Injured While Boarding or Exiting a School Bus? You May Still Have a Case
School buses are meant to be a symbol of safety, but accidents involving children boarding or exiting these vehicles can have devastating consequences. In Las Vegas and across Nevada, children and other pedestrians injured in such incidents may be entitled to compensation—even if the injury did not occur while riding the bus itself. At Mainor Ellis, our Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys help families understand their rights and pursue justice in these complex cases.
The Dangers of School Bus Pick-Up and Drop-Off Zones
The moments just before boarding and immediately after exiting a school bus are among the most dangerous for children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more school-age pedestrians are killed during these times than at any other point in their school commute.
Children may be hit by:
- The school bus itself, especially if the driver fails to see them in a blind spot
- Other vehicles illegally passing a stopped school bus
- Distracted or speeding drivers in school zones
These incidents often occur due to negligence—either by the school bus driver, the school district, or third-party motorists.
Who May Be Held Liable?
Liability in pedestrian accidents involving school buses can be complex. Several parties may be legally responsible:
- School Bus Drivers: If the driver fails to engage stop signs or flashing lights, or does not follow proper loading/unloading protocols, they may be held accountable.
- School District or Transportation Company: If the driver was improperly trained, or the bus was poorly maintained, the district or its contractor may share liability.
- Third-Party Drivers: Nevada law requires drivers to stop for school buses that are loading or unloading. A driver who passes a stopped school bus can face criminal penalties and civil liability.
- Bus Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers: In rare cases, defective bus equipment or mechanical failure may contribute to an accident.
What Nevada Law Says
Under Nevada Revised Statute 484B.353, it is illegal for drivers to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. Violating this statute can not only lead to fines and points on a driver’s license but also serve as strong evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
Nevada also follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if the injured pedestrian shares some fault (e.g., stepping into the street without looking), they can still recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault.
Taking Legal Action
If your child or another loved one was injured while boarding or exiting a school bus, it is essential to act quickly. Claims involving public entities like school districts often have shortened deadlines and specific procedural requirements.
An experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney can help you:
- Investigate the accident
- Identify liable parties
- Collect school bus surveillance footage and witness statements
- Navigate insurance and government claims processes
Contact Mainor Ellis Today
No child should suffer due to the carelessness of a driver or bus operator. At Mainor Ellis, we are committed to protecting Las Vegas families and holding negligent parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your school bus injury case.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-484b.html
