.

Who Is Responsible for a Mass Transit Accident?

In order to identify the parties responsible for causing a mass transit accident, a thorough investigation must be completed. In many cases, the Nevada Department of Transportation can be the defendant in a mass accident claim. The Department of Transportation is responsible for urban, small urban, and rural transportation throughout Nevada.

However, there may be additional parties involved, depending on the circumstances and facts in the case. For example, if a driver turns in front of a speeding bus, that driver might be a party as well to the lawsuit with the bus driver and the Department of Transportation. These multiple vehicle accidents happen more often than you think. If the braking system on the bus has a defective part and the Department of Transportation failed to replace it, the Department of Transportation and/or the brake manufacturer may be liable for damages if the accident takes place because of the defective part.

Given that there are many factors that can contribute to a public transportation accident, it is always best to talk to an experienced Las Vegas mass transit accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers will act fast to identify the liable parties and get the evidence together to prove fault.

Mass Transit and the Standard of Care Rule

Regulations and licensing of motor carriers require a standard of care rule that needs to be applied to the operation of mass transit vehicles. This standard of care rule includes:

• Guaranteeing that the vehicles are operated by properly trained professionals are at all times
• Making sure passengers are safe through the proper vehicle maintenance procedures
• Accessible safety equipment at all times
• All entrances and exits must be clutter-free at all times for continued safety
• Security measures must be provided when and where necessary.

These are only some of the most important standards. However, it is important to know that there are other common carrier laws that can apply to mass transit accidents in Nevada. Each of them varies based on the type of vehicle used when the accident happens.

Public and Private Carriers Place Different Limits on Damages

Some of the laws related to public and government-run transportation are stricter than the ones for private carriers. Additionally, there is a two-year statute of limitations in the state of Nevada for personal injuries that occur riding in a public or private carrier.

Filing A Public Transport Accident Claim

Thinking about filing a mass transit lawsuit against a large institution like the Department of Transportation can be really intimidating. However, if you hesitate to contact an attorney about filing a public transport claim, this can, unfortunately, mean you can miss out on the compensation you deserve for your injuries. At J. Cogburn Law, we work fast and efficiently. We will quickly investigate the scene of the accident so you can have a successful case and get the maximum compensation for the full cost of your injuries.

If you have bodily injury liability insurance, you will be able to file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries. Call us today to learn more.

Mass Transit Accident Lawyers In Las Vegas

The J. Cogburn Law team has extensive experience negotiating and settling personal injury cases, including those involving mass transit accidents. Our team will aggressively pursue the best outcome for your case. If you or a loved one was injured in a public transportation accident, call us today at (702) 748-7777!

Are you interested in learning more about the personal injury claim process? Add your email below and we will send you our guide free of charge. It includes useful tips on things to avoid when going through a personal injury claim and how you can give yourself the best chance of winning it.