What Damages Can Nevada Bus Accident Victims Recover?
What Damages Can Nevada Bus Accident Victims Recover?
Even though buses are generally seen as a much safer alternative mode of transportation compared to cars and motorcycles, accidents and injuries are still much more common than you might think. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are over 15,000 injury-inducing bus accidents per year across the U.S. This figure includes school, city, and public transit buses. Given the fact that Nevada is such a big tourist destination, it should come as no surprise that there are a large number of bus and shuttle accidents across the state every year.
Before we talk more about these accidents and the types of compensation that accident victims are entitled to receive, we must first mention that any claim will require the help of a trusted personal injury attorney. On average, those who do not retain an attorney will recover about 3.5 times less than they would otherwise, so it’s in your best interest to call experienced professionals. Van Law Firm has been protecting bus accident victims’ rights for nearly ten years, and we’re standing by ready to help you too. Call (725) 900-9000 to learn more.
Compensatory Damages for Nevada Bus Accident Victims
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Whenever you are injured in a bus accident that was caused by another, you will likely be able to recoup compensation either through a settlement or through damages that are awarded by a court. Nevada cases revolve around what are known as compensatory or punitive damages; punitive damages are very steep fines, and they are only awarded in especially brutal or heinous cases. Compensatory damages, then, make up the bulk of standard damages, and they can include:
- Current medical costs: This includes everything from ambulance rides and ER visits to imaging, treatment, and medication.
- Future medical costs: Given the size and weight involved, bus accidents can be severe, leading to long-term care. If you require ongoing or permanent care, you can be compensated for that as well.
- Rehab costs: This can include actual rehab programs as well as assistive devices like cans, wheelchairs, and prosthetic devices.
- Lost wages/ future wages: You can be compensated for the time you were forced to miss work due to injury, and this applies to future wages as well if you are unable to continue work.
- Non-economic damages: Accident victims regularly suffer emotional and psychological trauma in addition to physical injuries, such as loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, and scarring and disfigurement.
How Much Compensation are Nevada Bus Accident Victims Eligible to Receive?
The answer to this question, and most other legal quips, is simply “it depends.” The simplest answer is that your compensation will be awarded in proportion to your damages, meaning that the more severe your injuries were, the more compensation you will likely receive. Medical costs are the foundation for most cases, and so the more care you require, the more damages you will amass.
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Bus accidents can be severe and traumatizing, and many victims also advocate for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Those who have experienced extreme trauma may also be eligible for punitive damages. All of these factors will influence the final settlement outcome, but there are no guarantees, and a good attorney will be sure to communicate that to you.
Can I Sue the School District if My Child is Injured in a School Bus Accident?
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Generally speaking, you may be able to file suit against your child’s school system if they are injured in a school bus crash. However, there are some caveats, most notably the fact that some school districts outsource their bussing services to third parties, in which case you would have to sue the bus company instead of the school.
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement?
Oftentimes, insurers will try and get you to settle for much less than your claim is actually worth in order to move on from a claim as quickly as possible while limiting their financial blow. The main way they do this is by offering what seems like an enticing offer very early on in the claim process, in hopes that you might be lured away from the possibility of recovering more down the line.
In reality, these offers are only a fraction of the true value of your claim, and you should never sign anything, let alone speak with insurers without an attorney present. He or she will be able to better analyze a settlement offer and decide what the true value of your bus accident case is.
Connect With Award-Winning Nevada Bus Accident Attorneys
If you need assistance recovering the compensation you deserve after suffering injuries in a Nevada bus accident, consider contacting the trusted team of bus accident attorneys from Van Law Firm right away. With over $150 million recovered for our clients so far and over 500 5-star reviews, it’s safe to say that excellence is our standard. Call (725) 900-9000 to learn more about that standard.
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