Why Are Bus Accidents Common in Nevada?
Nevada has hundreds of public buses operating through the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), as well as school buses and buses from various private companies. The people of Nevada depend on buses for transportation, especially in metropolitan places such as Las Vegas. Unfortunately, taking a bus is not always safe for passengers.
Nevada Bus Accident Statistics
According to a report published by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTCSNV), a total of 2,355 bus and coach bus accidents were reported in Nevada from 2015 to 2019. This bus category includes RTC city buses, hotel buses, school buses and long-distance charter buses.
Data shows that the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas are where bus accidents are most concentrated. Due to an influx of tourists, residents and workers in the greater Las Vegas area, there has been an upward trend in the number of bus accidents. The highest number of serious injury and fatal bus accidents occurred near Tropicana and Boulder Highway.
Most Common Causes of Nevada Bus Accidents
Agencies such as the Nevada Department of Transportation collect bus crash data each year and analyze it to determine top causes. According to RTCSNV data, the majority of bus accidents (55 percent) from 2015 to 2019 were caused by improper movements by other vehicles outside of the bus. Twenty-eight percent were caused by improper bus movements.
Examples of improper vehicle movements include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failing to keep in the proper lane
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Making an improper turn
- Unsafe passing
- Following too closely
- Running off the road
- Disregarding traffic signs or signals
Bus accident data in Nevada shows a much lower percentage of driver inattention or distraction compared to other types of car accidents. Data suggests that 78 percent of all drivers involved in bus accidents from 2015 to 2019 appeared normal, meaning not distracted, fatigued or intoxicated.
Bus Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
Bus accidents in Nevada can be disastrous due to the size and weight of the vehicle, the number of passengers, and a lack of protective equipment such as seat belts. When a bus collides with a motor vehicle or fixed object, runs off the road, or rolls over, its passengers can suffer serious injuries.
Examples of injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
In addition to bus passengers, occupants of another car – as well as bicyclists and pedestrians – can suffer significant injuries in a bus accident. Under Nevada’s fault-based car insurance rule, bus accident victims have the right to file insurance claims against the at-fault party. This could be the bus company, another driver, the government or a third party.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Bus Accident in Nevada
If you get injured in one of the many bus accidents that take place in Nevada each year, help is available at Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers. Our Las Vegas bus accident attorneys can represent you during an automobile insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against one or more parties. We will provide personalized legal advice and representation at no costs upfront. Contact us today for a free consultation.