Injured by a Bus While Waiting at the Stop? Here’s Who May Be Liable

For many Nevada residents, taking the bus is a safe and convenient way to get around. Whether commuting to work or visiting friends, thousands of people use RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) and other public or private transit systems every day. But accidents involving buses do happen, and sometimes the people who suffer the most aren’t even on board.

If you or a loved one were injured while waiting at a bus stop, you may be entitled to compensation. Bus stop injuries can be severe, and determining who is liable isn’t always simple. It could be the bus driver, a private contractor, the public transportation agency, a government entity, or even a third-party driver.

Understanding your rights and how liability works in these complex cases is the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve.

How Do Bus Stop Injuries Happen?

Being struck by a bus or another vehicle while waiting at a stop can result in devastating injuries or even death. Bus stops are often located near busy intersections or along narrow shoulders, increasing the risk of danger from both the bus itself and surrounding traffic.

Common causes of injuries at bus stops include:

• Buses jumping the curb or losing control
• Other vehicles crashing into the stop while trying to pass or avoid traffic
• Hazardous bus stop designs, such as locations too close to the roadway or lacking barriers
• Impaired or distracted drivers, including both bus operators and other motorists
• Bus driver negligence, such as failing to see pedestrians or improperly pulling up to the curb
• Sudden acceleration or braking, causing a pedestrian to fall or be struck
• Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or steering issues

In densely populated areas like Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson, crowded sidewalks, reduced visibility, and high-speed traffic create even more opportunities for a serious or fatal crash at a bus stop.

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Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians at Bus Stops

The injuries suffered by people waiting at a bus stop can be catastrophic. Victims may be pinned between vehicles, thrown into the street, or struck directly by a bus or car. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones and compound fractures
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe lacerations or amputations
• Crush injuries
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

These injuries often require emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical treatment. Some survivors are left with permanent disabilities that impact every aspect of daily life.

Who Could Be Liable for a Bus Stop Injury in Nevada?

Liability in these cases can be complex. There may be more than one party at fault, depending on the cause of the incident. Below are the most common potentially liable entities:

1. The Bus Driver

If the bus driver was speeding, distracted, under the influence, or otherwise negligent, they may be held responsible for the crash. Even something as simple as pulling into the stop too quickly or at the wrong angle could lead to devastating injuries.

Because most public bus drivers are employees of a government agency, their conduct falls under the rules governing public entities in Nevada. This can affect how your claim must be filed and how long you have to act.

2. The Public Transportation Authority

In southern Nevada, RTC Transit is operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. If the crash involved an RTC bus or occurred at an RTC-maintained stop, the agency itself may be liable. This may apply if:

• The driver was improperly trained or supervised
• The agency failed to maintain the bus properly
• Dangerous policies led to unsafe driving practices

Government entities can be sued for negligence, but claims against public bodies in Nevada must follow strict procedures, including submitting a formal notice of claim.

3. A Private Bus Company

Not all buses in Nevada are operated by RTC. Tour buses, hotel shuttles, and chartered transport services are often run by private companies. These companies may be held liable for the actions of their drivers or failures in bus maintenance.

Private companies are also subject to federal safety regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If they violated these regulations, it could strengthen your case.

4. Another Negligent Driver

In some cases, the bus driver may not be at fault. For example, if a third-party driver loses control, runs a red light, or tries to swerve around the bus and crashes into the stop, that driver may bear the majority of the liability.

These claims often involve disputes between insurance providers over who is responsible for covering damages. An experienced attorney can help you navigate this process.

5. The City or County

If the bus stop itself was poorly designed, lacked proper signage, or was placed in a dangerous location without barriers, you may have a claim against the local government.

Examples include:

• Bus stops placed too close to fast-moving traffic
• Stops with no curb or protective fencing
• Poorly lit areas where visibility is low
• Stops located at known traffic hazard zones

Claims involving dangerous public infrastructure may fall under premises liability or public nuisance theories, depending on the facts of the case.

6. Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers

If the accident occurred due to a brake failure, steering issue, or other mechanical defect, liability may rest with the bus manufacturer or maintenance provider. These cases may fall under product liability or negligent maintenance claims.

An investigation into maintenance logs, inspection records, and part recalls may reveal manufacturer error or defective components.

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What to Do After a Bus Stop Injury in Nevada

If you or someone you love is injured while waiting at a bus stop, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Call 911 immediately and report the incident. Request an ambulance if needed.
2. Gather evidence at the scene, including photos, videos, and witness contact information.
3. Request the police report from the responding officers.
4. Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
5. Do not speak to insurance companies without legal representation.
6. Contact an experienced Nevada personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

The sooner you speak with an attorney, the easier it will be to preserve critical evidence, identify liable parties, and meet all legal deadlines.

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Types of Compensation Available

Depending on the severity of your injuries and the facts of the case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
• Future medical care (ongoing therapy or procedures)
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and mental health treatment
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What Makes Bus Accident Cases More Complex?

Bus injury claims are more difficult to navigate than a typical car crash claim. They often involve:

• Multiple potential defendants
• Government immunity rules
• Complicated insurance policies
• Conflicting witness accounts
• Public records and surveillance footage
• Time-sensitive claims filing procedures

How Van Law Firm Can Help

At Van Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling pedestrian injury cases throughout Nevada, including claims involving public buses, private transit companies, and third-party drivers.

Our team will:

• Conduct a full investigation of your accident
• Identify every liable party
• Obtain security footage, witness statements, and vehicle data
• Work with transportation safety experts
• Negotiate aggressively with insurers and government entities
• Pursue litigation if a fair settlement is not offered

We know the tactics transit agencies and insurers use to delay or deny claims. We fight back, and we do not stop until you get the compensation you deserve.

No Fees Unless We Win

We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. That means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We cover the costs of investigating your case
• We only get paid if you receive compensation

We offer free consultations to help you understand your options, with no pressure and no obligations.

Contact Van Law Firm Today

If you were injured at a bus stop in Nevada, you do not have to navigate this process alone. Van Law Firm is here to protect your rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.