Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. In fact, Harry Reid International Airport served over 50 million passengers in 2024 alone. Most of these passengers will utilize a shuttle service to reach their hotels or a connecting transportation service. But what happens if the shuttle is involved in an accident?
Most shuttle vehicles lack seat belts, airbags, and other critical safety features. When a collision occurs, there’s a real possibility that the passengers involved could sustain debilitating, if not fatal, injuries that necessitate costly medical procedures and treatment programs.
In this blog, our team of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers explains who may be liable for a shuttle accident, what to do if you’ve been in one, and why seeking advice from an experienced Nevada attorney can help you protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
High Stakes Injury Law in Las Vegas has been serving Nevada for over 30 years, so we understand that in these cases, and other personal injury cases, time is of the essence. If you’ve been injured due to another party’s negligence, our team is available 24/7 for a free consultation.
Contact us online today to take the first step towards your full recovery, and continue reading below to learn about the nuances of shuttle accident cases.
Who Can Be Liable for a Shuttle Accident in Nevada?
It can be difficult enough to prove liability in a car accident involving two civilians. In shuttle accidents, there are often more parties involved than just the two drivers, adding a layer of complexity to an already complicated scenario.
In Nevada, the following parties can be liable after a shuttle accident:
- The shuttle driver
- The shuttle company
- The shuttle manufacturer
- A third-party
A personal injury lawyer in Nevada will work on your behalf to identify the liable parties and explore options for a claim so you can focus on your healing.
What Are My Passenger Rights?
As a passenger, you have specific legal rights if you’ve been involved in a shuttle accident. Understanding these rights can help you protect your interests and ensure that you receive the compensation and care you deserve:
1. Right to Safety
Shuttle companies and drivers are legally obligated to prioritize your safety. Under Nevada law, as common carriers, they owe passengers a heightened duty of care. This includes ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained, employing qualified drivers, and adhering to traffic laws. If a breach of this duty contributed to the accident, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable.
2. Right to Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been injured in a shuttle accident, you have the right to seek medical attention immediately. It’s critical to document your injuries through professional medical records, which can also serve as evidence in a personal injury claim.
3. Right to Legal Representation
Navigating the aftermath of a shuttle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies or legal claims. You have the right to hire a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas who can advocate for your best interests, investigate the accident, and negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
How Do I Recover Damages After a Shuttle Accident in Las Vegas, Nevada?
A personal injury claim can yield damages that cover your injury-related expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. But you’ll only recover these damages if your legal team can identify the negligent party and prove their actions are responsible for your injuries and financial losses.
To win a negligence lawsuit, your legal team needs to prove four factors:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant breached this duty.
- The breach of duty caused your injuries.
- The injury resulted in damages.
Will the Shuttle Company Be Held Responsible for My Accident?
As mentioned above, shuttles are classified as common carriers under Nevada Law. A “common carrier” is a business that transports customers on an on-call basis or as part of a scheduled route. When a passenger purchases a ticket and boards a shuttle, the company and shuttle driver owe a special duty of care to this person.
This duty encompasses the following principles: providing a safe vehicle for transport, treating passengers with respect and civility, warning passengers about potential dangers, offering reasonable accommodations for the disabled and elderly, and, above all else, driving safely.
Therefore, a company can be held liable for damages if their passengers are injured as a result of their negligence.
In the past, shuttle companies have been held legally responsible for the following negligence scenarios:
- The driver was speeding.
- The driver was drunk or high.
- The shuttle company hired a driver who wasn’t qualified to drive a shuttle.
- The shuttle company failed to train its driver.
- The shuttle overturned because it was holding too many passengers.
- The shuttle company failed to maintain the vehicle.
Contact the Shuttle Accident Lawyers at High Stakes Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a shuttle accident, the High Stakes Injury Law team is here to help. We can investigate your case, identify the negligent parties, and develop a litigation strategy that aims to maximize your claim. If necessary, we can represent your interests in court to ensure you’re awarded a fair and reasonable settlement.
Contact High Stakes Injury Law at (702) 444-3228 to schedule a free consultation.